Hold a mirror to ourselves and feel satisfied
If we don't hold a mirror to ourselves, we may end up having no inclination or even an aversion to holding a mirror to ourselves. [...]
How to be present in the present
To be present in the present, we need to learn to focus gradually and incrementally. If our mind is wandering, we can bring it back [...]
How distraction cheats us
The problem with distraction is that it leads to a frustrating non-presence in the present. The present moment is an opportunity for us to both [...]
Invest in doing something worthwhile
Even if we can't control the quantity of our life, we can always control the quality of our life. Some people feel afraid that death [...]
Why we fail in improving ourselves
Why we often fail in our attempts at self-improvement is because we are tricked by our mind into aiming for instant improvement – and then [...]
Bringing out the best part of ourselves
Self-control is not necessarily suppression of the self, it is selection of what is worthy within the self. When some people are told to discipline [...]
How NOT to respond to mistakes
Pondering our mistakes is helpful if the focus is on how we can learn, but pondering our mistakes can be harmful if the focus is [...]
Proving point or improving viewpoint
Proving our point is counterproductive if we are not improving our viewpoint. Sometimes when we know that someone else is wrong and we go about [...]
Why we fail in improving ourselves
Why we often fail in our attempts at self-improvement is because we are tricked by our mind into aiming for instant improvement and then we [...]
Make up for lost time
Even if we can't get back lost time, we can make up for lost time. Sometimes we may miss some opportunities in the past, or [...]
Focus on progress not success
To grow steadily, focus on progress, not on success. Whenever we start doing something challenging, such as focusing our mind and learning to gain mastery [...]
The tension between the present me & the potential me
Inside us, there is the "present me," which refers to the person as we are right now, with our needs, cravings, comforts, and indulgences. The [...]
Why humility is a vital ability
Humility is the ability to ensure that our ability doesn't take over our identity. When someone possesses an extraordinary ability, they can very easily become [...]
Casual attitude
There isn't much value in thinking about how not to do something; that will only create fear. If I am driving, thinking about how not [...]
Receptive + Submissive = Pathway to wisdom
To grow in knowledge, we need to be not just receptive, but also submissive. When we learn from someone who is an expert, at that [...]
How to grow in courage
When we seek to become more courageous, we may believe that we have to uproot fear from our heart. But courage doesn’t require fear to [...]
Two steps to develop inner accountability
When we strive for inner change through purification, it can be a long and laborious journey with many twists, turns, and even u-turns. Sometimes negative [...]
Humility in the inner war
When we strive to discipline ourselves by breaking free from our self-sabotaging cravings, we are essentially launching a war against them. Underscoring the reality and [...]
Grateful for our weaknesses?
When we strive to cultivate gratitude, one of the most disheartening pitfalls on our path may be our struggles with our weaknesses, especially if those [...]
Gratefully ambitious
While most people acknowledge the importance and even the necessity of gratitude for a happy life, some people fear that if they are grateful for [...]
How to speak more effectively: Cross or Across?
Whenever we have a difference of opinion with someone, wherein despite our best attempts to persuade them, they just don't seem to get our point, [...]