When facing difficult situations, accept what is rather than resisting it, as resistance creates tension, stress, and frustration, making the situation worse. This approach allows your energy to go towards useful resolution, enabling you to navigate challenges without being negatively impacted.
In times of tumult, anchor yourself by taking a breath, feeling your body (feet, hands, clothing), and noticing your surroundings to bring more of yourself ‘online.’ This practice helps you meet intense experiences with greater wisdom, recognizing that other things are happening alongside strong emotions, and caring for the present moment to care for the future.
Regularly reflect on the Buddha’s five remembrances mentioned (I am of the nature to grow old; I am of the nature to die; everyone I love and all that is dear to me are of the nature to change; my actions are my only true belongings). This practice helps desensitize you to these truths, allowing you to visualize inevitable changes and ask how you want to live each moment, thereby preparing for impermanence and not taking things for granted.
Become comfortable with not knowing what will happen, as letting go of the need to control or predict the future opens up infinite possibilities. Rely on your present moment awareness (steps, breath, current awareness) as your refuge, knowing that this is enough to find peace and happiness amidst uncertainty.
Practice looking for the good and being grateful regularly, as this creates a subtle shift in mood and provides more space and lightness to embrace difficulties. Gratitude acts as a form of resourcing, making you strong enough to care for what is painful and difficult when challenging times arise.
When in opposition to someone or something, look deeply to understand the root of the situation and its complexities, rather than just focusing on the surface. This perspective allows you to see the full humanity of others and engage with greater impact and effectiveness.
Approach difficult situations and people with humility, acknowledging that you don’t have all the answers and there might be a ‘bigger logic’ at play. Let go of the need to conceive of everything, giving space for the mystery while still advocating for what’s important, as this softening can shift the situation in unexpected ways.
Apply full care and heart to whatever you are doing, even mundane tasks like washing dishes, feeding pets, or sweeping. Disengaging and rushing through tasks to get to something ‘more important’ prevents you from being your best self and leads to a future less aligned with your desires.
Before performing a routine action, set a positive intention for it, such as wishing well for your pet as you feed them. This practice brings a different quality to the action and can make you happy, transforming the mundane into a meaningful moment.
When in a state of not knowing or limbo, actively seek ways to support, care for, share love with, and lift up others. This outward focus can help you navigate desperate situations with grace and dignity, preventing a victim mentality.
Aspire to have a daily meditation practice, even if busy times make it challenging to stick to a strict schedule. This consistent practice helps you stay grounded in the present moment and live your life deeply.