October 15, 2013: Back to the Basics

A death or sickness in the family, an unexpected hurdle in a work project, an unrealized dream with no clear path forward. These external stressors are part of living. Called by Buddhists the "first arrow," these sources of suffering are often beyond our control. But we can work to control the slinging of the "second arrow":  our own graspings, aversions, and delusions that so often follow those first arrows. If we're not careful, these second arrows can quickly fan the flames of suffering. But it is in us to be peaceful in all circumstances. Even if we're already wound up about it all, it's not too late to begin again. It starts with remembering to breathe.