Being

When we are doing nothing in particular, it is then that we are living through all our being. Henri-Frédéric Amiel

Last update: 9 March 2024

Being

It is when we act freely, for the sake of the action itself rather than for ulterior motives, that we learn to become more than what we were. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

Cherishing the Present Moment and Embracing Mindfulness

Live each day with purpose, free from distractions, and embody virtues of sincerity, justice, and self-awareness. Embrace the beauty of the present moment and cultivate mindfulness to observe without evaluating, fostering a higher form of intelligence.

Embracing the Present Moment with Gratitude

Recognize each day as a precious privilege to be alive, focusing on the now rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Cherish every moment and find joy in the simplest of things.

Cultivating Mindfulness for Inner Peace

Develop the ability to observe your surroundings and inner experiences without judgment, acknowledging them with intelligence. Cultivate mindfulness to find inner peace and clarity in the midst of life's challenges.

Cultivating Mindfulness for Self-Discovery

Explore the depths of your being through mindfulness. Discover the power of self-awareness and the transformative effects it can have on your life. Embrace the journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

Living with Purpose and Integrity

Approach every task and decision as if it were your last, ensuring your actions align with your values and virtues. Live with purpose and integrity, leaving a positive impact on the world around you.

Eliminating Distractions for Laser-Focused Productivity

Actively work to free yourself from unnecessary distractions, focusing your energy and attention on what truly matters. Experience heightened productivity and fulfillment by eliminating distractions that hinder your progress.

Maintaining Emotional Equilibrium for Inner Harmony

Maintain emotional equilibrium by valuing wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance in all aspects of life. Cultivate inner harmony and balance, allowing you to navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience.

You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think. — Marcus Aurelius

Experiencing Life's Rapture

Living in the moment to fully embrace the joy of being alive.

True fulfillment comes from appreciating the essence of being alive

Acknowledge that true fulfillment comes from appreciating the essence of being alive, rather than solely focusing on achievements or material success.

Live in the Moment

 Practice mindfulness and presence to experience the richness of life in the current moment, understanding that this is where eternity is experienced.

Seek Through Being

Understand that the quest for life's meaning is not about external pursuits but about connecting deeply with the experience of being alive and resonating with your core self.

Impact Through Self-Discovery

Realise that personal transformation and growth have a ripple effect, contributing to the betterment of the world by inspiring and vitalising others.

Personal transformation and growth have a ripple effect

Realise that personal transformation and growth have a ripple effect, contributing to the betterment of the world by inspiring and vitalising others.

Shift your focus to the joy of being alive

Shift your focus to the joy of being alive, practice mindfulness to appreciate the present, engage in self-reflection to connect with your true self, and view your personal growth as a way to positively influence the world.

The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are. Joseph Campbell

Make A Conscious Decision To Live As Your Most Authentic Self.

Commit fully to your actions and choices, understanding that tentative efforts yield tentative outcomes.

Embrace Your True Self

Recognise the importance of not delaying personal growth and the pursuit of your true self. Make a conscious decision to live as your most authentic self.

Act Your Role with Conviction

Understand and accept the role life has assigned you, whether it be humble or grand. Perform your role with naturalness and integrity, as advised by Epictetus.

Adopt a Growth Mindset

Commit to continuous improvement and growth. Acknowledge that human betterment involves gradual progress and occasional setbacks.

Maintain Self-Compassion

Practice kindness towards yourself, avoiding harsh comparisons with others or an idealized version of yourself. Recognize that self-compassion is crucial for resilience and growth.

Commit Wholeheartedly

Commit Wholeheartedly: Avoid half-hearted efforts as they lead to uncertain outcomes. Embrace a mindset of full commitment to your actions and decisions.

Decide to live authentically

Decide to live authentically, embrace your life's role, focus on continuous growth, be kind to yourself, and commit fully to your decisions and actions.

You are a little soul carrying around a corpse. Epictetus

Being and Action

Acceptance of oneself is a foundational step towards improvement.

Embrace Self-Acceptance

Recognise and accept your current state as satisfactory. Understanding that you are alright as you are sets a foundation for natural improvement without forced efforts.

Acknowledge Identity Flexibility

Realise that your current self-conception is just one of many possible ways of being. You have the capacity to change and evolve beyond your present identity.

Understand the Being-Action Connection

Grasp the concept that being and action are two sides of the same coin; they are different yet cannot exist without the other. This understanding can enhance your approach to life and decision-making.

Define Personal Significance

Shift your focus towards creating meaning in your life through your actions and choices, rather than following paths laid down by others. This creation of significance is what distinguishes a lived life from an inherited one.

Empower Your Words

Practice articulating your perceptions and truths consistently. Over time, this practice will strengthen your influence over your reality, aligning it more closely with your words and beliefs.

Accept who you are

Accept who you are, explore different identities, understand the link between your being and actions, create your own life's meaning, and recognize the impact of your words on reality.

Health is a function of participation. — Werner Erhard

Embrace Simplicity For A Fulfilling Life

Simplify your life and find joy in ordinary experiences.

The Unified Nature of Sensory Experiences

Understand that all sensory experiences, while seemingly distinct (seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, touching, thinking), originate from a singular essence. This perspective helps in appreciating the interconnectedness of our perceptions.

Embrace the Concept of Voidness

The void stands between opposites, containing everything yet opposing nothing. This understanding can lead to a fuller appreciation of life and its manifestations.

Adopt a Mindset of Having No Further Desires

Cultivate an attitude of contentment with being your "ordinary self" without seeking additional fulfillment through material possessions or societal status. This mindset fosters inner peace and simplicity.

Live Authentically in the Present:

Learn to navigate life by being fully present in every situation, mastering your circumstances rather than being driven by them. This approach leads to a genuine expression of self and a true connection with the world. Just be your ordinary self with nothing further to seek. 

Find Joy in Simplicity

Embrace a simple lifestyle that focuses on essential living—eating, sleeping, and engaging with the natural world—without being influenced by the judgments of others. This simplicity can bring profound joy and understanding.

Embrace Simplicity For A Fulfilling Life

Practice mindfulness, understand the void, live without further desires, authentically engage with the present, and embrace simplicity for a fulfilling life.

The real being, with no status, is always going in and out through the doors of your face. Rinzai Gigen

Cultivate Patience and Openness

By embracing patience, openness, and a purposeless tension, one can transcend self-imposed limitations and engage more fully with the present moment.

Cultivate Patience and Openness

Learn to wait without a specific purpose, maintaining a relaxed and poised state, without succumbing to the anxiety of potential outcomes. This mindset fosters a readiness to embrace whatever comes. See what comes and how it comes!

Embrace Unconcerned Immersion

Achieve a state of deep engagement with oneself, undisturbed by external expectations or internal disturbances. When disruptions occur, meet them with calm breathing and equanimity until they no longer hold your attention.

Engage in Meticulous Observation

Develop the ability to observe your surroundings and inner experiences with precision and detachment. This practice enhances the capacity to receive inspiration without deliberate effort.

Relinquish Purposeful Intent

Let go of conscious objectives and allow yourself to exist in a state of purposeless tension. This detachment opens the way for spontaneous action and reaction, free from the constraints of deliberate planning.

Maintain Purposeless Tension

Preserve a state of readiness and openness without clinging to specific goals or outcomes. This tension, devoid of self-centered intent, cultivates a receptive environment for inspiration and intuitive action.

Embracing Patience, Openness, And A Purposeless Tension

By embracing patience, openness, and a purposeless tension, one can transcend self-imposed limitations and engage more fully with the present moment. This approach fosters an environment where inspiration can flow freely, unencumbered by conscious effort or specific objectives. Cultivating a relationship with internal disturbances and meticulous observation further enriches this state, leading to deeper insight and creativity.

We should not practice anything except self-detaching immersion. Eugen Herrigel

Cultivate Non-judgmental Observation

Observing without attaching labels, judgments, or evaluations, allowing for a clearer understanding of reality.

Cultivate Non-judgmental Observation

Practice observing events and emotions without attaching labels or judgments. This approach fosters a deeper understanding and acceptance of what is.

Engage in Self-inquiry

Dedicate time and effort to explore significant questions deeply. This process requires sensitivity and intelligence to identify the right questions that lead to profound insights.

Accept Life's Challenges

Recognise the inherent difficulties in life without seeking to escape through fabricated solutions. Acceptance allows for a more genuine engagement with reality.

Seek Personal Transformation

Understand that fundamental change begins within oneself. It necessitates a commitment to examining one's mind and actions without relying on external authorities or solutions.

Embrace Personal Responsibility:

Acknowledge that the journey towards living differently is a personal one. It involves taking full responsibility for one's thoughts, emotions, and actions without depending on others for guidance.

Embracing Non-Judgmental Observation And Deep Inquiry

Embracing the philosophy of non-judgmental observation and deep inquiry can lead to a profound understanding of life and oneself. By accepting life's challenges and engaging in self-examination, one can initiate personal transformation. This journey requires taking full responsibility for one's internal processes, recognizing that true change does not depend on external authorities but on one's efforts and dedication.

You yourself are the teacher and the pupil; you are the Master; you are the guru; you are the leader; you are everything. And to understand is to transform what is. — Jiddu Krishnamurti

Embrace Your Uniqueness

You are a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence, with a unique blend of qualities.

Embrace Your Uniqueness

Acknowledge and value your individuality, understanding that you are a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence, with a unique blend of qualities.

Discover the Playful Self

Engage with the playful aspect hidden within, especially in interactions with others, recognizing the importance of joy and play in a balanced life.

Trust in Bodily Wisdom

Listen to and trust the wisdom of your body, which often understands more about what is good for you than your conscious mind can articulate.

Accept Life’s Transience

Embrace the transient nature of existence, understanding that taking risks and living boldly are essential components of a fulfilling life.

Perceive Time Differently

Try to view the world as if time did not exist, which can help straighten out life’s complexities and offer a new perspective on challenges and opportunities.

Forge Your Own Path

Understand that your journey through life is yours alone to navigate. While others may offer guidance, ultimately, the path you take and the choices you make must be your own.

Remember, The Journey Is Yours Alone

Embracing your unique essence, acknowledging the wisdom within your body, and accepting the transient nature of life are keys to living authentically. By viewing life from a timeless perspective and forging your own path, you can navigate the complexities of existence with clarity and purpose. Remember, the journey is yours alone—embrace it fully and walk it with confidence.

Go your ways! and let the people and peoples go theirs! Friedrich Nietzsche

Presence, Acceptance, and Self-Trust.

Practice is this life, and realization is this life, and this life is revealed right here and now.

Embrace Your Current Reality

Where Recognise and accept where you are in life at this moment, understanding that your present circumstances constitute your reality, whether they are pleasurable or painful.

Avoid Splitting Your Energy

Be wary of setting expectations or aiming for something outside of your current experience, as this can lead to a division of focus and energy, creating imbalance and dissatisfaction.

Accept Life Unconditionally

Commit to living your life as it is, without categorising it as good or bad, desirable or undesirable. This acceptance allows for a deeper engagement with the reality of your existence.

Cultivate Self-Trust

Foster trust in yourself as you are now, rather than aspiring to be a version of yourself that you think you should be. Acknowledge and value your innate capabilities and strengths.

Embracing Life In Its Entirety And Cultivating Self-Trust

The essence of this teaching is to live fully in the present, accepting life as it unfolds, and trusting in oneself. It encourages a departure from the pursuit of expectations or desires that can dilute one's focus and energy, leading to imbalance. By embracing life in its entirety and cultivating self-trust, one can engage more deeply with the present moment, finding contentment and understanding in the here and now.

Emptiness is in fact form when we forget the self. There's nothing in the universe other than ourself. Nothing to compare, name, or identify. When it's the only thing there is, how can we talk about it? Taizan Maezumi

Embrace The Magnitude Of Your Own Existence

Silence and natural expression are valuable practices for connecting with the essence of life. Tranquility comes from understanding and accepting oneself.

Cultivate Inner Fulfillment

Recognise that the wonders and desires we seek are already within us. This realisation fosters a sense of completeness and tranquility.

Practice Patience

Understand that chasing after desires can lead to distress, whereas patience allows what we truly need to come to us effortlessly.

Engage in Self-improvement

Work on achieving your own perfection to mitigate feelings of envy or inadequacy when comparing yourself to others.

Recognise Your Inherent Value

See yourself as embodying vast potential, akin to the entire ocean in a drop, and embrace the magnitude of your own existence.

Embrace Silence

Let silence guide you to a deeper understanding of life, where you can connect with the universal harmony that underlies existence.

Express Yourself Without Concern For Judgment Or Reception

Like the birds, express yourself without concern for judgment or reception, finding joy in the mere act of expression.

Connect Deeply With The Core Of Life

Understanding and nurturing the desires within can lead to a fulfilling and tranquil existence. Patience, self-improvement, acknowledging one's vast potential, the practice of silence, and natural expression are essential components of this journey. By internalizing these practices, one can connect deeply with the core of life, embracing the universe's music and expressing oneself freely and joyfully.

Let the beauty we love be what we do. Rumi

Softness, Slowness, and Lightness

Adopt a way of living that is slow and soft, akin to the natural world.

Value Solitude

Recognise the importance of being comfortable and content in your own presence, understanding that solitude can be enriching rather than a source of loneliness.

Appreciate Existence

Reflect on the inherent qualities of existence, such as its softness, slowness, and lightness, appreciating the simple yet profound nature of being.

Understand Being

Grasp the concept that being is defined by its essence — "Being is what it is," independent of external perceptions or attributes.

Acknowledge the Power of Choices

Embrace the idea that the choices we make fundamentally shape our identity and our reality, highlighting the importance of deliberate decision-making.

Live Fully and Softly

Adopt a way of living that is slow and soft, akin to the natural world, allowing for a deeper connection with reality and an enhanced sense of aliveness.

I am myself and I am here. — Jean-Paul Sartre

Reflect on Your Motivations

Regularly question and clarify why you're pursuing your current activities.

Reflect on Your Motivations

Regularly question and clarify why you're pursuing your current activities, ensuring they align with your values and bring satisfaction.

Identify Energy Sources

Notice which activities energise you and which deplete you. This awareness can help steer your life and work towards more fulfilling experiences.

Embrace Authenticity

Differentiate between actions that reflect your true self and those aimed at pleasing others or adhering to perceived expectations.

Seek Growth through Challenges

Recognise that stepping into what excites and scares you is a powerful way to grow, rather than passively searching for a predefined passion.

Apply the "Hell Yeah or No" Principle

Use this principle as a decision-making filter, committing only to opportunities and projects that genuinely excite you.

Understand Why You Do What You Do

Understanding why you do what you do, focusing on what genuinely excites you, and making choices that align with your true self are foundational to living a fulfilling life. 

By adopting a mindset that seeks growth through challenge and uses the "Hell Yeah or No" principle for decision-making, you can ensure that your life and work are both meaningful and aligned with your deepest values and desires.

In the end, it's about what you want to be, not what you want to have. Derek Sivers

Putting One's Entire Being Into Every Action

Approaching life with the intensity of a bonfire, leaving no part of oneself uncommitted.

Live Each Moment Fully

Approach each moment as if it were your last, not as a preparation for something else but as a complete experience in itself.

Engage Completely in Your Actions

When you undertake any activity, do so with total dedication, using both your body and mind. Focus entirely on the task at hand to ensure it is done completely and thoroughly.

Be Like a Bonfire

Strive to burn yourself completely in your actions, leaving no trace of ego or incomplete effort, symbolised by the image of a clean-burning bonfire without any smoky residue.

Dedicate Yourself Continuously to Your Practice

Understand that true practice or dedication to any passion isn't confined to a specific timeframe but is an ongoing, moment-to-moment commitment that requires your full attention and presence.

You Can Achieve a State Of Mindfulness and Fulfilment, Moment After Moment

By adopting a mindset of total commitment—symbolized by the imagery of a bonfire that leaves no trace of itself—one can achieve a state of mindfulness and fulfillment, moment after moment

Each of you is perfect the way you are ... and you can use a little improvement. Shunryu Suzuki

Existence is Inherently Playful and Dynamic

Existence as inherently playful and dynamic, devoid of any absolute necessity. It suggests a shift in perspective towards 

Embrace the Playfulness of Existence

Recognise and accept the universe's inherent dynamism and lack of predetermined purpose, viewing life as a spontaneous dance or music to be enjoyed.

Cultivate Awareness

Develop a mindful approach to life, experiencing each moment as it is, free from judgments or preconceived ideas, to understand the true nature of existence.

Appreciate Life's Impermanence

Accept the transient nature of the world as a fundamental aspect of its beauty, fostering peace of mind in the face of change and uncertainty.

Live in the Eternal Present

Engage fully in the present moment, understanding the art of timing as being completely absorbed in life's rhythms without the compulsion to hurry.

Understand Your Fundamental Connection with Existence

Realise that your deepest self is not separate from the universe but is the very fabric and structure of existence, experiencing life from the perspective of this fundamental unity.

Recognising Our Deep Connection With The Fabric Of The Universe

Understanding existence as playful and without inherent necessity invites a transformation in how we engage with life. By cultivating awareness, embracing impermanence, and living fully in the present moment, we can experience the joy and depth of existence. Recognizing our deep connection with the fabric of the universe, we learn to appreciate life as an art, mastering its rhythms without rushing, and seeing the world around us as an extension of our innermost self.

Your soul is not in your body; your body is in your soul. Alan Watts

Authenticity, Presence, and Acceptance

Acceptance in your personal journey.

Embracing one's true self

embracing one's true self without pretense or comparison, living in the moment, and responding to life's experiences with mindfulness and openness.

Reflect on and define what is truly important to you

Reflect on and define what is truly important to you, ensuring these values reflect your unique journey and essence.

Practice mindfulness

Practice mindfulness by allowing the current moment to exist without resistance, accepting your current state of being.

Embrace who you are in your entirety

Cease efforts to alter your fundamental self out of fear or aspiration; embrace who you are in your entirety.

Allow yourself to feel whatever you are feeling

Acknowledge that your physical location, actions, and thoughts define your current reality; decide how you will respond to and engage with these factors.

Practice of letting go in your daily life

Implement the practice of letting go in your daily life, recognizing the power in acceptance and presence over resistance and coercion.

Allow yourself to fully experience your emotions

Allow yourself to fully experience your emotions without judgment or suppression, understanding that these feelings are part of your human experience.

Embodying what is important to you involves recognising and honouring your unique path

Embodying what is important to you involves recognizing and honoring your unique path, practicing mindfulness and acceptance, and engaging with life authentically and openly. By focusing on presence, letting go of resistance, and fully experiencing your emotions, you can live a life that is true to your deepest values and essence. Remember, wherever you go and whatever happens, the most empowering question is, "Now what?" and how you choose to answer that reflects your commitment to living authentically.

Focus on presence

By focusing on presence, letting go of resistance, and fully experiencing your emotions, you can live a life that is true to your deepest values and essence. Remember, wherever you go and whatever happens, be present, to be wakeful.

See for yourself whether letting go when a part of you really wants to hold on doesn't bring a deeper satisfaction than clinging. Jon Kabat-Zinn

Embracing Mindfulness, Authenticity, and Purposeful Living

Musas sunt boreass de varius elevatus. Ferox, camerarius homos inciviliter resuscitabo de talis, bassus mens.
  • How can I ensure my actions reflect my true self?

    Before making decisions, ask yourself if the action aligns with your core values and whether it feels authentic to who you are. Be willing to say no to things that don't resonate with your true self.
  • How can I cultivate patience and openness in my life?

    Practice being present in each moment without rushing to the next. When faced with uncertainty or waiting, use the opportunity to observe your thoughts and feelings with curiosity rather than impatience.
  • How can I start practicing mindfulness?

    Begin by dedicating a few minutes each day to sit quietly and focus on your breath. Notice when your mind wanders and gently guide it back to your breath. This simple practice can help enhance your awareness of the present moment.
  • How can I simplify my life to focus on what's important?

    Evaluate your daily activities and possessions to determine what truly brings you joy and fulfillment. Gradually reduce or eliminate distractions and unnecessary items to create more space for meaningful experiences.
  • How can I embrace the dynamic, playful nature of existence?

    Allow yourself to experience life's moments with a sense of curiosity and openness. Engage in activities that spark joy and creativity, reminding yourself that life doesn't always need to be taken so seriously.
  • How do I reflect on and define what's truly important to me?

    Spend time in quiet reflection or journaling to explore your deepest desires, aspirations, and values. Consider what brings you genuine happiness and fulfillment and how you can incorporate more of these elements into your life.
  • What can I do to achieve emotional equilibrium?

    Develop a routine that includes mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep-breathing exercises. When faced with emotional challenges, acknowledge your feelings without judgment and allow yourself time to process them.
  • What steps can I take to live more authentically?

    Reflect deeply on your values and what truly matters to you. Make a conscious effort to align your daily actions and decisions with these values. Embrace your unique journey without comparing it to others'.
  • How can I commit fully to each moment and task?

    Approach every activity with the intention of giving it your full attention and effort. Before starting, take a moment to remind yourself of the purpose behind the task, however small, and engage with it completely.
  • What's an effective way to practice letting go in daily life?

    Identify areas where you're holding onto control or resistance and consciously decide to release them. Practice acceptance of situations as they are, focusing on your response rather than trying to change the uncontrollable.

We carry inside us the wonders we seek outside us. — Rumi

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