Pema Chödrön

‘As human beings, not only do we seek resolution, but we also feel that we deserve resolution. However, not only do we not deserve resolution, we suffer from resolution. We don’t deserve resolution; we deserve something better than that. We deserve our birthright, which is the middle way, an open state of mind that can relax with paradox and ambiguity. To the degree that we’ve been avoiding uncertainty, we’re naturally going to have withdrawal symptoms—withdrawal from always thinking that there’s a problem and that someone, somewhere, needs to fix it.
The middle way is wide open, but it’s tough going, because it goes against the grain of an ancient neurotic pattern that we all share. When we feel lonely, when we feel hopeless, what we want to do is move to the right or the left. We don’t want to sit and feel what we feel. We don’t want to go through the detox. Yet the middle way encourages us to do just that. It encourages us to awaken the bravery that exists in everyone without exception, including you and me.’ (from Lion’s Roar)

Responses

  1. Juli Hoffman Avatar

    Yes! I think we struggle with this need to “fix.” The world, ourselves… “Why am I not happy all the time, 24/7?” I’m new to Pema Chodron’s teachings, but the advice I’ve recieved from her so far, has been invaluable.

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  2. shundo Avatar

    Thanks Juli. She is a popular teacher for a reason – so much of what I read from her resonates with me.

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