Thay Kozen told me this very early on.  I’m sure if you could translate my facial expression at the time, it would have said, “Huh? Really?”  But as time goes on, I realize the more I embrace “Just Be,” the more peaceful I feel.

I’ve had some thoughts that troubled me greatly.  Until someone reminded me, “You are not your thoughts.”   They are just thoughts.  Actions… on the other hand…

Your actions are your only belongings.
You can not escape the consequences of your actions.
Your actions are the ground upon which you stand.

But thoughts come and go; they float by.  They are not you.

Things are as they are.  If you judge yourself, you’ll just make yourself miserable.  Which is okay if that’s what you want to do.  The past doesn’t exist.  The future doesn’t exist yet.  Dwelling in either is a surefire way to miss out on the peacefulness of the present moment.

Everytime you say, “Should,” stop.  Stop and rephrase the sentence without the, “should.”  If you, “should” yourself, you’re judging yourself.  Better to choose wisely.  Follow your gut.  “Shoulding” yourself will just make you miserable.  Which is okay if that’s what you want to do.

This was a tough one.  This sounded nuts to me.  But we are all perfect just as we are.  We all do our very best.  That being said, there’s a lot of letting go of thoughts that lead to a more peaceful life.  It’s in the letting go that peace is found.  Attachment–to thoughts and things–can bring us suffering.  Letting go is wonderfully liberating.