Algorithms in Real Life

I was recently introduced to the algorithm for proper drinking:
You drink some alcohol. You wait.
If you do not see the effects, go to the beginning.
If you do see the effects, wait until they start wearing off,
then go to the beginning.

Apply that to emotions and you get the algorithm for the most common form of meditation:
You sense the emotions coming over you. You wait.
If they do not affect you, keep going.
If they do affect you, just try to look at them from a distance.
When they stop affecting you, go to the beginning.

For strong, overwhelming emotions, the algorithm is somewhat different though:
"Think a nice thought, about someone you care about. Go for a walk for 15 minutes. Anything to stop ruminating", as one of my co-workers said.