Tag: buddhism

While I used to be driven by the possibility of “nobility,” now I’m driven by pragmatism.  I realized that every chance I have, every opportunity I’ve been given, is a privilege and a gift; as I’ve grown older and examined the world around me, I’ve seen that some people are born without chance or opportunity. …

One of the ways I deal with depression is I sit in it, acknowledge it, lay out what needs to be done (even if it’s something mundane), and start doing it.  This “de-personalization” of depression seems to reduce the overwhelming immediacy of it, and gives me some room to remember that my problems really aren’t…

If there is indeed some grand benevolence that orders existence, it has made its design cryptic and contentious.  There are countless “correct” ways to express my belief/disbelief of it. But what seems readily evident to me is that there is great reward in functioning well, and passing the fruits of that function onto others.  Whenever…

The days when I’m dragging, the days when I have to assess everything I’m doing to make sure whether it’s worth my energy and moving me forward… Those are the days that teach me the most; they make me appreciative of the days when I’m filled with inspiration and enthusiasm, and they also teach me…

Without being ruthlessly humble—without being able to admit that I’m out of my depth the INSTANT I realize it—I can’t use others’ knowledge as effectively as possible, because I’m clinging to the notion that I know it all.

I’ve seen many folks forced into low, laughable positions because they were afraid to get laughed at. The hero’s predecessor is often the fool.  The willingness to appear ridiculous is synonymous with the willingness to venture forth and acquire hidden treasures, which are recurrently protected by pride and obstinacy.

According to the evidence, it seems that effort is futile; everyone and everything I know will fall apart, over the span of eons and millennia.  So what does that leave me with? To try and do the best I can with what’s in front of me, because not only is that practical, it brings me…

I suspect that all systems, all philosophies, all modes of being are simply flavors.  And if one can’t assemble them into a comprehensive meal, then they’re destined to suffer from malnutrition, or even starve.

Like everyone else, I’m angry in a heated conflict, but unless that anger can intimidate and stun, I try and keep it under wraps.  In fact, sometimes I smile at my opponent and pretend to be their friend. Because sometimes, certain people can use your insults to motivate them, so I deny them my anger—they…

(I think this is sound):  all my thinking/strategizing about future possibilities/past occurrences should guide me toward one thing:  to decide what to do in the present moment. Even if it means doing “nothing.”