I heard this quote when I was about 20 years old somewhere on YouTube. It led me to pursue Zen Buddhism and spend a lot of time meditating. I even went on a retreat where I meditated for two weeks. It wasn’t easy, and a lot of memories from my childhood came up.
I suffered a lot of trauma, and a lot was done to me that wasn’t right. However, because of my pursuit of wisdom, I can now say that I have gained a lot of insight into how the world works and how to navigate it.
I understand the people around me better and why they are the way they are.
But most importantly, I know the inner workings of myself.
I know what makes me feel good and what makes me feel bad. I know what actions tend to lead to what results. I know what I want in my life, and I have a better understanding of how to go about getting it.
Am I perfect?
Absolutely not.
I still have days when I get depressed or sad and don’t want to do anything. But I know those days are a stage I’m going through, not my entire life.
So, the best advice I can give you is this:
Get to know yourself first.
What is a quote that changed your life? Let me know in the comments.
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Once you got it don’t look back
When I was young, about 20 years old, I wanted to try something different. Although I was raised Roman Catholic, I went to see a psychic. I was scared, but I said, “Maybe he can help me.” Really, I wanted to see if it was true—to see if they could predict the future or tell me information that I didn’t know.
Although it was vague and didn’t really impress me, there was something that I remember to this day. He said, “I’m going to give you something so you can have anything you want in life. But once you get it, don’t look back.”
I really didn’t understand what that meant and didn’t really think about it until today. While browsing through the bookstore, I saw a book that said, “Don’t look back; you’ll trip over.”
How many times do we look back in life and think about what could have been and how our life could have turned out differently? Had we made this one decision differently or realized something sooner?
But what if we accept things as they are—the good, the bad, and the ugly? We truly would realize we are already rich and successful. We might not have as much money as Elon Musk or be as successful as Hulk Hogan, but that’s comparing, and comparison is the thief of joy.
So stop regretting, accept that what you have is already enough, and once you’ve got it, don’t look back.
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The Path of Authentic Zen
I discovered Zen in 2008. I had just finished school, and I was stressing out. I needed a way to relax. From the movies I saw on TV, I thought, why not try martial arts? I looked up a nearby temple and decided to visit.
The Zen Buddhism philosophy is impressive. It is viewed as a way of life. The main point is to stay in the moment. If you are walking, walk if you are reading a book. Just focus on the words that are in front of you. That is Zen in a nutshell.
However, the practice is viewed as challenging by many. Although Zen says don’t make it difficult or easy, focus on the moment. How is this done, many might ask? Simple every time a thought comes to your head, dismiss it or watch it go by like a cloud.
There is formal and informal practice. Formal practice is sitting on a meditation cushion and practicing meditation, otherwise known as clearing the mind.
Meditation is unique. It can be effortless or tough. There are days when it is easy. It was usually the days I wasn’t thinking about anything, and nothing was bothering me. Over the years, I noticed my life becoming uncluttered and having a purpose.
There is also the spiritual study of zen buddhism. The eightfold path to Nirvana includes eight steps they are Right Understanding, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration.
It helped with a lot of conflict at work and in life. The study of wisdom allowed me to see things clearer and with a better perspective. The zen Buddhist path is a simple path that will leave one mystified and impressed. Looking back, it was the right choice for my spiritual needs. And it left me more fulfilled and relaxed about life.
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