Sitting meditation gives us a way to move closer to our thoughts and emotions and to get in touch with our bodies.
Pema ChodronWe have two alternatives: either we question our beliefs - or we don't. Either we accept our fixed versions of reality- or we begin to challenge them. In Buddha's opinion, to train in staying open and curious - to train in dissolving our assumptions and beliefs - is the best use of our human lives.
Pema ChodronWe can gradually drop our ideals of who we think we ought to be, or who we think we want to be, or who we think other people think we want to be or ought to be.
Pema ChodronIf there's any possibility for enlightenment, it's right now, not at some future time. Now is the time.
Pema ChodronWhen we resist change, itโs called suffering. But when we can completely let go and not struggle against it, when we can embrace the groundlessness of our situation and relax into itโs dynamic quality, thatโs called enlightenment
Pema ChodronMy experience with forgiveness is that it sort of comes spontaneously at a certain point and to try to force it it's not really forgiveness. It's Buddhist philosophy or something spiritual jargon that you're trying to live up to but you're just using it against yourself as a reason why you're not okay.
Pema Chodron