How to define your problems
To start defining your problems, say (out loud) “everything in my life is completely fine. Notice what objections arise.
— #53 on 100 Tips For A Better Life
Six right livelihood guidelines
Consume mindfully.
Eat with awareness and gratitude.
Pause before buying and see if breathing is enough.
Pay attention to the effects of media you consume.
Pause. Breathe. Listen.
When you feel compelled to speak in a meeting or conversation, pause.
Breathe before entering your home, place of work, or school.
Listen to the people you encounter. They are buddhas.
Practice gratitude.
Notice what you have
Be equally grateful for opportunities and challenges.
Share joy, not negativity.
Cultivate compassion and loving kindness.
Notice where help is needed and be quick to help
Consider others' perspectives deeply.
Work for peace at many levels.
Discover wisdom
Cultivate "don't know" mind (= curiosity).
Find connections between Buddhist teachings and your life.
Be open to what arises in every moment.
Accept constant change.
Happiness is a skill and a choice
Our happiness is built by attitude and intention. Attitude is not everything, but it’s almost everything. I visited the jazz great Jane Jarvis when she was old, crippled and living in a tiny apartment with a window facing a brick wall. I asked if she was happy and she replied, “I have everything I need to be happy right between my ears.”
An action plan for effective worrying
Ask yourself for evidence. Is this worry based on something that has happened before? Do you have reason to believe it is realistic? Write that down, but then also consider whether there is evidence against the worry coming true. If so, identify actions you can take to solve the problem. Write out the pros and cons of those actions. Choose one of those actions, and try it.
Ask yourself for evidence. Is this worry based on something that has happened before? Do you have reason to believe it is realistic? Write that down, but then also consider whether there is evidence against the worry coming true. If so, identify actions you can take to solve the problem. Write out the pros and cons of those actions. Choose one of those actions, and try it.
How to apologize effectively
Acknowledge how your action affected the person.
Say you’re sorry.
Describe what you’re going to do to make it right or make sure it doesn’t happen again. Don’t excuse or explain.
Acknowledge how your action affected the person.
Say you’re sorry.
Describe what you’re going to do to make it right or make sure it doesn’t happen again. Don’t excuse or explain.
What to say in moments of frustration
In moments of frustration and cognitive distortion, preface what you say with: “I need to say this, but I am not committed to it.”
In moments of frustration and cognitive distortion, preface what you say with: “I need to say this, but I am not committed to it.”
Follow your inner moonlight
“Follow your inner moonlight; don’t hide the madness. ”
An illustration of “Happiness”
“Happiness is the difference between what you have, and your definition of enough.” — More to That newsletter
Dream cards
These are words that were said in dreams and typed on to trading cards and watercolored.
Empty days
I always forget how important the empty days are, how important it may be sometimes not to expect to produce anything, even a few lines in a journal. … the most valuable thing we can do for the psyche, occasionally, is to let it rest, wander, live in the changing light of a room, not try to be or do anything. — May Sarton
“I always forget how important the empty days are, how important it may be sometimes not to expect to produce anything, even a few lines in a journal. … the most valuable thing we can do for the psyche, occasionally, is to let it rest, wander, live in the changing light of a room, not try to be or do anything.”
4 creative things you can do to be happier
Goddammit write your morning pages!
Any personal project — really anything! As long as it yours.
Sing, dance, play.
Sketch something everyday for 21 days.
Goddammit write your morning pages!
Any personal project — really anything! As long as it yours.
Sing, dance, play.
Sketch something everyday for 21 days.