The treasure we seek requires no lengthy expedition, no expensive equipment, no superior aptitude or special company. All we lack is the willingness to imagine that we already have everything we need. The only thing missing is our consent to be where we are.
Pema ChodronWE ALREADY HAVE everything we need. There is no need for self-improvement. All these trips that we lay on ourselvesโthe heavy-duty fearing that weโre bad and hoping that weโre good, the identities that we so dearly cling to, the rage, the jealousy and the addictions of all kindsโnever touch our basic wealth. They are like clouds that temporarily block the sun. But all the time our warmth and brilliance are right here. This is who we really are. We are one blink of an eye away from being fully awake.
Pema ChodronWhen you refrain from habitual thoughts and behavior, the uncomfortable feelings will still be there. They donโt magically disappear. Over the years, Iโve come to call resting with the discomfort โthe detox period,โ because when you donโt act on your habitual patterns, itโs like giving up an addiction. Youโre left with the feelings you were trying to escape. The practice is to make a wholehearted relationship with that
Pema ChodronRather than becoming more relaxed, you start pulling down the shades and locking the door. When you do go out, you find the experience more and more unsettling and disagreeable. You become touchier, more fearful, more irritable than ever. The more you try to get it your way, the less you feel at home.
Pema Chodron