The spiritual journey involves going beyond hope and fear, stepping into unknown territory, continually moving forward. The most important aspect of being on the spiritual path may be just to keep moving.
Pema ChodronRead
Don’t worry about achieving. Don’t worry about perfection. Just be there each moment as best you can.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Focus on being present rather than striving for perfection or achievement.
This quote by Pema Chodron emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and living in the moment. It suggests that instead of being preoccupied with the idea of success or the pursuit of perfection, we should concentrate on being fully present and giving our best effort in each moment, which can lead to a more fulfilling and less stressful life.
Themes
MindfulnessPresencePerfectionLifeMoment
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared during a meditation session to emphasize the practice of being present.
More from Pema Chodron
All quotes →Without giving up hope—that there’s somewhere better to be, that there’s someone better to be—we will never relax with where we are or who we are.
Pema ChodronRead
When we scratch the wound and give into our addictions we do not allow the wound to heal.
Pema ChodronRead
It's said that when we die, the four elements - earth, air, fire and water - dissolve one by one, each into the other, and finally just dissolve into space. But while we're living, we share the energy that makes everything, from a blade of grass to an elephant, grow and live and then inevitably wear out and die. This energy, this life force, creates the whole world.
Pema ChodronRead
Meditation practice isn’t about trying to throw ourselves away and become something better. It’s about befriending who we are already. The ground of practice is you or me or whoever we are right now, just as we are. That’s the ground, that’s what we study, that’s what we come to know with tremendous curiosity and interest.
Pema ChodronRead
We have two alternatives: either we question our beliefs - or we don't. Either we accept our fixed versions of reality- or we begin to challenge them. In Buddha's opinion, to train in staying open and curious - to train in dissolving our assumptions and beliefs - is the best use of our human lives.
Pema ChodronRead
Similar quotes
You will not be satisfied unless you are contributing something to or for the benefit of others.
Walter AnnenbergRead
Personal growth has its price, and she was paying it without complaint.
Paulo CoelhoRead
Every thought that you have impacts you. Shift from a thought that weakens to one that strengthens you.
Wayne DyerRead
There is indeed a certain sense of gratification when we do a good deed that gives us inward satisfaction, and a generous pride that accompanies a good conscience…These testimonies of a good conscience are pleasant; and such a natural pleasure is very beneficial to us; it is the only payment that can never fail. “On Repentance
Michel De MontaigneRead
Holding anger is a poison. It eats you from the inside. We think that hating is a weapon that attacks the person who harmed us. But hatred is a curved blade. And the harm we do, we do to ourselves. Forgive, Edward. Forgive...no one is born with anger. And when we die, the soul is freed of it. But now, here, in order to move on, you must understand why you felt what you did, and why you no longer need to feel it.' She touched his hand. 'You need to forgive your father.' ~pgs 141-142
Mitch AlbomRead
Preserve the sayings of those people who are indifferent to the world. They say only that what Allah wishes them to say.
UmarRead