We each have our own values regarding what is important in life. And we each have a personal sense of value, often focused on what we are lacking. It can be useful to identify a few core values you deem important, like integrity, kindness, or a sense of humor. Then recognize how you live those values within yourself. In mindful presence, Lori Furbush Too many people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they are.
—Malcolm Forbes We’ve likely been hurt many times in life. It is only natural to build some armoring to protect ourselves. Sometimes that armoring is so well constructed that we find it difficult to let love and joy and peace in. We might even find it difficult to inhale with freedom. Perhaps today we can soften into receiving the breath, receiving support from others, and receiving the love we so desperately want and need. In mindful presence, Lori Furbush Our task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.
―Rumi It is said that “Suffering = Pain x Resistance.” When we are in physical, mental, and/or emotional pain, it is hard enough. Then we add our own resistance to the pain because we want to fix it or get rid of it. Sometimes, when it is do-able and not too overwhelming, it is useful to soften into the fact that pain is here—even to become a bit friendlier with the reality of now. This keeps us from adding suffering onto an already difficult experience and sometimes will help the pain to shift. In mindful presence, Lori Furbush Painful feelings are, by their very nature, temporary. They will weaken over time as long as we don’t prolong or amplify them through resistance or avoidance. The only way to eventually free ourselves from debilitating pain, therefore, is to be with it as it is. The only way out is through.
—Kristin Neff Caught in the mode of just getting through the day, we often miss out on wonder. How amazing it is that the earth turns and the sun appears every morning. How amazing that your breath flows in and out keeping you alive. How amazing that your body metabolizes food into energy for action. How amazing that your brain creates images, stories, and fresh new ideas. In mindful presence, Lori Furbush If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.
—Maya Angelou Self-compassion is the ability to treat ourselves the way we might naturally treat others who are suffering. We might place a hand on a friend’s shoulder and say some kind words of acknowledgement and encouragement. We can also do this for ourselves, becoming an inner ally instead of an inner enemy. We do not thrive on criticism, so why do we think our harsh inner words will be motivating? In mindful presence, Lori Furbush Unlike self-criticism, which asks if you're good enough, self-compassion asks, what's good for you?...So why is self-compassion a more effective motivator than self-criticism? Because its driving force is love, not fear.
—Kristin Neff |
AuthorLori Furbush teaches Qigong, Yin Yoga, & Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). She weaves MINDFULNESS & RELAXATION into every moment. Archives
February 2025
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