If you want to be happy, think first of others. If you want to be unhappy, think only of oneself.

My new book is coming out. Here’s an excerpt.

Selflessness is a path, not a state of perfection. The Buddhist principle of selflessness is not about being a doormat, or a falsely-humble holy guru on a mountaintop—it’s about learning to be vividly present in the details of our everyday life, instead of caught up in our internal stories.

If, along the way, we continue to passionately practice turning our self-concern outward, like a flower opening to the morning sun, thinking of others, first…we might find, one morning, that our ego’s perpetual drama has begun to dissolve.

The above is an excerpt from Waylon H. Lewis’ forthcoming book, It’s Never too Late to Fall in Love with Your Life: Practical Buddhist advice for Everyday Life. It’s 365 quotes, with commentary, one for every day. Pre-order it here and save $5.

His first book, the best-selling Things I would like to do with You, is also available at that link.