Tuesday, November 20, 2012



We should be especially grateful for having to deal with annoying people and difficult situations, because without them we would have nothing to work with. Without them, how could we practice patience, exertion, mindfulness, loving-kindness or compassion? It is by dealing with such challenges that we grow and develop.

Judy Lief, via Tricycle Magazine
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17 comments:

  1. Ms. MoonNovember 20, 2012 at 11:15 AM

    That's an excellent theory.

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  2. Ms. MoonNovember 20, 2012 at 11:23 AM

    I'm sorry. That was so mean and so snarky. I am not a good person, Elizabeth. And you are. You truly are. And you truly do your Buddhism and I love you for that and for everything you do and for all the grace you display as you do it and you are a beautiful person.
    And Sophie could not have a better mother in this world and if you did not have the grace you do, you could not be the mother to her that you are.
    So. I'm sorry. And I recognize your grace and I love you for it.

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  3. Phil DzialoNovember 20, 2012 at 12:49 PM

    Amen, but many times I have to put myself in the category of being one of those annoying people....

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  4. HeatherNovember 20, 2012 at 1:28 PM

    Yes. And it is the patience part I personally need to work on. Oh and the loving-compassion part that follows.

    Peace my friend.

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  5. DeanaNovember 20, 2012 at 1:40 PM

    When I see Sophie in this position, it reminds me of the lotus pose in yoga. The lotus pose is supposed to relax the mind, and body. Max sits like this too...only he bends his whole body in half and lays on his face. I wonder if they just know to do this to relax.

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    Replies
    1. ElizabethNovember 20, 2012 at 3:00 PM

      Sophie usually sits exactly the way you've described -- completely folded over!

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    2. DeanaNovember 20, 2012 at 5:01 PM

      He sleeps pretty soundly like that! They could teach us how to relax! ;)

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  6. TheresaNovember 20, 2012 at 1:46 PM

    I had this exact thought today.
    We are on the same wavelength.
    Do something kind for yourself today.

    xoT

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  7. michelleNovember 20, 2012 at 3:37 PM

    i agree 100%. My job daily challenges me to be patient and compassionate and I am ever grateful for the lessons.

    xoxoxo

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  8. TaradharmaNovember 20, 2012 at 8:05 PM

    Here's a favorite quote of mine, "Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional." Got to work that pain in order to minimize suffering. You have a lot to work with!

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  9. Steve ReedNovember 20, 2012 at 11:11 PM

    Tricycle, and Buddhism in general, are full of little gems like this. The problem is remembering them when we need them!

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  10. Vesuvius At HomeNovember 21, 2012 at 7:14 AM

    Oh, I get it Elizabeth. I totally get it. With a wink and another gulp of champagne.

    Holidays.

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  11. karioNovember 21, 2012 at 2:49 PM

    I had this exact thought this morning when I was meditating on why my SIL drives me so batshit crazy and how I can not rise to the bait this time. I have to thank her for being my practice instead. I'll work on it. And have more wine. And work on it some more.

    Here's hoping your holiday is lovely and not as full of opportunities to practice as it might be...

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  12. fullsoulahead.comNovember 21, 2012 at 5:38 PM

    Enough growth. Enough development. More chocolate and wine.

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  13. AnonymousNovember 21, 2012 at 8:55 PM

    I am grateful for you. I hope the Thanksgiving weekend is one of peace and laughter and rest. For all of you.

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  14. AnonymousNovember 25, 2012 at 7:24 AM

    A wonderful way to turn things on their head. I think I'll try this. Happy thanksgiving Elizabeth.

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  15. Alicia DNovember 27, 2012 at 10:14 AM

    Like a true teen, staring at the ceiling deep in thought!!

    ps - how on earth can she lie like that? my knees hurt just watching her :)... god, im old!

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