We don’t know what others are thinking, 

so rather than assume something negative, 

let’s imagine something good.

When observing others’ behavior, it can be tempting to assign various motives to them. Especially when we find their behavior questionable, or even objectionable. But we shouldn’t be judging others. Period.

And why are we even trying to figure out other peoples’ wandering thoughts? Isn’t this just indulging in our own wandering thoughts? And why, when we’re imagining other’s thoughts, do we so often paint those thoughts as negative? Might it be that those negative thoughts are more a reflection of what’s in our own mind? After all, we’re the ones who imagined the thoughts.

The next time we’re tempted to write the script for what another person is thinking, how about giving him the benefit of the doubt. Let’s imagine something good! We’ll be happier, and so will he when we act toward them from our good thoughts.

Although it may seem there is nothing we can do,

we can be kind. 

Equanimity. Altruism. Compassion. Courage.

It is admirable to strive for these virtues and others. These qualities are not easy to achieve. They’re overwhelming, surely for the starting practitioner, and even for those who are not. Fortunately, there’s a more basic virtue we can achieve—kindness.

“Is there anything I can help with?” upon seeing our elderly neighbor.

“Why don’t you go first” to the person who approached the check-out line the same moment we did.

The wave to the driver who is trying to edge out into traffic to pull ahead of you.

The smile to the child who looks up at you apprehensively.

For virtues with a capital “V,” we need wisdom. For kindness, while wisdom surely helps, we just need to be aware of what is taking place around us. And to realize that putting someone else’s anxieties, fears, or needs before our own is not a sacrifice. It’s an opportunity. A chance to make two, not just one, person happier.