Five simple rules for a life of peace, presence and purpose

[@weaviejeebies]

I've been a Buddhist and meditator for 25 years, and for myself, it's not so much happiness practice as it is equanimity. When I'm happy, it's easy to float along in that uplifting current. It's choosing to stay a positive person willing to adapt and retain compassion when things get ugly that I need awareness of and is subject to deliberate choice. I try to choose to swim against the downward flow, or at least anchor in place and hold steady until the situation inevitably changes. It's not always easy to do with a mood disorder, my genes assert themselves and sometimes the undertow is very strong, but I think the victory at that situation comes not from how you feel, but that you've spotted it and choose to see it as inaccurate information, not how things really are. If you can hit a place of even aspiring to equanimity in the uncomfortable and unwanted moments, rather than just unquestioned following of the current, that's a win and a practicable skill to cultivate.

[@Betwixt_App]

@@weaviejeebies This is so, so well articulated. I couldn’t agree more, especially understanding as a skill and a win, the simple knowledge that a negative thought/feeling/perspective is a pattern and therefore _not_ necessarily an accurate representation of reality. I’ve talked about that so many times with clients. I think it’s so key. Also, sorry for the long and tortuous sentence!

[@TheSouthernLights]

Wow, I needed that! Thank you so much for sharing!!!

[@Chanalvin78]

Thank you. It’s so helpful.

[@RalfyCustoms]

Thank you ❤ "That was then, this is now" is helping me to switch veiwpoint at the moment

[@Betwixt_App]

Yes, that’s lovely 🤍🤍🤍

[@zart8478]

Thank you so much for this. Had some challenging emotions lately.

[@Betwixt_App]

I’m very sorry to hear it 🖤

[@VikrantSingh-se2zb]

Your advice is noteworthy and indeed deeply appreciated about highly entangled mental health sacred games.😊❤

[@Betwixt_App]

@@VikrantSingh-se2zb You’re very welcome 🖤🖤🖤

[@blueblackhusky]

This instantly made me think of Marcus Aurelius' meditation about choosing one's reasponses for the day (also check out the amazing comic that Zenpencils created out of it). Lovely, helpful content, thank you! 😊

[@Betwixt_App]

Yes, this is very much aligned with Aurelius’ thoughts (though, not as magically articulated!) I haven’t seen the comic, though. Will have a look!

[@terrywalters9178]

Thank you,very helpful.

[@Betwixt_App]

You’re so welcome 🖤

[@JTSA1234]

Except for people with TBI, neuro divergence or neuro degeneration. Where are the tricks for those whose memories are impaired?

[@JaneNewAuthor]

I am not neurotypical. If anything, I find this advice easier to follow than the NT population, as I have a far greater capacity to concentrate.