Crushed Violets
Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.
Such an evocative, stirring metaphor. It is often attributed to Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens) – in fact I think the first time I heard it was from Wayne Dyer referring to Twain – but it turns out to have originated long before.
Regardless of the source, the concept of what comes out when squeezed is worth considering. The only thing the violet has to offer is its sweet, delicate fragrance.
The only way we can react to people or situations with anger, jealousy, disappointment, or sadness is if that’s what’s inside of us. That’s the “fragrance” we emit.
Thankfully we can change that.
Every emotion we have comes from a choice in the mind. Not from external circumstances.
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