There is a Sufi tale called “Diamond” that tells of an Arabic Prince who finally decided to face his fears. The prince had tried to run away from three different cats until she realized that wherever she went, there was always another cat waiting for her. Once she confronted her fear of cats, she obtained her freedom.

This story calls up for the reader the liberating possibilities of facing one’s feelings. Until we meet our feeling head-on, we waste immense energy attempting to evade, obscure, or defend against them.

Imagine this scene: You’re standing on a crowded subway station and someone step on your shoes what would you do or say to them at the time of the event.