Tag: Buddha

There are points where “good” things can become a waste of energy…then counterproductive…and then toxic.  Being vigilant and navigating these points with fluid awareness and evidence-based assessment is an integral skill within the art of life.

When you’re truly ready, “The Teacher” doesn’t appear and gift you with answers, you simply realize that everything’s been teaching you all along.

Those who cling to old paths—routes that were once been useful but have rotted into decrepit, treacherous labyrinths—are destined to bleat a sad siren’s song, pleading with others to follow them into obsolescence, even as they become increasingly ensnared in their own ignorance. I prefer to blaze my own trail by using a pair of…

“Respect the enemy” is a maxim I only learned to apply to myself after a massive amount of failure.  My ego uses every anecdote, every feeling and intuition, every convoluted rationale to justify self-indulgent/self-destructive actions.  It was only when I finally learned to respect my ego’s ingenuity and persistence that I was able to acknowledge…

When I can’t fix a solvable problem that I don’t have the resources/capability to address, I’ll take advantage of my competitive psychology by viewing it as a game with increasingly difficult milestones.  That way, I stand a chance at turning a monumental obstacle into a small nuisance, then into an easy habit. In my experience,…

I think it’s totally possible to “follow my bliss” and be fulfilled.   But first, I have to demonstrate the brutal/ruthless honesty required to know myself—to know what my “bliss” even is—by tracking the evidence/tendencies that reveal not just my shining glories, but also my darkest failings.  Then I have to demonstrate the discipline, creativity, and…

I believe a question that hurts ego but maintains accountability might go something along the lines of:  “Yeah, it’s cool that you were a [military/spiritual/artist/author/businessperson/quirky/quarterback/prom king or queen/etc.]…but what are you doing to improve yourself TODAY?  And then tomorrow?  And the day after that?”   That question keeps us from hiding behind labels, and forces us…

I enjoy that rush of agreement when I’m in a group and we’re all talking about making this or that, but I’ve been let down by enough empty vows to realize that projects don’t manifest in the exciting glow of strongly worded affirmations.  No, I think a good chunk of projects are completed when there’s…