Let's face it, we all have our buttons and if we allow it, others push them throughout the course of the day. The more you are able to mediate and follow some kind of spiritual practice the more you are able to let things go as a result you will become more centered and more peaceful in your daily life. Sounds good doesn't it? Well it is,

But we are all human and you can't put yourself in a bubble and just float through life. There will be moments when you are unguarded and fall into old patterns of reacting. Like when you're already late for work and now stuck in traffic, or when you go shopping only to pick the slowest possible line at the checkout, or working with someone who challenges you what do you do then?

You can't exactly drop into a mediation pose and start chanting your mantra in the middle of the store, although that probably would clear the line pretty quickly. In any situation we can choose how to respond and also how it will effect us. I've used the following exercise in many situations, which pretty amazing results. The next time you're in a difficult situation give this exercise a try.

• take a deep breath
• If you can close your eyes for just a second try a picture a white light around you.
• Silently repeat the following:
• "I choose love"
• Repeat this two or three times while breathing deeply and watch how your mood changes.
• If you can't shut you r eyes because your boss is berating you or you're driving on the highway. Just look at the person or the car in front of you and silently in your mind repeat
• I choose love

The truth is, you're not going to change the nature of your boss, or the cashier, or anyone else. Their baggage is not your concern, but you can change how you respond and also how it effects you. Changing how you respond takes practice. I even fall into old patterns from time to time but I have noticed that this happens less and less as I become more aware of myself.