Monday, May 18, 2009

Let Go of the Daydream, Embrace the Day

Let Go of the Daydream, Embrace the Day

Reflection on impermanence and death is an excellent opponent force for worry and for craving. When we reflect on impermanence and our own mortality, our priorities become much clearer. Since we know that death is certain but its time isn't, we realize that having a positive mental state in the present is of utmost importance. Worry can't abide in a mind that is content with what we have, do, and are. Seeing that all things are transient, we stop craving and clinging to them, thus our happy memories and enjoyable daydreams cease to be so compelling.

--Thubten Chodron, from Taming the Mind (Snow Lion)