It is possible to move through the drama of our lives without believing so earnestly in the character that we play. That we take ourselves so seriously, that we are so absurdly important in our own minds, is a problem for us. We feel justified in being annoyed with everything. We feel justified in denigrating ourselves or in feeling that we are more clever than other people. Self-importance hurts us, limiting us to the narrow world of our likes and dislikes. We end up bored to death with ourselves and our world. We end up never satisfied.
Pema ChodronCompassion practice is daring. It involves learning to relax and allowing ourselves to move gently toward what scares us.
Pema ChodronThe still lake without ripples is an image of our minds at ease, so full of unlimited friendliness for all the junk at the bottom of the lake that we don't feel the need to churn up the waters just to avoid looking at what's there.
Pema ChodronPatience has nothing to do with suppression. In fact, it has everything to do with a gentle, honest relationship with yourself.
Pema ChodronWe sow the seeds of our future hells or happiness by the way we open or close our minds right now.
Pema Chodron