2016-06-30
The only gift is a portion of thyself.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

From "Celebrating Silence" by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:

What do you do when someone behaves rudely to you?

  • Get upset.
  • Respond rudely.
  • Become frustrated.
  • Run away from the person or avoid the situation in the future.
  • Blame the person.
  • Preach to the person.

    None of these will in any way strengthen you. What are the options? See someone's rude behavior in this light:

  • Rudeness indicates the intensity of their commitment.
  • It indicates their level of stress and insensitivity.
  • It attests to the upbringing of the person.
  • It indicates a persistent behavioral pattern.
  • It shows a lack of knowledge.
  • It shows a lack of insight into their own mind and its sensations.
  • It shows you behavior to avoid.
  • It is an opportunity for you to welcome and absorb the rudeness.
  • It strengthens your mind.
  • It renders unconditional the love that you are.

    The next time someone is rude to you, make sure you do not get upset. Just return a broad smile. If you can digest rudeness, nothing whatsoever can shake you.

  • more from beliefnet and our partners