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

by Haemin Sunim

The wise do not fight the world. In the most relaxed and playful manner, they simply embody the truth that they are one with it.

Don’t give up in the face of criticism. Learn to brush aside what people who don’t know you have to say. Having critics means what you’re doing is getting people’s attention. Have courage, and continue down the path you’re on.

Those who work in a playful, relaxed manner tend to work efficiently and creatively. Those who work nonstop, driven only by stress, work without joy. To keep doing your work for a long time, do not treat it as just work.

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.

When you attack someone, it is often because you are afraid.

The most dangerous people are those who have passion but lack wisdom.

When hiring, look beyond skills and experience to see if the candidate knows how to enjoy her job. People who enjoy their work are usually more successful than those who don’t.

Maturity comes with experience. One lesson of maturity is that we should not take our thoughts too seriously, and must learn to curb our ego and see the bigger picture.

Criticism without a solution is merely an inflation of the critic’s ego.

If the people around you always agree with you, they are probably opportunists, not loyalists.

If you want to truly succeed, don’t use anyone else’s yardstick.

Whether we like it or not, we naturally become influenced by our surroundings. Ask yourself, “Who do I want to emulate? Is that person physically or mentally nearby?”

When we speak too much, it is easy to speak ill of someone. So when you feel talkative, just be mindful.

If you try to lead people only by stressing rules and principles, they will leave you, one by one. A good leader knows this, and thus tries to cultivate virtue.

Can you sense his fear, insecurity, and unworthiness? Can you feel loneliness or shame under the surface? Rather than surrendering to him, observe him compassionately.

People who easily ignore others do so because they are afraid of being ignored.

Wherever you go, cultivate a sense of ownership. If you see litter in a church, library, or park, pick it up. As you take ownership, your life will have more purpose, and people will notice your good example.

Wear confidence. It is the height of fashion.

Too much od confidence is arrogance?

The person who says, “That person is so political,” is usually just as political, if not more.

Life is like jazz. Much of it is improvised; we cannot control all the variables. We must live it with panache and flair, regardless of what it throws at us.

Do not be envious of those who are good at many things. First learn to be good at one. You will soon be able to do two or three.

Whether good or bad, everything stems from a single thought. If we are careful with that first thought, even tragedies can be prevented.

Knowledge wants to talk. Wisdom wants to listen.

If someone shares his problems with you, don’t feel the need to have the solutions. Just listen sincerely. This is often more helpful.

A cruel irony: The reward for someone who works hard is more work.

Rather than focusing on getting ahead of your friends, first try to discover your unique color.

Those who understand deeper meanings beyond the surface and who try to embody humility and peace also recognize the familiar inner light flickering in the eyes of other religious followers.

It is a sign of great spiritual strength to keep someone else’s secret.