Sunday Thinking

Today I give myself permission to be a masterpiece and a work in progress, simultaneously.

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The weekly Sunday Thinking newsletter is quick-hit content that aims to provide a booster shot to your thought process as you end and start your week.

“It’s not the existence of beliefs that is the problem, but what happens to us when we hold them rigidly, without examining them, when we presume the absolutely centrality of our views and become disdainful of others.”

― Sharon Salzberg, Faith: Trusting Your Own Deepest Experience

I. Busy Vs. Productive

Being productive does not mean working 24/7. It means working effectively within the shortest amount of time.

  • Being busy feels urgent. Being productive feels effective.

  • Being busy is frantic and multitasking. Being productive is focused.

  • Being busy is working harder. Being productive is working smarter.

  • Being busy is fueled by perfectionism. Being productive is fueled by purpose.

  • Being busy says yes quickly and takes on more than can handle. Being productive thinks carefully before taking on more tasks.

  • Being busy talks about the little time they have. Being productive makes time for what is important.

Source: Nawal Mustafa, @TheBrainCoach

II. Remembering Thich Nhat Hanh

Zen Buddhist monk, peace activist, and author Thich Nhat Hanh passed away peacefully yesterday, January 22 in Huế, Vietnam, at the age of 95.

Known as the “Father of Mindfulness,” here are 5 life lessons from the beloved teacher that we can carry on and implement in our daily living:

  • Lesson #1: Practice Mindfulness Mindfulness allows you to live deeply every moment that is given you to live.

  • Lessons #2: Find True PeacePeace is not simply the absence of violence; it is the cultivation of understanding, insight, and compassion, combined with action. 

  • Lesson #3: Your Signature Is EverywhereEvery thought you produce, anything you say, any action you do, it bears your signature.

  • Lesson #4: All Your Have Is Your ActionsMy actions are my only true belongings.

  • Lesson #5: Don't Be A ZombieSome people live as though they are already dead. There are people moving around us who are consumed by their past, terrified of their future, and stuck in their anger and jealousy. They are not alive; they are just walking corpses.

“Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh lived a truly meaningful life. I have no doubt the best way we can pay tribute to him is to continue his work to promote peace in the world.” ― The Dalai Lama, Spiritual Leader of Tibetan Buddhism

III. Auditing Your Life

Life is too short to keep carrying things that aren't supporting your growth. Each day is a unique opportunity to loosen our grip, heal our hearts, and live a meaning filled life. Here are gentle reminders for the onward journey.

  • If it is costing you your peace put it down.

  • If it is robbing you of joy, leave it alone.

  • If it is disrupting the flow of ease in your life, let it go.

  • No more settling because you think you have to ― you don't.

Source: Alex Elle, Teacher, Writer & Coach

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V. Question

How long will you put off what you are capable of doing just to continue what you are comfortable doing?

VI. This Week I Will

  1. Conquer a fear.

  2. Journey in faith.

  3. Nurture my vision.

  4. Maintain my focus.

  5. Sustain my growth.

The Last Words…

“The place to improve the world is first in one's own heart and head and hands, and then work outward from there.”

― Robert M. Pirsig, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

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