Thoughts, Perceptions, & Weeding the Garden of our Mind
Pema Sherpa
Keynote Speaker | Corporate Trainer | Lead mindfulness programs rooted in neuroscience and age-old tradition to help organizations boost performance, wellbeing and inclusivity | Co-Own Brema Solutions with Brendan Barca
The Daily Buddhist
By Pema Sherpa & Brendan Barca
Age-old Buddhist wisdom for modern living. Each week you'll get 1 quote, 1 reflection and 1 action to help you lead a calmer, clearer, and more conscious life.
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Thoughts, Perceptions, & Weeding the Garden of our Mind
Quote:
“There are many occasions when the thoughts which arise in the mind, even if they are not translated into speech or action, have a very strong positive or negative effect. So always examine your mind." - Patrul Rinpoche
Reflection:
Despite there being no change in our external reality, our thoughts can take you to the happiest place or the darkest place. That is the incredible power of your thoughts.
In the privacy of your mind, you may be tempted to allow your thoughts to run wild, taking comfort in the fact that the outside world will never get a hint of them. But, even thoughts that never lead to action or speech aren't impotent of effect. Any thoughts that sprout up in the fertile ground of our minds can influence our perception, behavior, and ultimately our experience. If we have a thought that we're lame, won't that shape our perception of ourselves? If we have a thought of envy toward someone else, won't that shape our external experience?
Action:
Right now, take a moment to examine a thought that is occupying your mind. Ask yourself if you would be comfortable with this thought shaping your perception, behavior, and experience. If not, simply acknowledge the thought and let it go—don't entertain it any further.
With consistent practice, you can become more vigilant of the thoughts passing through your mind. This increased awareness will give you the ability to gradually eliminate harmful thoughts one by one, like pulling out weeds from your garden, providing space for flowers to grow.
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