How one email almost ruined my morning

This morning, I made a classic mistake—I checked my email before meditating.

I know better, and yet, there I was. And of course, I read something that triggered an immediate flutter of irritation. Not only was I annoyed by what was written, but I was also annoyed at myself for reading it before I’d even had a chance to ground myself.

I was still stewing over the email, when Zorik started talking to me. And instead of giving him my full attention, I was wrapped up in my own irritation, carrying it into my conversation with him. A few years ago, I wouldn’t have even noticed this happening. I would have brought that frustration into my day, letting it spill out in ways that had nothing to do with the email itself.

But this morning, I caught it. I turned to Zorik and said, "I just read something that irritated me, and now I’m distracted. I’m sorry I can’t give you my full attention right now."

Then, I sat down to meditate. And as I closed my eyes, I gave myself empathy—for feeling irritated and for checking my email in the first place. How human of me to react this way. How human of me to get caught in a habit I know doesn’t serve me.

Then, I extended empathy to the person who sent the email. And just like that, something shifted. The irritation dissolved.

This practice—the ability to notice, to be with what’s arising, to offer compassion instead of judgment—has changed everything for me. It allows me to meet each moment as it is, to see my own humanity and the humanity of others more clearly.

Have you given yourself empathy today?

When you’re hard on yourself, how does that translate to your relationships?

I’m endlessly grateful for this practice and for each moment of being alive—flaws, mistakes, and all.