If you believe you are an effect of the world around you - that your happiness is dependent on this thing or that person - then you are always going to be a victim of circumstance to one degree or another.

The roots of addiction can be seen in our search for happiness in something outside of our self, be it drugs, relationships, material possessions.

There is never a circumstance, no matter how catastrophic, that also does not hold within it an opportunity to better things, to better yourself. Every moment brings with it an opportunity to love, to forgive, to grow beyond your shortcomings.

Becoming less focused on the past and future and not resisting the moment is how to overcome fear, physical pain, and all suffering.

It is impossible to hold a grudge and have peace of mind at the same time. It would be like trying to have day and night exist in the same moment.

What if nothing needs to change other than our perception of what we see?

When the mind no longer sees itself as a body, forever in bondage to the body, the mind can be free and at peace even when we are physically sick.