When we change our perspective from anger, resentment and harsh judgment to compassion, non-judgment, empathy and forgiveness, we release a tremendous amount of negative, dark energy within ourselves and feel not only at peace, but joyous as well. It is a miraculous transformation that starts with our willingness to choose another way of looking at people, appreciating that most people behave badly not because they are evil and sadistic and nasty but because they are full of fear, guilt and self-loathing. Many of us cannot grasp this concept and want to hang onto our harsh condemnation of others, but when we do this, we are actually hurting ourselves, depriving ourselves of inner peace and joy. This process does not let people off the hook so to speak. It doesn't mean people shouldn't be held accountable for their actions. It simply means we rise above the battlefield of fear, hate and aggression, and are then able to be in the Now and embrace the Joy and Happiness that is our natural state of mind and our birthright.