This morning, I felt furious at someone who is very close to someone I’m very close to. My options for resolving this issue seemed extremely limited and, frankly, I was thinking that breaking up with my very close friend was the best way forward for me.
I was so angry I couldn’t concentrate on my work. I stopped trying to work and took a short nap, thinking maybe I can concentrate if I get a little rest. I woke up, restarted work doing something fairly mindless — opening snail mail — and suddenly realized there was another option: to go back and and extend an olive branch. I suddenly felt quieter in my heart. I texted, then spoke with my close friend, explaining what I was thinking. Close Friend expressed deep gratitude for my willingness to do what I suggested but then suggested still another option as being the best, given the people involved. And that’s what we’re doing.
Evidence of a friendly universe: when I feel angry, the desire to make peace and extend love is also inside me, hidden, and can replace or at least rest alongside feelings of anger. Maybe it takes doing something kind for myself to let that desire for peace surface. Maybe that can be as simple as getting some sleep. Maybe thinking of something specific, which is kind, that I can do for the person I’m angry at can also let the desire for peace come up to the surface.
Maybe this could be true for other people who are enraged. Maybe world peace is just a good night’s sleep away.