To take the task of training the mind seriously, stop taking everything it says seriously
Suppose we have a child. If we take the responsibility of caring for and training the child seriously, we won’t take everything the child says [...]
The less we identify with our thoughts the less we act thoughtlessly
Whenever we do something regrettable, we wonder, “Why did I act so thoughtlessly?” First, we are never literally thoughtless, for we are never without thoughts. [...]
The stronger the hold of problems on our mind the weaker becomes our hold on ourselves
Suppose we see a friend getting rattled when facing problems. We may tell them, “Get a hold on yourself.” This common usage suggests that we [...]
The mind makes the uncomfortable seem unbearable and then makes us do the unconscionable
The mind makes the uncomfortable seem unbearable and then makes us do the unconscionable Suppose someone lives in a place with uncomfortably hot weather. If [...]
The mind is not afraid to interrupt us don’t be afraid to interrupt it
Suppose we are working in a team with someone who keeps interrupting us. And what they suggest is mostly distracting at best and disastrous at [...]
The mind makes the easy seem difficult and the difficult seem impossible
The mind makes the easy seem difficult and the difficult seem impossible When we have to do something, we often assess how easy or difficult [...]