When Things Don't Go Your Way Quotes

“Many people mistake excitement for happiness.
Although being excited can be exhilarating,
it is neither sustainable nor peaceful.
Sustainable happiness is anchored in peace.
- Thich Nhat Hanh”
― Haemin Sunim, When Things Don't Go Your Way: Zen Wisdom for Difficult Times

“If I focus on the things I do not have now, my life becomes one of lack. But if I focus on the things I already have, my life becomes one of gratitude.”
― Haemin Sunim, When Things Don't Go Your Way: Zen Wisdom for Difficult Times

“When every situation is agreeable and pleasant, we have no reason to grow into a more mature version of ourselves. Only when we move out of our comfort zone and find ourselves in the space of unfamiliarity and discomfort do we begin to learn and expand intellectually, emotionally and spiritually.”
― Haemin Sunim, When Things Don't Go Your Way: Zen Wisdom for Difficult Times

“In any given moment, we have two options:
to step forward into growth,
or to step back into safety.
- Abraham Maslow”
― Haemin Sunim, When Things Don't Go Your Way: Zen Wisdom for Difficult Times

“Learning leads to growth. Growth brings happiness.”
― Haemin Sunim, When Things Don't Go Your Way: Zen Wisdom for Difficult Times

“So instead of pressuring myself to feel better, I decided to give myself permission to not be all right. I asked myself to embrace these difficult feelings and see this moment exactly as it was.”
― Haemin Sunim, When Things Don't Go Your Way: Zen Wisdom for Difficult Times

“When you judge another, you do not define them. You define yourself. —Dr. Wayne W. Dyer”
― Haemin Sunim, When Things Don't Go Your Way: Zen Wisdom for Difficult Times

“Another way to counteract the mind’s restless tendency is to wholeheartedly welcome unhappy experiences. Since our emotional well-being is primarily determined not so much by the present situation but rather our response to it, we can reduce our suffering by intentionally switching from the impulse to resist to a welcoming attitude. Rather than thinking that those uncomfortable situations shouldn’t be here, as if they were anomalies, we should include them as a part of our everyday default settings. Instead of praying that difficult situations never arise, we should not only expect to experience them but also welcome them. That way, when they occur, we won’t feel surprised or even upset because we know that they are and always will be part and parcel of our lives.”
― Haemin Sunim, When Things Don't Go Your Way: Zen Wisdom for Difficult Times

“As we go through life, our awareness never leaves us. It is always present, even though the specific thoughts and emotions we experience may come and go. See for yourself if it is possible to run away from your awareness.”
― Haemin Sunim, When Things Don't Go Your Way: Zen Wisdom for Difficult Times

“There is a world visible to our eyes and a world invisible to our eyes. Becoming spiritual means starting to be aware of the invisible world. Ad you become increasingly aware of the world beyond what you see, you will have the surprising realization that the visible world and the invisible world are ultimately not two, but one.”
― Haemin Sunim, When Things Don't Go Your Way: Zen Wisdom for Difficult Times

“What existed before thoughts and feelings arise, and what will remain the same after those thoughts and feelings disappear, is your awareness.”
― Haemin Sunim, When Things Don't Go Your Way: Zen Wisdom for Difficult Times

“If you believe that the thoughts and feelings in your mind are truly yours, then think about this question: if they are really you, then have you not existed before the appearance of those thoughts and feelings? When those thoughts and feelings disappear, if they were really you, you would disappear along with them—but have you ever experienced the disappearance of yourself?

You existed before the rising of thoughts and feelings, and will continue to exist even after they all disappear. It is because they are not your true self. They are just like evanescent clouds in a big blue empty sky.”
― Haemin Sunim, When Things Don't Go Your Way: Zen Wisdom for Difficult Times

“If you have a single anxious thought, mountains of worry and fear will gather like clouds. But when that anxious thought passes, the clear blue sky of your mind reveals itself. We can experience heaven or hell because of a single thought. So do not hang on to negative thoughts; just let them pass you by.”
― Haemin Sunim, When Things Don't Go Your Way: Zen Wisdom for Difficult Times

“If you often feel a sense of superiority, that is because a deep sense of inferiority has taken hold inside of you. Those who like themselves treat others respectfully.”
― Haemin Sunim, When Things Don't Go Your Way: Zen Wisdom for Difficult Times

“If you want to persuade someone to do what you want, it is no use to explain your position repeatedly. Instead, find out first what their main concern is, and then look for a way to satisfy both you and them. Then tell them why your way will not only help you, but also resolve their pressing needs right now.”
― Haemin Sunim, When Things Don't Go Your Way: Zen Wisdom for Difficult Times

“I hope that I will not be so preoccupied with being right that I fail to see when my preoccupation is hurting others.”
― Haemin Sunim, When Things Don't Go Your Way: Zen Wisdom for Difficult Times

“Criticizing others often leads to defensive behavior rather than fostering change. To effectively bring about transformation, start by understanding their perspective and communicate your suggestions for improvement respectfully. Without respect, advice is unlikely to be accepted.”
― Haemin Sunim, When Things Don't Go Your Way: Zen Wisdom for Difficult Times

“If you fight hate with hate, there will be no end to struggle, and the pain will continue. Only understanding and love can break the chains of hate. I bow my head to this simple yet deep truth that is thousands of years old.”
― Haemin Sunim, When Things Don't Go Your Way: Zen Wisdom for Difficult Times

“In any community, two types of individuals exist; passive and reactive or proactive and creative. The former feels that their lives are mainly controlled by external factors, while the latter understands their power to shape their own thoughts and emotions. By actively creating a positive mindset, they turn aspirations into reality.”
― Haemin Sunim, When Things Don't Go Your Way: Zen Wisdom for Difficult Times

“Accept the given situation with a positive mind.”
― Haemin Sunim, When Things Don't Go Your Way: Zen Wisdom for Difficult Times

“Just because we are familiar with our way of doing things, it doesn't mean that this way is objectively right and others are wrong. When we are living with others, we make an effort to adjust to each other so that we can live in harmony.”
― Haemin Sunim, When Things Don't Go Your Way: Zen Wisdom for Difficult Times

“Instead of being timid and fearful, aim to become strong and resilient. Then gain wisdom through life experiences and put it into virtuous actions, for achieving personal growth and making a positive impact in the world.”
― Haemin Sunim, When Things Don't Go Your Way: Zen Wisdom for Difficult Times

“Don't settle for small successes or the comfort of familiar situations. Continuously seek new knowledge from others by asking questions. When evaluating people, focus on their character, life experiences, and sense of humor, rather than external factors such as appearance, education or family background. Stay connected with nature and reading, and keep your body active through exercise.”
― Haemin Sunim, When Things Don't Go Your Way: Zen Wisdom for Difficult Times

“Take it easy and have confidence that things will work out in the end. Live true to yourself and let your unique qualities shine, without feeling the need to measure up to others. Allow life to unfold naturally and resist the urge to plan everything. Embrace the unknown and appreciate the journey.”
― Haemin Sunim, When Things Don't Go Your Way: Zen Wisdom for Difficult Times

“Successful people who reach the top through their efforts do not have a superiority complex, as they are aware of the help they received along the way. Those who have had a stroke of luck or who have started the climb recently often have an air of self-importance, asking, "Do you know who I am?”
― Haemin Sunim, When Things Don't Go Your Way: Zen Wisdom for Difficult Times

“We are programmed in our youth with certain ideals about how people ought to live. These ideals make us feel "not good enough" as we find it hard to live up to them. By the same token, we are quick to judge others who don't live by the same ideals while feeling somehow morally superior to them.”
― Haemin Sunim, When Things Don't Go Your Way: Zen Wisdom for Difficult Times

“It's nice not to do the things I don't want to do.”
― Haemin Sunim, When Things Don't Go Your Way: Zen Wisdom for Difficult Times

“It is easy to feel depressed when there is a great distance between who you are today and who you want to become. Assess you abilities honestly and they are now and set yourself new and achievable goals. Every time you accomplish one of those goals, it will be easier to achieve a slightly bigger goal.”
― Haemin Sunim, When Things Don't Go Your Way: Zen Wisdom for Difficult Times

“If you do not know what you like, you will desire what others desire. Since you have no standards, you will have no choice but to pursue what everyone wants. Unfortunately, such desires are often expensive, or there is a lot of competition for them.”
― Haemin Sunim, When Things Don't Go Your Way: Zen Wisdom for Difficult Times

“If you are too obsessed with being perfect, you will never be able to start If you don't start, the task will seem increasingly insurmountable. Take the first step and relax. You can improve it as you progress.”
― Haemin Sunim, When Things Don't Go Your Way: Zen Wisdom for Difficult Times