When setting a new routine, 

begin modestly.

Let’s say we’re new to meditation. In our newfound enthusiasm, we decide that we’re going to meditate thirty minutes every day. Our goal set, life quickly intercedes and excuses proliferate. I’m too busy. Or Got to clean this mess in the kitchen. Or I’m really tired. I’ll chant tomorrow. 

For whatever reason, we don’t meet our newly set goal.

But was it reasonable in the first place? Meditating for thirty minutes every day is most admirable. But very often not doable initially. What if, instead of setting that goal for thirty minutes, you set it for three minutes? Still too busy or tired? 

“You mean I only have to sit and concentrate for three minutes?” Even a busy or tired person can most likely manage three minutes.

By setting a modest goal, we have a much better chance of meeting it and feeling good. Plus, there’s an additional benefit. After chanting for three minutes, we may continue for a few more. But even if we don’t, we get to feel good at having accomplished our goal.

With grasping, we lose . . .

A rollercoaster can be fun

as long as it’s not an emotional one.

It happens all the time. We’re in the midst of one thought, when a very different one pops in. As it elbows its way to center stage, feelings absent mere seconds ago cascade in as well. In a flash, the new feelings—perhaps happiness, perhaps anxiety or sadness—expand and drive earlier feelings aside.

Riding this emotional rollercoaster, we finally remember that our feelings are transient. And, despite their insistence otherwise, they are actually not real. After all, the feelings weren’t even here a minute ago! Now we’re deliriously happy, or ridden with anxiety, or overwhelmed by sadness.

We need to summon up better thoughts—those of awareness, understanding, and control—and unplug the rollercoaster. What will we discover? A sense of peace and confidence, knowing that while we can take part in and appreciate life, we need not be overwhelmed by uncontrollable feelings.

We thus avoid that exhausting rollercoaster and, instead, glide contentedly through life.