Enemies
There have been times that I have indulged in hatred during my life.
I have had enemies and when I indulge in the hatred of an enemy, I end
up the loser.
There was a ten or twelve year period in my life when I intensely
studied martial arts, went to third degree black belt and had a karate
school. In the end, the real lesson of self defense is to run from the
enemy, avoid conflict, accept insults, deflect and re-direct attacks. My
nature at times dictates differently. I rationalize that another dance
with the enemy is justified, I forget that running is the best defense.
So I lose again. Why can't I learn to just run?
One of my favorite poems by the Sufi mystic Rumi goes like this:
Who makes these changes?
I shoot an arrow right. It lands left.
I ride after a deer and find myself chased by a hog.
I plot to get what I want and end up in prison.
I dig pits to trap others and fall in.
I should be suspicious of what I want.
Rumi
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