Say nice things
 

A friend of mine is looking at a yoga teacher training institute in Colorado. Part of the tuition is a $1000 donation to an organization you totally do not agree with. This was such a cool idea - giving up attachment to a point of view - that it stuck with me.

On another forum today I said some knee-jerk and uncharitable things about someone whose actions make me angry, and in atonement to my own ideals of compassion and unity I am going to say something nice about him instead.

I invite you to play along. Think of someone you truly despise, completely disagree with, or who just chaps your ass and generally annoys the hell out of you, and find at least one nice thing to say about them. But it has to be sincere, and can't be a back-handed compliment like "I guess he's not as big an asshole as he used to be" or accompanied by comments that detract from your own generosity.

If you can't say something nice....look harder.

OK, here's mine:

George W. Bush is a man of sincerely held convictions. He is true to his own vision despite the disagreement or opposition of others who do not share his views.

Hillary Clinton went to China and publicly denounced the practice of killing female babies since their culture places far more importance on having male offspring. I can respect her courage in this instance.

California Governer Gray Davis served in Viet Nam. He did not shirk his responsibility.

I forgot to add the GWB also has a fairly funny sense of humor and can poke fun at himself. He is very self-confident.

Here's another one. Won't mean much to any of you since he's not a public figure, but:

Tony at Cedars-Sinai has a very difficult job and does it cheerfully, and makes himself readily available to people in need.

The Patriot Act has the word Patriot in it, thats really all i can say nice about it, its not really a person though so its ok

ashcroft thinks he is doing the right thing for this nation

Liberals in general , have some very favorable intentions.

Bill Clinton played one mean sax solo

My employer is frighteningly knowledgable, and would never let me do bad work. His attention to detail makes him a good model for my future.

If it wasn't for my father I wouldn'e be here today.


He's still a drunk fuck.

My ex is an extremely intelligent woman, and will make great contributions to medical science. She is dedicated to her work, and the world is a better place because of her efforts.

My highly articulate next door neighbor has a truly fine and exquisite collection of bass boats and four-wheelers that he leaves laying around in his yard all the time and only occasionally end up in my driveway and yard.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have added a substantial chapter to the history of the NFL. Their front office and ownership has always been classy.

You all can post whatever you like, of course, but I feel the need to point out that sarcasm renders the "exercise" meaningless. If you can't find something genuinely nice to say about the person, you're not moving beyond your existing point of view. My intention in posting this thread was to help people move closer to feeling compassion and appreciation for others for whom we have nothing but anger, annoyance, and hatred now. If you really don't want to find compassion for this person *for your own benefit*, that's totally fine, but anything you say outside that spirit will just be more of the same. Just thought I'd clarify.

This thread has got me thinking a lot about it. Good Job, Lurkette.

Um, wait, that's not to imply that I don't like lurkette. I don't even know lurkette. BAAAAAAAAAAA!

OK, here's another one:

My sister is very kind to people who can do nothing for her.

the government has helped me a lot!
(too bad the are currently dumping me)

I really think GWB believe we will be saved by the missile defense system....

bill o'reily has a good idea onc e a year.

my ex-girlfriend is a remarkably talented journalist who will one day change the world.

The Detroit Redwings are a perfect example of excellence in the sport of Hockey. They are everything that all hockey teams in the league should be striving for. I especially appreciate all the true fans that support their team through the lean years. If it wasn't for the Detroit Redwings, the NHL may be in an even more uncertain status as professional sport.

many bad people believe they are doing good, thats not sarcastic, just an observation i have observed.

Mother Nature has been so kind as to take care of the drought situation we had last year. She's given us rain, rain, and more rain. So much rain that we wouldn't have to worry about a drought situation all summer and fall.

The Ku Klux Klan and Nazi skinheads......mmmmmmnnnnnnnnn
nnnnnnaaaAAAAAaAAAAARGH!!!!!
(screams)I CAN"T DO THIS ONE. (contorts face in mask of twisted agony)trying.....must....try....harder?

this is actually a great meta-programming exercise.
Akin to subscribing to a magazine that goes against all that you hold dear...just to experience another reality tunnel

Sorry, failed this particular challenge.

I really wish I could ignore how I feel and find something nice. I guess I'll say nothing at all..

Hey, great idea, Lurkette. Forced me to think in a new direction, which is always a good thing. OK, here goes...

Many politicians are acting in what they believe is the best interests of their country and people, and are not just self-serving wankers caught up in a maelstrom of rampant self-interest.

The company I used to program for have some fine managers who genuinely care for their staff, even if their strategic business sense lets them down.

I imagine that Osama Bin Laden probably genuinely believes in his cause and thinks he is striking a blow for God. <This one hurt. A lot :-) >

Cheers.