The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down: How to be Calm in a Busy World

by Haemin Sunim

When we look at the outside world, we are looking at only a small part that interests us. The world we see is not the entire universe but a limited one that the mind cares about. However, to our minds, that small world is the entire universe. Our reality is not the infinitely stretching cosmos but the small part we choose to focus on. Reality exists because our minds exist. Without the mind, there would be no universe.”

Given that the world we see through our mind’s eye is limited, if we can train our mind and choose wisely where to focus, then we will be able to experience the world corresponding to the state of our mind.

When your mind is joyful and compassionate, the world is, too. When your mind is filled with negative thoughts, the world appears negative, too. When you feel overwhelmed and busy, remember that you are not powerless. When your mind rests, the world also rests.

When you have an unpleasant feeling, don’t grab hold of it and turn it over and over. Instead, leave it alone so it can flow. The wave of emotion will naturally recede on its own as long as you don’t feed it by dwelling on it.

Don’t struggle to heal your wounds. Just pour time into your heart and wait. When your wounds are ready, they will heal on their own.

Rather than always seeking comfort from others, offer your comfort and listen to others. In the process of helping, you will be healed.

pure attention without judgment is not only the highest form of human intelligence, but also the expression of love. Observe the changing energy both attentively and lovingly as it unfolds in the space of your mind.

Do not try to control those around you. When you cannot control even your own mind, what makes you think you can control others?

We remember so well what we have done for others but easily forget what others have done for us.

Do not let people’s opinions of you determine who you are. Instead of worrying about what others think, devote yourself to your dreams.

By complaining that something we have to do is too hard, we add another layer of difficulty. Take a deep breath, and then just do it.

Life isn’t a hundred-meter race against your friends, but a lifelong marathon against yourself.

It is not always a good thing to get what you want. If everything happens the way you want, it is easy to become lazy and arrogant. You may also lose the ability to empathize with people having difficulties. Perhaps any hardship you may experience is an important life lesson.

Stop shouting, “What if?” and just take a leap of faith.