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The problems of human beings can only be solved by human beings. No god is going to come down from the sky and enlighten us. We have to do it ourselves. - Gelek Rimpoche
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Why should the world be as I wish it to be? Should my wishes prevail over those of all others? What is the source of such conceit? - Tashi Nyima
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Assume a virtue, if you have it not. - Shakespeare
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Whenever we do anything skillful, helpful, beneficial, a positive act no matter how minute, the merit not only stays with us, but also with the recipient and the witnesses of that skillful act. Therefore, it is impossible to predict the effects that any single positive act can have. The wave of that skillfulness keeps expanding and generating beneficial consequences, way beyond any limits that we may conceive. - Tashi Nyima
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If we are not skillful enough our mind can make us believe that we are something we are not. Ignorance is very good at deceiving us that way, and if it is powerful enough we will not know that we are being deceived, making it even more difficult for us to escape from this deception. It is possible to spend our entire life deluded by our own mental formations.
- Bhante Gunartana
- Bhante Gunartana
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The Buddha exhorted us to not associate with the foolish, to always associate with the wise, until the time we attain enlightenment. - Douglas John Imbrogno
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Here are some sad statistics indicating most Americans are lonely and don’t have a “best” friend.
• 52% of Americans report feeling lonely.
• 47% report their relationships with others aren't meaningful.
• 59% of Americans say they have a best friend,
• 12% say they feel they don't have any close friends.
U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy refers to loneliness as a public health crisis adding the fact that loneliness is an epidemic that urgently needs our attention. He shares his own bouts of loneliness, largely because he devoted all his time to work leaving no time to connect with a friend. “I've spent much of my life really focusing on work and not really investing as much time in relationships as I should have,” Murthy told editors of Fortune magazine. “I have had to deal with the consequences of that over the course of my life, of feeling lonely and isolated at times.”
So what can be done to relieve loneliness and increase connection. Here are my three simple but effective suggestions:
#1) Initiate contact. Be the one who reaches out. People don’t initiate because because they don’t have the emotional confidence or think they’re too busy. If that’s you, just reach out. Over ride any hesitation.
#2) Reach out with micro acts. Texting is one of the most effective ways. Text someone you view as a friend. And, text him or her regularly during the week saying “I’m just checking in” or “How is your week going” or “I really value our friendship.” And, if you’re on the receiving end of a text from a friend, be certain to respond promptly. That lets the other person know you liked hearing from him or her and that you’re willing to participate in communication.
#3) Make time for friendship. Yes, we’re all busy, very very busy. But. Don’t let that stop you from making time to be with someone, in their physical presence. It doesn’t have to be a great deal of time. Suggest going for a 45 minute walk (you’ll both get some needed exercise while
simultaneously connecting by being physically present with each other).
Loneliness can be "cured" easily by making friendship a priority in 2024. Putting in a modest effort will produce a large benefit.
• 52% of Americans report feeling lonely.
• 47% report their relationships with others aren't meaningful.
• 59% of Americans say they have a best friend,
• 12% say they feel they don't have any close friends.
U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy refers to loneliness as a public health crisis adding the fact that loneliness is an epidemic that urgently needs our attention. He shares his own bouts of loneliness, largely because he devoted all his time to work leaving no time to connect with a friend. “I've spent much of my life really focusing on work and not really investing as much time in relationships as I should have,” Murthy told editors of Fortune magazine. “I have had to deal with the consequences of that over the course of my life, of feeling lonely and isolated at times.”
So what can be done to relieve loneliness and increase connection. Here are my three simple but effective suggestions:
#1) Initiate contact. Be the one who reaches out. People don’t initiate because because they don’t have the emotional confidence or think they’re too busy. If that’s you, just reach out. Over ride any hesitation.
#2) Reach out with micro acts. Texting is one of the most effective ways. Text someone you view as a friend. And, text him or her regularly during the week saying “I’m just checking in” or “How is your week going” or “I really value our friendship.” And, if you’re on the receiving end of a text from a friend, be certain to respond promptly. That lets the other person know you liked hearing from him or her and that you’re willing to participate in communication.
#3) Make time for friendship. Yes, we’re all busy, very very busy. But. Don’t let that stop you from making time to be with someone, in their physical presence. It doesn’t have to be a great deal of time. Suggest going for a 45 minute walk (you’ll both get some needed exercise while
simultaneously connecting by being physically present with each other).
Loneliness can be "cured" easily by making friendship a priority in 2024. Putting in a modest effort will produce a large benefit.
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The philosopher Descartes once wrote, ‘I think, therefore I am.’ A Buddhist might say: ‘The way I think is the way I am…' - Douglas John Imbrogno
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Our actions, for harm or benefit, arise first in the mind, as thoughts with certain intentionality behind them. For most of us, as we attempt to refrain from evil and accomplish good, the mind is often contrary and unsupportive, agitated and rebellious, intent on another, generally selfish, agenda. As a result, following the precepts and practicing generosity is often a struggle. - Bhikkhu Cintita
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Thinking can be productive and good. But most of the time, our thinking is not productive. Our thoughts pull us away from the here and now. It’s very important to learn how to stop all of that unproductive thinking. It doesn’t mean that thinking is inherently bad, because in fact thinking can be good. But so much of our thinking causes sorrow, fear, or anger to arise. - Thich Nhat Hanh