You build inner strength through embracing the totality of your experience, both the delightful parts and the difficult parts.
Pema ChodronThe trick is to keep exploring and not bail out, even when we find out that something is not what we thought. That's what we're going to discover again and again and again. Nothing is what we thought. I can say that with great confidence. Emptiness is not what we thought. Neither is mindfulness or fear. Compassionโโnot what we thought. Love. Buddha nature. Courage. These are code words for things we don't know in our minds, but any of us could experience them. These are words that point to what life really is when we let things fall apart and let ourselves be nailed to the present moment.
Pema ChodronIf youโre aggressive in your dealings, thatโs how youโll be regarded in the world. You might smile and give generously, but if you frequently explode in anger, people never feel comfortable in your presence and youโll never have peace of mind.
Pema ChodronOpenness doesnโt come from resisting our fears but rather from getting to know them well.
Pema Chodron