Tiny Buddha

Category: Peace

  • Tiny Wisdom: On Resisting Emotions

    Tiny Wisdom: On Resisting Emotions

    “Whatever you fight, you strengthen, and what you resist, persists.” ~Eckhart Tolle

    No amount of strength will change the fact that we are human, and to be human means to hurt. We won’t hurt always, and we don’t have to suffer endlessly, but we will feel emotions all through our lives.

    Even if we become really adept at dealing with uncomfortable emotions, we will never completely transcend them. And would we even want to? The ability to feel the darkest of moments gives us the capacity to enjoy the lightest.

    So I say lets stop fighting our natural duality. There’s no reason to pretend you’re smiling when you’re crying silently inside. It’s pointless to pretend you don’t feel angry, annoyed, frustrated, exhausted, disappointed, disillusioned, or dissatisfied when you do. Sit there and feel whatever you feel. It has a lot less power when you let it go through you.

    Only in experiencing and then taking power away from our emotions can we then let them go and move on.

    What do you need to feel and then release today?

    Photo by Kelp1966

  • Tiny Wisdom: On Forgiving

    Tiny Wisdom: On Forgiving

    Ocean and Sky

    “To forgive is to set a prisoner free and realize that prisoner was you.” -Lewis B. Smedes

    Nothing hurts more than resentment. When you sit around reliving painful stories, feeling angry and justified, it doesn’t right past wrongs. It doesn’t teach people how to treat you. It doesn’t in any way heal you.

    All anger does is force you to relive a moment that’s come and gone. And all that dwelling can actually cause you emotional and physical disease—stress, anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, stomach ulcers, and even heart attack.

    Every day we have a choice as to what we see in the world, and it starts in where we focus our thoughts. Forgiveness sets you free. It allows you to experience all the kindness in front of you without the weight of the hurtful behind you.

    Only we can open our eyes to what’s good in our today by releasing the bad in yesterday. What do you need to let go of today to create space for peace?

    photo by Atilla1000

  • Tiny Wisdom: On Being at Peace

    Tiny Wisdom: On Being at Peace

    “When you find peace within yourself, you become the kind of person who can live at peace with others.” -Peace Pilgrim

    We often think it’s the other way around—that if people around us were more peaceful, we’d be able to let go of many of our anxieties, fears, and struggles.

    No one else causes our emotions. We are the ones deciding how to respond to the world we experience. We are the ones who choose what goes on in our heads and hearts. And we are the ones who decide whether we focus on all the obstacles to peace or to take responsibility for creating it.

    Others may not always be peaceful; in fact, it’s a given that at any point in time, countless people will be in conflict, either with others or themselves. Learning to accept that is the first step toward knowing peace.

    photo by AlicePopkorn

  • Tiny Wisdom: On Carrying Stress

    Tiny Wisdom: On Carrying Stress

    “Don’t let your mind bully your body into believing it must carry the burden of its worries.” ~Astrid Alauda

    It’s an easy thing to do. Our bodies and minds are so connected that stress and worry can actually cause disease.

    We don’t have to be the victims of our anxieties. At any time, we can choose to alleviate the pressure.

    We can take a break at any time. We can disconnect at any time. We can call a friend at any time. We can cry at any time. We can move at any time. We can hug at any time. We can stop at any time. We can breathe at any time.

    Today, and this moment, is a perfect time to release the burden or your worries.

    Photo by lel4nd

  • Tiny Wisdom: On Anxiety

    Tiny Wisdom: On Anxiety

    “I vow to let go of all worries and anxiety in order to be light and free.” -Thich Nhat Hanh

    Only we can choose the way we feel, no one else.

    We don’t have to be the victim of our circumstances, the people around us, or the things we can’t control. Some things may hurt us and we’ll have feelings to deal with. But whenever we’re ready, we can choose to move on.

    Want to feel happier? Spend some time doing something you enjoy. Want to feel peaceful? Take a break and breathe deeply or meditate. Don’t worry about the things you think you should be dwelling on—you can think about them again when you’re done.

    Make the choice to be light and free today. No one else can make that choice but you.

    Photo by AlicePopkorn