whilst sitting in an airport, mall, park, beach unobtrusively and from some distance do the following five steps on the same person (they may well notice):
step 1
with your attention on the person, repeat to yourself: 'just like me, this person is seeking some happiness for his/her life'.
step 2
with your attention on the person, repeat to yourself: 'just like me, this person is trying to avoid suffering in his/her life'.
step 3
with attention on the person, repeat to yourself: 'just like me, this person has known sadness, loneliness and despair'.
step 4
with attention on the person, repeat to yourself: 'just like me, this person is seeking to fulfil his/her needs'.
step 5
with attention on the person, repeat to yourself: 'just like me, this person is learning about life'.
my view of the stranger changed so remarkable from the beginning of the exercise to the end of it that i felt truely compelled to share it with you and can only encourage you to try it.
it is suggested that you think these steps through with a sibling, a work colleague and with an antagonist.