Buddhist Boot Camp

by Timber Hawkeye

Habitually contemplate whether your thoughts stem from love or from fear. If your thoughts originate in love, then follow them. But if they originate from a place of fear, then dig deep to find the root of your fear. Only then will you be able to finally let go of it so that fear no longer limits your possibilities.

First things first: stop granting yourself everything you crave. Doing so simply conditions the spoiled kid to know that it can continue having whatever it wants.

Is peace merely the absence of war, or is it tranquility despite the conflict? Is happiness the absence of suffering, or is it contentment despite the imperfections?

The minute we become more concerned with what someone else is (or is not) doing, is the minute we fail to do our own part.

We cannot control what anyone else is up to; we can only be mindful of what we can each do individually, and do it well.

We also have an incredible and unlimited capacity to love, but the question is: Can we do it like a flower? Without needing to be admired, adored, or even noticed? Can we open our hearts completely to give, forgive, celebrate, and joyfully live our lives without hesitation or need for reciprocity?

Just as when we say, “Namaste,” meaning the divinity in us acknowledges and respects the divinity in others, pay homage to the God within you, and celebrate your greatness every day.

Compassionately understand that everyone is on his or her own path and, furthermore, honor where everyone is on that journey at every moment. No fear, no hatred, bigotry or animosity, just deep understanding, empathy, love, and respect for all beings.

Everything is subject to time, place, and circumstance. There are no “shoulds” in compassionate thinking!