Buddhist teacher Sylvia Boorstein on 5 styles of habitual reaction—and how to find freedom from yours.
A More Liberated You?
In our Weekend Reader newsletter, Rod Meade Sperry explores Buddhist wisdom for ditching negative habits.
How We Get Hooked and How We Get Unhooked
Shenpa is the urge, the hook, that triggers our habitual tendency to close down. We get hooked in that moment of tightening when we reach for relief. To get unhooked we begin by recognizing that moment of unease and learn to relax in that moment.
Take Three Conscious Breaths
Photo by Eutah Mizushima.Pema Chödrön teaches us a simple technique we can use anytime we need a break from our habitual patterns.
Confined by Cowardice
Painting by Miriam Davis.The way to free ourselves, says Sakyong Mipham, is to face life head-on without the seductive companionship of habitual patterns.
Gaining Perspective on Habitual Patterns
Buddha, 2007. by Noppadon PutipinWhen you’re caught in your habitual patterns, says Joan Sutherland, try not to fixate on your reactions. Instead cultivate awareness of everything that is happening in the moment.
It’s All Good
Everything is either wisdom or a distortion of wisdom, says Anne Carolyn Klein. Once we see this, we can relax and follow the path.
How Will I Use This Day?
We are always meditating, constantly placing our minds on an object and becoming familiar with it. But are we getting too comfortable?
Take the Big View
Our habit is always to return to a small view of our experience. meditation trains us to return again and again to a larger view of our existence.