When "Sorry" Seems to be the Hardest Word

Just a little something to share with you......

As much as the one who harmed another needs to apologise,
the one who is harmed should not need an apology. -stonepeace

Standing in a bus on the way home, it was packed with school kids. When the bus jerked to stop, the boy in front took a step back, accidentally stomping on my foot. He half-turned his head to steal a glance at my reaction, in a somewhat guilty way. About to turn back his head, pretending nothing had happened, I said "Ouch!" - in a deliberate but hushed tone. He quickly uttered "Sorry." I thanked him with a little appreciative nod. I was pleasantly surprised by my response and his. From my side, there was no spite, and some humour instead. It wasn't that painful actually! A few years ago I might have tapped his shoulder impatiently to demand an apology. It felt only right to let him be aware that even the smallest of his actions matter, be it accidentally or intentionally causing physical or mental distress to others. It's also "good for his karma", in urging him to "make up" whatever he can before dismissing the incident as insignificant. A lesson out of the classroom for the kid! Do we not tend to trivialise others' pain while we exaggerate ours? Of course I can't really blame him - since it's an "accident". It's my fault too for not being mindful enough to move out of his way. Just my personal karma rebounding back - to be received with gladness, not anger. Likewise, all our unhappiness in life is not really caused by any person, but ourselves. Much of our unhappiness comes from not accepting we cause our unhappiness, while we further cause it with our negative attitude!Too often do we hesitate to say "Sorry" and "Thanks". Due to our thick pride, "Sorry" seems to be the harder word. It is only after you have tried your best to seek forgiveness from the one you are sorry to, can you truly forgive yourself. Otherwise, you are just letting yourself off the hook too easily! The greatness of one sometimes can be hinted by the littlest of things which he apologises for, in his unwilling inconveniencing of others - even to a child. Because this shows his great sensitivity and concern to the smallest of others' feelings. How apologetic are you for your misgivings lately? Repentance can often be easily practised in everyday life. Simply apologise instantly to one whose toes you just stepped on! This sure beats confessing your carelesness before your shrine at the end of the day! So what if the other party does not accept your sincere apology? It just means he chose to let your mistake torment him more. That is his own mistake now! May he be well and happy!