Philosophy 03 (May 24 - Dec 25)

[winston]

Remembering Mortality

So often you just forget that you’re living and in doing so, you forget that you’re dying and you forget to be present altogether.

I always think that one of the easiest ways to remember to love the world, is to remember that you have to leave it at some point.

- Ada Limón, “Where the Light Comes From”

[winston]

Emptiness of Clinging

If we were to see the entire mechanism that leads to clinging, we would understand that there really isn’t anything to cling to.

- Henepola Gunaratana, “Clinging”

[winston]

Beyond the Comfort Zone

Operating from a place of discomfort, is more likely to motivate us to act.

By recognizing the suffering of others and having a sincere and urgent desire to alleviate that suffering, we can learn to act compassionately in the world.

- Constance Kassor, “The Discomfort of Compassion”

[winston]

Connected Forever

We must do all that we can, to heal our divisions and to mend our brokenness.

Whether we like it or not, our lives are profoundly connected.

We can either grow and thrive together or we can wither and die together.

- Blayne Higa, “The Song of the Two-Headed Bird”

[winston]

Surrender to Impermanence

When we surrender the idea that we are a permanent “self,” when we surrender the idea of “I, me, mine”, we — suddenly — merge ourselves with the cosmic eternal and experience awakening.

- Mark Herrick

[winston]

Set Your Concentration Aflame

The stability of mind is like a candle flame that is very vulnerable.

Solitude is like a glass chimney that keeps it from blowing out in the wind.

When the flame is stable, we can take the cover off.

The wind is no longer a threat; now, in fact, it will make the flame like a bonfire.

- Pema Chödrön, “Cutting Ties: The Fruits of Solitude”

[winston]

Dissolve Fear, Be Present

To be truly and wholly present, even for the briefest moment, is to be vulnerable;

For we have arrived at the point, where the obstacle that fear constructs, between ourselves and others, dissolves.

Lin Jensen, “An Ear to the Ground”

[winston]

Bowing to Anxiety

As my practice has deepened, I have begun to open myself up to the idea of fostering more awareness within my off-the-cushion life, viewing each of my everyday activities as an opportunity for practice.

- Vincent Moore, “Bowing to Anxiety”

[winston]

Listen to Your Suffering

Your body needs you, your feelings need you, your perceptions need you.

The wounded child in you needs you. Your suffering needs you to listen and acknowledge it. Go home and be there for all these things.

Thich Nhat Hanh, “Listening to Our Ancestors”

[winston]

Stop and Create Space

When we stop, we can create space.

When we stop, we can settle the mind and then think from a place of clarity.

- Grace Song, “How You Think Today Is How You Live Your Life