Cattāri Brahmavihārā

It is a Monday and I have been at work all day. It is admittedly quite late but I was surprised to receive a call (in the end two calls) from my wife during which she was shrieking almost unintelligibly at me telling me to come home and asking why I hadn’t earlier. Now, I have had several reactions to this and I continue to cycle through them but my first reaction was shock and dismay. I realized that whatever was afoot was bad news and there would be no easing into the evening at home.

The next thought that rose up was indignation; why should I be subjected to this abuse? I began to fume but almost immediately was struck by the sheer comedy of her shrill screeching. And, finally, I arrived at what I know is the most appropriate response of all: compassion and empathy.

Surely she must be having a hard time of it for her to call me and literally plead for help. So, be things as they may and despite my own aversion to the situation, I will try to meet tonight with as much compassion and equanimity as possible.