Cattāri Brahmavihārā

I often find myself wondering, doubting the efficacy of my practices and asking myself why it is that I’m seemingly not getting any kinder. And yet, there are days like this one that give me the verification I need. 

I have spent time on an almost daily basis sending metta to the mother of over of my son’s classmates who has gone to the extent of threatening to file charges against its for harassment if we contact her about any issues our kids are having. I do know that the flames of hatred have been quenched in my own heart as a result of this and of having made a gift to her on Kiva.com but I was still insure of how I would react when we meet in person. 

This morning as I was walking I happened to look up and did a double take when I realized the person coming into view was her. Her face had a sour expression with pursed lips and head slightly raised as if in disgust. I looked back and said hello with a smile and then asked how she wa. No reply other than a “hey” but I felt that I had won a victory over hatred. 

May she be well, happy and peaceful.