Quotes About Mindfulness

As William James observed, we must reflect that, when we reach the end of our days, our life experience will equal what we have paid attention to, whether by choice or default. We are at risk, without quite fully realizing it, of living lives that are less our own than we imagine.

When we speak of living environments and their effects on us, then, we are often speaking too broadly—of the city, the countryside, and so on. Our most immediate environment is actually formed by what holds our attention from moment to moment, whether having received or taken it. As William James once put it, "My experience is what I agree to attend to.

For how we spend the brutally limited resource of our attention will determine those lives to a degree most of us may prefer not to think about. As William James observed, we must reflect that, when we reach the end of our days, our life experience will equal what we have paid attention to, whether by choice or default. We are at risk, without quite fully realizing it, of living lives that are less our own than we imagine. The

As William James observed, we must reflect that, when we reach the end of our days, our life experience will equal what we have paid attention to, whether by choice or default.

Keep your ears open. You know what the first word of the holy rule of Saint Benedict is? Listen.

If this is the only thing I accomplish today, will I be satisfied with my day?

every day, it's something to reflect on and think about 'How do I become less competitive in order that I can become more successful?

Fighting emotions is like flailing in quicksand—it only makes things worse. Sometimes, the most proactive "defense" is a mental nod and wink.

Learning to ignore things is one of the great paths to inner peace. —ROBERT J. SAWYER, Calculating God

Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose.

The miracle is not to walk on water. The miracle is to walk on the green earth, dwelling deeply in the present moment and feeling truly alive. —THICH NHAT HANH

The Tail End" by Tim Urban on the Wait But Why blog—if you only read one article this month, make it that one. It

But not having cable or the Internet turns out to be cheaper than having them. And nature is still technically free, even if human beings have tried to make access to it expensive. Time and quiet should not be luxury items.

the key to not feeling rushed is remembering that lack of time is actually lack of priorities. Take time to stop and smell the roses, or—in this case—to count the pea pods.

Learn to slow down. Get lost intentionally. Observe how you judge both yourself and those around you.

The struggle ends when the gratitude begins.

More than 80% of the interviewees have some form of daily mindfulness or meditation practice

If you don't believe in an afterlife, then you [should realize] that this is such a short and precious life, it is really important that you don't spend it being unhappy. There is no excuse for spending most of your life in misery. You've only got 70 years out of the 50 billion or however long the universe is going to be around.

Show up in every moment like you're meant to be there, because your energy precedes anything you could possibly say." Marie Forleo

We create stress for ourselves because you feel like you have to do it. You have to. I don't feel that anymore. —OPRAH WINFREY, actress and talk-show host, The Oprah Winfrey Show

The really efficient laborer will be found not to crowd his day with work, but will saunter to his task surrounded by a wide halo of ease and leisure. There will be a wide margin for relaxation to his day. He is only earnest to secure the kernels of time, and does not exaggerate the value of the husk.' Think

Being overwhelmed is often as unproductive as doing nothing, and is far more unpleasant. Being selective—doing less—is the path of the productive.

The Shortness of Life: Seneca on Busyness and the Art of Living Wide Rather Than Living Long" "How to Find Your Purpose and Do What You Love" "9 Learnings from 9 Years of Brain Pickings" Anything about Alan Watts: "Alan Watts has changed my life. I've written about him quite a bit.

And if all else fails, I try to obey this message I got in a Chinese fortune cookie (which I have since taped to my laptop): "Avoid compulsively making things worse.