Why We Really Practice

Why We Really Practice


We need to lessen our attachment to the cushion and remember meditation’s true purpose: to transform our minds.

We can do that anywhere.


—Mindy Newman, “Ask a Teacher”

Others Have Felt What You’re Feeling

Others Have Felt What You’re Feeling


Whatever it is that you’re feeling, recognize it. In that instant of

separation and acknowledgment, … use your imagination to recognize

that there are other people on the planet at this very moment feeling just

like you feel.


You are no longer alone.


—Lama Kathy Wesley, “Your Mistakes Are Progress”

How to Work with People Who Cause Harm

How to Work with People Who Cause Harm


Instead of giving up on those who cause harm, we need to realize that

they are seeking happiness but don’t know how to find it.


—Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche, “Putting Down the Arrow”

From Momentary Glimpse to Lasting Illumination

From Momentary Glimpse to Lasting Illumination


Although initially the clinging to self disappears only when we’re very

mindful, those moments free of delusion give deeper insight a chance to

arise, and eventually wisdom becomes strong enough to trigger a

permanent change of outlook.


—Cynthia Thatcher, “Disconnect the Dots”

Bending Low

Bending Low
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2020
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Look here, at what’s come to pass.

The callow disregard of youth has

Been transmuted to something else.
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It’s no mystery, the blur has slowed

To a slow stream of now-ness I’d

Never expected, but it is welcome.
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And a heart I never knew was there

Has known the ample love of divine

Forgiveness, and had its vessels filled.
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And if that isn’t cause to bow down

And bend low and offer thanks to one

And all who’ve helped me cross over;
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Then what is, I ask, rhetorically.

Now my heart is weightless and free.

A thing that wants to love all it sees.
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The famine is well over, I am replete.

I’ll look at you, and all I’ll see is that,

Having rejoiced, what will be, will be;
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Both for you and for me, with no fear.

And that’s no small thing to know, is it?

Yes, I’m bending low, what say you?

Let Your Beliefs Evolve with You

Let Your Beliefs Evolve with You


Beliefs—even the ones that feel most true—are only mental representations or symbols of our experience.

We need to deepen our presence and ask ourselves: Do they match the actual, living, changing stuff of our experience in the world?


—Tara Brach, “A True Taste of Peace”

Where Fear Should Be Felt

Where Fear Should Be Felt


We should not be afraid of suffering.

We should be afraid of only one thing, and that is not knowing how to deal with our suffering.


—Thich Nhat Hanh, “Why We Shouldn’t Be Afraid of Suffering”

Seeing Worth in All Things

Seeing Worth in All Things


The sensitive, mindful heart perceives value and worth in all things.

It does not rely upon drama or intensity to feel awake and alive, but

draws upon receptivity, stillness, and a present moment

wholeheartedness.


—Christina Feldman, “Brief Teachings”

Be Aware of Becoming Unaware

Be Aware of Becoming Unaware


Every time you recognize that you have lost awareness, be happy.

The fact that you have recognized that you lost awareness means that you are now aware.


—Sayadaw U Tejaniya, “The Art of Investigation”

Those We Love Best

Those We Love Best
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2020
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We love them all night long,

And we love them all day too.
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It doesn’t take any effort to love

Them, they’re air for us to breathe.
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When we see their happy smiles,

It’s like a drink at a desert oasis.
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Even when we’re apart, it’s no

Distance at all for hearts to cross.
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If they feel blue, it touches us too,

And when they cry, we’ll cry too.
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Two hearts beating as one, for all

Our needs, it’s the only deep relief.
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And if they say they love us, the air

We breathe is sweeter than before.
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Deep inside hearts and minds, there

Is a hidden place that patiently waits;
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For a soft gaze to open to the light,

For those whose love we love the best.
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