There’s nothing more important on our spiritual path than developing gentleness to oneself.
PEMA CHODRONThere’s nothing more important on our spiritual path than developing gentleness to oneself.
PEMA CHODRONWe work on ourselves in order to help others, but also we help others in order to work on ourselves.
PEMA CHODRONOne of the deepest habitual patterns that we have is to feel that now is not enough.
PEMA CHODRONSince death is certain and the time of death is uncertain, what is the most important thing?
PEMA CHODRONIt isn’t what happens to us that causes us to suffer; it’s what we say to ourselves about what happens.
PEMA CHODRONBeing satisfied with what we already have is a magical golden key to being alive in a full, unrestricted, and inspired way.
PEMA CHODRONIf someone comes along and shoots an arrow into your heart, it’s fruitless to stand there and yell at the person. It would be much better to turn your attention to the fact that there’s an arrow in your heart.
PEMA CHODRONWhen we resist change, it’s called suffering. But when we can completely let go and not struggle against it, when we can embrace the groundlessness of our situation and relax into it’s dynamic quality, that’s called enlightenment.
PEMA CHODRONNothing ever goes away until it has taught us what we need to know.
PEMA CHODRONSticking with that uncertainty, getting the knack of relaxing in the midst of chaos, learning not to panic-this is the spiritual path.
PEMA CHODRONLet your curiosity be greater than your fear.
PEMA CHODRONWhatever happens in your life, joyful or painful, do not be swept away by reactivity. Be patient with yourself and don’t lose your sense of perspective.
PEMA CHODRONResisting what is happening is a major cause of suffering.
PEMA CHODRONWe can let the circumstances of our lives harden us so that we become increasingly resentful and afraid, or we can let them soften us and make us kinder and more open to what scares us. We always have this choice.
PEMA CHODRONOpenness doesn’t come from resisting our fears but rather from getting to know them well.
PEMA CHODRONBe kinder to yourself. And then let your kindness flood the world.
PEMA CHODRON