Have you ever felt happiness at someone else’s misfortune? It could be as simple as taking the last parking spot, and everyone else is still looking for parking. There’s a German word for this emotion: schadenfreude. Schaden means damage and freude means joy. This state of mind only exists when we live in a state of survival and fear. In fear, the misfortune of others equates to our fortunes. The more misfortune someone else has, the less chance I have of being unfortunate. On the other hand, in order for me to feel fortunate, I need to feel that someone else hasn’t taken all of the good fortune, because that means there won’t be enough left for me.  If you ever find yourself in a schadenfreude moment, l invite you to take three steps. First, notice when this behavior shows up. Always start small: for instance, when you get the last parking spot and everyone else is still looking for parking. Then, identify what you are happy about. For example, other’s lack of luck in finding a parking spot and your own luck in having found it. Finally, turn your schadenfreude poison into loving kindness medicine. Simply wish the other person what they need or what they are looking for. “May you also find a parking spot soon.” Send them loving kindness words in your mind.