Contemplative Monday

The following is a passage from 'Heart Advice, Weekly Quotes From Pema Chodron'.

NOTICE YOUR OPINIONS

"There is nobody on the planet, neither those whom we see as the oppressed

nor those whom we see as the oppressor, who doesn't have what it takes to wake up.

We all need support and encouragement to be aware of what we think, 

what we say, and what we do.

Notice your opinions. 

If you find yourself becoming aggressive about your opinions,

notice that.

If you find yourself being non-aggressive, notice that.

Cultivating a mind that does not grasp at right and wrong,

you will find a fresh state of being.

The ultimate cessation of suffering comes from that.

Finally, never give up on yourself.

Then you will never give up on others.

Wholeheartedly do what it takes to awaken your clear-seeing

intelligence,

but one day at a time, one moment at a time.

If we live that way, we will benefit this earth."

Lichen on bark.