A time of uncertainty, of not knowing exactly where we're headed, or what kind of choice to make is a Zen moment. Brenda Shoshanna More Quotes by Brenda Shoshanna More Quotes From Brenda Shoshanna It is a mistake to expect all of our needs to be met by one person or in one relationship. Honor and be grateful for that which you receive. Don't become bitter and spend all your time focusing on that which the person is not able to provide. Brenda Shoshanna mistake time relationship The facts of our lives, when we are able to know them, will free us from the torment we are in. When we can bear reality thoroughly, suffering is over. Pain may exist, but it is only pain. Suffering is what we add to pain. Brenda Shoshanna pain suffering reality we learn the process of emptying out, cleaning house, both within and without. Brenda Shoshanna cleaning learning house When we are able to receive life's challenges as koans rather than problems, they become interesting and exciting, rather than ponderous and depressing. Brenda Shoshanna depressing challenges interesting Fear of the future and longing for the past are major factors which impede appropriate action. Brenda Shoshanna future action past From the Zen view all beings are in the grip of the three poisons, greed, anger and delusion (ignorance). Brenda Shoshanna anger ignorance views Do not make this practice a source of pressure, compulsion, anxiety or pride. It is none of these. Zazen is simply a way to find your true home. Brenda Shoshanna pride practice home When we do not reject our suffering, or add anything to it, pain is simply pain. It is what we add to our pain that turns it into suffering. Brenda Shoshanna pain suffering add What we pay attention to expands. What we pay attention to we become. Brenda Shoshanna pay-attention pay attention We are what we think about. When we stay fixed on one person, thought or situation, we get caught in the grip of self-centered thoughts. The more we give attention to that which is upsetting, the more strength it has to rule our lives. Brenda Shoshanna strength self thinking All experiences are welcomed and fully digested, not judged good or bad. Brenda Shoshanna judged When we are in a truly loving relationship, we receive the gift of being known and accepted. We become more, not less, of who we are. We receive the space in which to bloom. This is how we know we are in a loving relationship. We are blooming, and the one we love is blooming as well. Brenda Shoshanna space love relationship God's guiding hand, the guiding Voice, resting lightly upon us is best felt and heard when we are silent and still. Brenda Shoshanna silent voice hands In the Zen Way we focus upon each breath, each day, each moment and experience it totally. One complete breath brings the next. Brenda Shoshanna experience focus each-day This is how we know we are in a loving relationship. We are blooming, and the one we love is blooming as well. Brenda Shoshanna loving-relationships blooming love-is
