The Buddha’s criteria for Wise Speech include – in addition to the obvious expectation that speech be truthful – that it be timely, gentle, motivated by kindness, and helpful.
Life is easier without imperatives.
Mindfulness, the aware, balanced acceptance of present experience, is at the heart of what the Buddha taught.
Mindfulness is the aware, balanced acceptance of the present experience. It isn’t more complicated that that. It is opening to or recieving the present moment, pleasant or unpleasant, just as it is, without either clinging to it or rejecting it.
Spirituality doesn’t look like sitting down and meditating. Spirituality looks like folding the towels in a sweet way and talking kindly to the people in the family eve though you’ve had a rough day.
Mindfulness meditation doesn’t change life. Life remains as fragile and unpredictable as ever. Meditation changes the heart’s capacity to accept life as it is.
Life is painful, suffering is optional.
I am thankful that thus far today I have not had any unkind thoughts or said any harsh words or done anything that I regret. However, now I need to get out of bed and so things may become more difficult.