It seems like a broken record to keep addressing the topic of hate in this blog. The problem is that hate has barged into our culture in so many ways lately. Hate is even considered to be respectable in some circles.
Today is a good day to address this social illness because today is “National Weed Out Hate Day”. This year’s emphasis is on sowing the seeds of greatness.
As Confucius is credited with saying, “It is easy to hate and it is difficult to love. This is the whole scheme of how things work. All good things are difficult to achieve; and bad things are very easy to get.” Ironically, hate is the emotion we love to express.
In the same manner that the word “love” is overused, so is the word “hate”. We sometimes use it as a tool out of politeness as in “I hate to seem impatient, but I must go home now.” Or more commonly we use the word to express simple dislike for something as in, “I hate to vacuum the floor.”
It’s too bad that we don’t reserve the word “hate” to describe the harmful, extreme emotion that people too often feel. Actual intense animosity and dislike of someone or something should not be confused with not enjoying the taste of liver and onions.
It is the overt expression of the strong dislike and hostility towards 
other people that “Weed Out Hate Day” is concerned with today. This idea is refreshing in a social environment becoming so polluted with hate.
Life is a sacred journey with many pitfalls and detours along the way. As we travel our paths, we need to steer away from mischief, jealousy, and hatred because not avoiding them can damage our physical bodies. It’s not that we should bury our thoughts in denial, but to wake up and understand why we feel the emotions we feel. When we skillfully deal with these obstacles on the path, we will reach our destinations more satisfactorily.
As we live life, people will disrespect us, intend to do us harm, do things we do not like or understand. This, in turn, can cause us to respond with negativity. This is understandable, but it doesn’t have to be inevitable. A big problem in weeding out hate is responding to hate in kind. The wrong way is like those annoying quarrels that take place during news channel discussions. The participants’ opinions only become more entrenched. More animosity results from such behavior.
Prejudice, snobbishness, discrimination, and hate of any kind always reflects on the person doing the judging and not the person being judged. We have heard and read similar statements many times. It’s good to reflect upon this statement frequently because thinking about this, cools the fires of contempt.
There is an amazing fact about hate and love. The two emotions seem to be magical in their powers. Both of them can deeply transform a person. By choosing discrimination, prejudice, and other hateful expressions, a person becomes increasingly bitter and ever more fearful. By choosing acceptance, inclusion, and loving attitudes, the person evolves into a better version of her/himself.
It’s good to remember to weed out hate, especially during the times we are living in these days.
Ciao
The Blue Jay of Happiness has this link to share:
http://www.weedouthate.org
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