The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz

I’ve started meditating again. It’s going quite well; I’m having more interesting dreams, I’m able to think and speak more efficiently, my patience has doubled, and my thoughts aren’t on the carousel of arguments with real or imagined people from my past and future.

Although it’s now a common thing to do for mental health, I resist recommending meditation to anyone because a) they’ve likely already tried it and b) I would have to say the words ‘Have you tried meditating?’

There’s something about it that sounds dismissive, like I’m telling someone that I can manage their feelings better than they can. It feels invasive and a little inappropriate.

So, I suppose the answer is to speak only for myself:

I’ve been angry for about fifteen years. I’m often confused by this, because I have a decent amount of control over my environment. I can (usually) rid myself of unhealthy relationships. I can limit my time with social media and the news. I can eat well and exercise. I can engage in hobbies. I have a few very good relationships.

This is more freedom and privilege than many can claim. But of course, I still exist in a world beyond my control. Within that world, I’m trapped in a dream of my own internalizations. I can…