There’s a well-known parable from Shantideva, an 8^th century Buddhist monk, who said that trying to control the world rather than working on one’s own self is like trying to cover the world with leather to avoid the pain of walking on stones and thorns. It is much simpler to put leather on your own feet.

It is an interesting metaphor to remember when we’re rattled at work, the boss is grumpy, your co-workers are negative or the vending machine is out of Diet Pepsi. The habitual reaction is to think, geez, if only he’d be a little more considerate, or they’d stop complaining, or the catering company would check their machines once in a while, I’d be having a good day now.

These thoughts are the red flag that you’re trying to shoe the earth.

The answer to angst is not to try to cover the world with leather (control everything and everyone), but to work our own thoughts and reactions.

• The boss is grumpy – Know it’s very likely not your fault and compassionately wish him or her peace.
• Negative co-workers – Don’t engage in the negative energy, and walk away (making use of those “leather shoes”)
• Empty vending machines – In the larger picture of life, this isn’t even a millionth of pixel. And you have other choices.

It takes a lot of practice, depending on how deeply etched your reactions are. But it is very, very possible to find peace and centeredness in any situation, whether it’s to your liking or not.