MOVE TOWARD THE PAIN
TO
CULTIVATE WISDOM
COMPASSION
AND
COURAGE
"When something hurts in life, we don't usually think of it as our path or as the source of wisdom. In fact, we think that the reason we're on the path is to get rid of this painful feeling ("When I get to L.A., I won't feel this way anymore.") At that level of wanting to get rid of our feeling, we naively cultivate a subtle aggression against ourselves.However, the fact is that anyone who has used the moments and days and years of his or her life to become wiser, kinder, and more at home in the world has learned from what has happened right now. We can aspire to be kind right in the moment, to relax and open our heart and mind to what is in front of us right in the moment. Now is the time. If there's any possibility for enlightenment, it's right now, not at some future time. Now is the time."
From: When Things Fall Apart--Heart Advice for Difficult Times by Pema Chodron Shambhala Classics p.144
Pema Chodran's words were helpful to me in healing after a surgery. Her writing and suggested ritual have stayed with me for years. Thank you for posting such wise statements.
ReplyDeleteDear Teri,
ReplyDeleteAs we age and take life slower, not rushing from one end to the other, we begin to focus more and discover what is important. We can begin to deal with the challenges by reflecting and not reacting.
Inner peace during a crises is a lesson that takes a lifetime to learn.
Thank you for sharing,
Egmont
I think wisdom is something we (or I) am always in hope of-- learning from mistakes and moving on.. I hope I do.
ReplyDeleteyour words here are very wise.
peace--- inner and outer-- is something we all desire
ReplyDelete