If something is said that makes you want to defend yourself or hurt back, take a deep breath and wait before you react. This will give you time to reflect, remember that nothing is personal and realize that they’re probably just feeling bad and (ineffectively) trying to make themselves feel better. Defending and counter-attacking comes from a lack of power and encourages energy you don’t want to continue to circulate. Instead, act as a skillful martial artist would act by, stepping out of the way and letting their energy defuse. They’ll feel disarmed and you’ll feel…

Empowered.