fear
If our day is dark, we can we can curse the darkness or we can seek illumination. One focuses on the problem; the other, the solution.
Adversity, grief, and challenges will darken every life. They may range from a shadow to the obliteration of all light, the terrible dark night of the soul from which relief seems impossible. But we always have a choice—do we stay in the darkness or do we move toward the light? Do we depend solely on…
Read MoreMust”, “should”, “need to”, “ought to” and “have to” create stress and anxiety
Our mental self-talk contributes to our emotional state. Thoughts of “must”, “should”, “need to”, “ought to” and “have to” cause tension and stress. Often, we make self-imposed deadlines; then, we get stressed-out when we cannot live up these expectations. Or we allow other people to make unrealistic and unnecessary deadlines; or we respond to them…
Read MoreYou never see a U-Haul in a funeral procession
You can’t take anything with you. The house, the car, the toys, recognition, money, club memberships, and all the things you worked to acquire or achieve—none of it goes to the grave or beyond. So how important is it really? Is this really what life is all about? What do you barter to acquire these…
Read MoreEach of us have a indwelling divine presence that offers guidance, power, and security
We have been told: Everyone has the Buddha within. Siddhārtha Gautama 550BC Nor will they say “Look here” or Look there” for the kingdom of God is within you. Luke 17:21 We found the Great Reality deep down within. In the final analysis, it was only there that He may be found. (AA Big Book…
Read MoreThe good is often the enemy of the best; we can settle for mediocrity or strive for excellence
Settling for the good, or even the mediocre, has a definite ingrained appeal; indolence and procrastination are a part of the animalistic side of our human nature. Choosing to do as little as possible gives us an easier life. But settling leads us to accepting mediocrity in relationships, careers, and all areas of our life.…
Read MoreMake a “to be” list in addition to a “to do” list.
We get so caught up in living the rat race that we forget to actually live. We develop patterns—the mental-emotional response habits—that continually produce stress, anxiety, worry, and fear. We rush about, cramming as much activity as possible into each day; then, we crash, take a mood-altering chemical to help us relax and feel better…
Read MoreThere is no law that I must allow people to “push my buttons”
After all, they are MY buttons. Do I give other people the power to make me angry? To make me feel guilty? To make me ashamed? Do I react to what others say, how they look at me, or what I think they think about me? Do I silently accept what “they” say I should…
Read MoreTHE “Yeabuts” cause continuing misery —especially if they justify resentments, anger, or other symptoms of self-driven will.
“Yeabut—I have a right to be angry”. “Yeabut—you should see what she did”. “Yeabut—they aren’t doing what they should do”. “Yeabut—it isn’t right.” “Yeabut—it isn’t fair.” “Yeabut—I need that.” “Yeabut—I don’t have the time.” “Yeabuts” are masters of camouflage. They often hide selfish, self-centered, or self-righteous motives under a smokescreen of rationalization and justification or…
Read MoreI participate in gossip by talking—or listening. Without the listener, gossip dies
Do I have an inner void, a feeling of emptiness that makes me feel ‘less than’ other people? Is gossip one of my ways to compensate for this? Do I talk about other people? Do I share a confidence just to flout that I know something another person does not know? Must I try to…
Read MoreSufficient to the moment are the troubles thereof
A Zen story: A senior monk and a junior monk were traveling together. One day, they came to a deep river. At the edge of the river, a young woman sat weeping, because she was afraid to cross the river without help. She begged the two monks to help her. The younger monk turned his…
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