Many of Canada's politicians have spent their weekend condemning the behaviour of a man who angrily confronted Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland in Alberta on Friday. The video, which includes screamed profanities as Freeland tries to board an elevator, went viral. 

A philosophical and reasonable person may not ignore the negative side of his/her or another's life: he or she must deal with it because circumstances force them, like everyone else, to do so. But his/her way will be different because they will use all their faculties and capacities; intellectual, practical, and intuitive. They will keep calm and not let passion or negative emotion carry them away. But all that done, he or she hands over the results to the higher power (which includes destiny). Their mind must stay in That which transcends negativity, sin, evil, even if they must grapple with them.

If one looks closely at Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland's response it is impressive and kind.  Here is what she said: 

"What happened yesterday was wrong, nobody, anywhere should have to put up with threats and intimidation. But the Alberta I know is filled with kind and welcoming people, and I am grateful for the warm welcome that I have received from so many people... one unpleasant incident doesn't change that." - Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland 

This does highlight that when one that is confronted with a choice of evils must call in the help of the higher power.

Even trouble can be turned to self-educative uses, and some kind of benefit gained out of the experience. But this can happen more easily and more quickly only if the willingness to learn is there, and only if a corresponding surrender of self is present. It is then that so-called evil is converted to so-called good.

What gurus taught over two thousand years ago, is still true - even more true, if that could be, for it has the proofs afforded by all history during that time; hatred cannot end by being returned, nothing will dissolve it save a generous and patient goodwill.

Many will have situations when even a friend who has turned against you and become an enemy can be met in a better way. Instead of getting angry or resentful for his unkind words or actions, try to turn him over benevolently to the higher power. If you succeed in entering the Stillness for a period with your last thought being such a wish for him, this will be, in the end, more effective. It will make it possible for his attitude to be modified and for your own hurt feelings to calm down. The more you forget him in the Stillness, the better the result will be for both of you. 

This is exactly what Chrystia Freeland did with her thoughtful response.  Impressive. 

Minister Freeland is demonstrating an amazing truth that was best said by the late Thich Nhat Hanh:  

“When another person makes you suffer, it is because he suffers deeply within himself, and his suffering is spilling over. He does not need punishment; he needs help. That's the message he is sending.” 

In conclusion, every angry person who crosses our path provides an opportunity, in the injury he attempts to do us, to keep ourselves from being provoked into retaliation, anger, or resentment.

 If we succeed in overcoming our own feelings, we mount upward a step.

The Emily Dahl Foundation 
Aug 30, 2022