Peace of Mind

Suffering and unsatisfactory circumstances are pervasive in this life and will be inescapable. You, as a human being, will never be able to prevent these circumstances from happening. You can, however, learn how to deal with these situations and practice patience in the face of adversity. Not only will you maintain your peace of mind, you will also act in a manner that you can later look back on and be proud of.

If someone shouts at you, it's a normal response to feel angry. If you respond with anger, the situation is aggravated, because now there are two angry people instead of just one. The minute that you remember that you do not have to respond to anger with anger the problem will begin to be resolved.

Buddhism teaches that our enemies are offering us opportunities to practice patience, which creates positive karma.

"There is nothing whatsoever that is not made easier through acquaintance.

So through becoming acquainted with small harms, I should learn to patiently accept greater harms."

Shantideva

Finding Time

As my heart and soul have traveled through these long winter days I'm reminded of a promise I made to myself this past summer. The promise to find time. Even as the days are getting longer and we seem to have shaken the bitter wind that so freely blows finding time seems to be getting harder instead of easier. I told myself that if I stayed busy enough that the winter would simply steal away and before I could utter a word of displeasure the sun that I long for would warm my shoulders once more. If only I could stay busy enough then the cold winter nights would quickly and quietly give way to sun kissed cheeks and the sweet fragrance of sweet peas and lavender.

My tactic has worked and time is flying by, but I have to ask about the cost. Will I slow down when the sun shines warmly on my face? Will I then find the time to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of this beautiful life? I hope so.