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.
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.”
An illustration of “Happiness”
“Happiness is the difference between what you have, and your definition of enough.” — More to That newsletter
Imagine yourself as a mountain
An audio meditation for stress resilience
“Stress is a reaction to our perceived to our wellbeing. Therefore we have individual experiences of what stresses us out. It throws us off our base into a fear or panic reaction. When we are in this state we are no longer clear minded and often act in ways that are not helpful. The practice of Mountain Meditation is a powerful way to return to balance and equanimity.”
Transcript of meditation audio:
Imagine yourself as a mountain, one you have seen and experienced, or can just imagine. Is it snowy? Or green? Tall with one peak or several? Fully embrace this vision of your mountain, either up close or from afar. Recall that mountains experience all the different seasons. Summer, autumn, winter and spring unfolding. Summer brings wildflowers and green. Autumn often covers the mountain with a splendored coat of many colors. Winter brings more brown or the white of snow. Springs bring new growth and renewal. Has the mountain actually changed? The mountain remains the same, solid, stable and grounded. It just sits here being mountain. The mountain is much like our own lives. Circumstances come and go. When people visit the mountain, they often make judgements, like it’s too cloudy, I can’t see the mountain, it’s so hot. I love climbing mountains, etc. In the midst of all these comments. The mountain just sits, being truly itself. And we learn so much from the image of this mountain as we move throughout our life. Letting go of the opinion of others, of harsh judgements, challenging moments. Remember that we can move through the season eventually. If you remember to stay true to your authentic nature. Just being in the world. Just as you are. This magnificent being.