When 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 ChodronHold the sadness and pain of samsara [suffering, confusion] in your heart and at the same time the power and vision of the Great Eastern Sun [fundamental awake human nature]. Then the warrior [brave enough to look at & work with reality] can make a proper cup of tea.
Pema ChodronThe first noble truth of the Buddha is that when we feel suffering, it doesnโt mean that something is wrong. What a relief.
Pema ChodronAs human beings, not only do we seek resolution, but we also feel that we deserve resolution. However, not only do we not deserve resolution, we suffer from resolution. We don't deserve resolution; we deserve something better than that. We deserve our birthright, which is the middle way, an open state of mind that can relax with paradox and ambiguity.
Pema ChodronCompassionate action starts with seeing yourself when you start to make yourself right and when you start to make yourself wrong. At that point you could just contemplate the fact that there is a larger alternative to either of those, a more tender, shaky kind of place where you could live.
Pema Chodron