“Awareness will always be confronted by our conditioning which compels us to return to what is easy and immediate. While discipline can be useful, it is the nourishment from our moments of awareness that give us the strength and insight to persevere through difficult times and live intentionally in each moment. Quite simply, awareness is the gateway to internal freedom.”
“It seems that in a period preceding a transition, the bonds that hold a relationship together are strengthened to their greatest levels. When the prize is at stake, so to speak, we come to a greater awareness of the nourishment that we receive from it.”
“Yes, comfort is easy and, well, comfortable—but from short-term discomfort arises a world of unexplored possibilities; in the end, rewards lie for those who have the courage to open themselves and seek.”
“Delusion ends and life begins at each moment where we can detach from our monkey minds—where there is no more comparison, no fear of loss, no need to maintain an appearance. This is the life of a gambler, of one who risks the loss of everything they once so desperately pursued, only to return to the place where everything can be seen for what it is.”
“When we lose sight of our aims and allow ourselves to get caught in the apathy and anxiety that being a human can often entail, it becomes increasingly difficult to motivate ourselves to take action. Without an intrinsic motivating force, it would seem, life loses its purpose and our once fiery spirits are extinguished by meaninglessness.”
“Casting judgement is easy; withholding our opinions and listening with an open mind is difficult. But the more we practice this, the better we become at assessing the emotional states of others, and the better we become at knowing when to push them and when to support them. Their communication will also improve as a result, finally feeling that they’ve been seen and heard, and that we do truly care.”
“The shift that has to be made is through recognizing that the work will always be a part of our life, and that fulfillment comes from choosing work that we would do regardless of the money, flexibility or prestige it offers. Once we change the definition of our end-game, we can re-examine our choices today as well; what do we commit ourselves to that isn’t inherently rewarding?”
“Acting as individuals—moving swiftly and decisively through problems—may be beneficial in the short run, but strong, trusting relationships are the true underlying foundation of a fulfilling life. Once we can look beyond the immediate payouts of activities and set our sights on the possibilities of long-term investment, a world of opportunity arises and a new sense of connection becomes attainable.”
“The simplest way to this is through open discussion, preferably with an opposing viewpoint. It is in these trusting places where growth becomes possible—where we feel the safety net beneath us to venture beyond the comforts and conveniences of our thoughts and ideas.”
“To truly enjoy this life, we need to recognize our impermanence. We need to acknowledge our death, remembering it each day that we rise again. Doing this is the gateway to freedom. Doing this is the beginning of life. When we see our life on the long horizon of time, our worries begin to fall away. When we visit a cemetery, we’re brought back to what really matters in life and we forget the meaningless distractions that we medicate our existential angst with.”