Most of the psychological suffering we humans experience is voluntary and self-inflicted.We believe in thoughts that want to harm us.It’s there, in our minds, that our suffering is created; that’s where it lives and thrives.You shouldn’t believe your every thought.

Self-inflicted psychological suffering:

What happens when we genuinely, with our entire being, understand that we don’t have each other forever?We no longer have time for half-measures.One day, we’re going to have to say goodbye – to every single person who means something to us.There’s only one way to approach other people and life itself: gently.

Thoughts with the word ‘should’ in them make me small, dull and lonely.Clench your fist hard, then relax it into an open hand.It’s simple, but it’s a good illustration of how we can let go of things we cling to too hard: things, feelings, convictions.

Closed fist, open palm:

There’s value in not deceiving others for our own gain, in not hurting others because it serves our purposes at the time, in avoiding bending or twisting the truth because it’s more convenient.Something beautiful starts to happen when we actively choose to take responsibility for what we say and do.

Be the thing you want to see more of in the world:

The only thing fuelling your thoughts is your attention.If you want to access more of your vitality, get used to paying attention to your breathing.We just have to understand that these are thoughts – not truths.

We notice things in and around ourselves we haven’t noticed before.The thoughts, the feelings, the physical sensations.Thoughts are not a problem, but automatically identifying with every passing thought is a huge problem.

‘Knowledge is proud of all it knows. Wisdom is humble before all it doesn’t know.’There’s value in not getting stuck in a state of certainty.If we always cling to what we think we already know, how will we ever discover anything new?How can we learn?

Kitschy wisdom:

<ol><li class="ql-align-justify">Loving-kindness.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Compassion</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Muditā – humanity’s inherent capacity to feel joy at our own and others’ success.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Upekkha - ‘You always have to start with yourself.’ Your compassion for others will always fall short and remain fragile, so long as you’re unable to extend it to yourself first.</li></ol>

Buddha singled out four emotions he considered divine.

‘The next time you sense a conflict brewing, when you feel things are about to come to a head with someone, just repeat this mantra to yourself three times, sincerely and convincingly – in any language you want – and your worries will evaporate, like dew from the grass on a summer morning.’‘I may be wrong. I may be wrong. I may be wrong.’

The magic mantra:

9 Powerful Lessons from the book "I may be wrong" by Björn Natthiko Lindeblad

'This book really, really will stay with me forever. It's not only laced with the most incredible wisdom, but it's also gentle and beautiful and eloquent. It brought me so much joy and so much comfort' FEARNE COTTON 'Life-changing. This book is sensational. If you're struggling, feeling a little lost, anxious or in need of a mental lift, please read it' ELLA MILLS, FOUNDER OF DELICIOUSLY ELLA The Sunday Times bestselling book of comfort and timeless wisdom from former forest monk, Björn Natthiko Lindeblad We like to think we can determine the path our life takes, but events rarely unfold the way we plan for or expect. In this international bestseller, former forest monk Björn Natthiko Lindeblad draws on his humbling journey towards navigating uncertainty – helping you, with kindness and good humour, to: - Let go of the small stuff - Accept the things you cannot control - Manage difficult emotions - Find stillness at busy times - Face yourself – and others – without judgment Infusing the everyday with heart and grace, this is a wise and soothing handbook for dealing with life's challenges.

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