Men.

I now understand the purpose of a monk's robs or a Muslim woman's head covering.

Its been difficult practicing mindfulness and compassion being a woman. Any sense of openness or happiness I display in the presence of a man...whether on a subway train, a hallway, an office, or sidewalk...automatically gets a response of intrigue. Not a general intrigue of the person who I am of course, but one of an intimate, sexual nature. (God forbid, I smile...he'll be staring at me for the rest of the ride...)

Because of this I find is hard to remain open in the presence of a man I do not know. The feeling of aggravation or anger pops up immediately....If I feel they will be "that type of guy" I completly stop what I am doing to blatantly ignore their existence...

Doesnt like like a very compassionate thing to do eh? Well, Ive tried not too...but it hast worked so far.

I guess one day I will find a middle ground or my compassion will become stronger..we shall see.