Freedom

There is only one freedom, and that is freedom from negative emotions.

Cacophony

To cultivate a quiet mind, continuously observe the babble of thought in the head. Notice the repetition and negativity. See how the aim of these thoughts is to trigger an emotional response, how they parade their own importance. Dispassionate attention slows the mind. The space between thoughts expands.

Purifying the mind

The truth reveals itself only when we have consciously abandoned the false—our habits and dependencies; our fears and expectations; our knee-jerk negativity and every one of the ideas we hold about ourselves.

How to stop thinking (3)

The world is more noise-polluted than it’s ever been. Likewise, the racket in our heads. The average person thinks 60,000 thoughts per day. These thoughts are mostly negative. They are also, by one estimate, 97 percent repetitive. This is the cause of tremendous suffering; And all of it is completely unnecessary. The mind wants you to feel badly about this. Don’t. No one does this on purpose. Clarity is charity.

Low places

It is beneath our dignity to complain. Ego is not likewise restrained. It loves low places.