All the terrible things we do to ourselves and others from alcoholism to character assignation to abuse to murder come from one cause: the inability to stay present with an uncomfortable feeling in the body and seek short-term relief.
Pema ChodronIt is possible to move through the drama of our lives without believing so earnestly in the character that we play.
Pema ChodronWhat if rather than being disheartened by the ambiguity, the uncertainty of life, we accepted it and relaxed into it?
Pema ChodronFeelings like disappointment, embarrassment, irritation, resentment, anger, jealousy, and fear, instead of being bad news, are actually very clear moments that teach us where it is that weโre holding back. They teach us to perk up and lean in when we feel weโd rather collapse and back away. Theyโre like messengers that show us, with terrifying clarity, exactly where weโre stuck. This very moment is the perfect teacher, and, lucky for us, itโs with us wherever we are.
Pema Chodron