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The fixed idea that we have about ourselves as solid and separate from each other is painfully limiting.
It is possible to move through the drama of our lives without believing so earnestly in the character that we play. That we take ourselves so seriously, that we are so absurdly important in our own minds, is a problem for us. We feel justified in being annoyed with everything. We feel justified in denigrating ourselves or in feeling that we are more clever than other people.
Self-importance hurts us
limiting us to the narrow world of our likes and dislikes. We end up bored to death with ourselves and our world. We end up never satisfied.
We have two alternatives
either we question our beliefs—or we don’t. Either we accept our fixed versions of reality, or we begin to challenge them. In Buddha’s opinion, to train in staying open and curious—to train in dissolving our assumptions and beliefs—
is the best use of our human lives.
~ Pema Chödrön
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Hey, thanks so much for reading! Elephant offers 1 article every month for free.
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And clearly you appreciate mindfulness with a sense of humor and integrity! Why not join the Elephant community, become an Elephriend?
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Ready to join?
Hey, thanks so much for reading! Elephant offers 1 article every month for free.
If you want more, grab a subscription for unlimited reads for $5/year (normally, it's $108/year, and the discount ends soon).
And clearly you appreciate mindfulness with a sense of humor and integrity! Why not join the Elephant community, become an Elephriend?
Your investment will help Elephant Journal invest in our editors and writers who promote your values to create the change you want to see in your world!
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