I suddenly saw that every time in my life that I had cursed something, I had spread the poison of that curse. Sometimes I had hurt others with it and always, unknowingly, I had hurt myself. Perhaps in my ignorance, I hadn't recognized the pain I inflicted on others or why I suddenly met with difficulties and injury, but the truth was that I was responsible. My curses had moved out in a circle, affecting others and returning to me in disguise.

Shaman of Tibet by Heather Hughes-Calero