We can aspire to be kind right in the moment, to relax and open our heart and mind to what is in front of us right in the moment. Now is the time. If there’s any possibility for enlightenment, it’s right now, not at some future time.
-Pema Chodron
Do you dwell on the future? Putting off the good things we can do right now can be just as risky as living in the past.
In reality, when you feel depressed, lonely, betrayed, or any unwanted feelings, this is an important moment on the spiritual path. This is when real transformation can take place.
-Pema Chodron
How do you describe and respond to “negative” emotions? Look at pain as a teacher, not a bully.
Start where you are. You might be the most depressed person, the most addicted person in the world, the most jealous person in the world. You might think that there are no others on the planet who hate themselves as much as you do. All of that is a good place to start. Just where you are- that’s the place to start.
– Pema Chodron, The Pocket Pema Chodron
What stops you from starting? When we stop trying to be perfect we can start moving towards our ideal selves. There is no moment aside from the now so that is the best place to start because it could be the only place.
Without giving up hope- that there’s somewhere better to be, that there’s someone better to be-we will never relax with where we are and who we are.
– Pema Chodron
Do you feel that the grass is always greener on the other side? You can only become who you envision by being who you are right now.
The Pocket Philosopher 