Matt, Juniper and Jasmine, thank you so much for your beautiful words of wisdom. I woke up early and found the responses in my email and definitely had a better day because of all of you. I appreciate it so much!

Matt, Ajahn Jayasaro is so good. I love his approach to counting breaths, and it’s definitely something that helps my mind focus on counting rather than spinning in that maze. Thank you for sharing.

Juniper, I am so lucky that you logged in TB to share your response. It made me smile and definitely made me feel better. I have read it a ton of times. So many things you said helped, especially the pink elephant analogy, to allow the feelings and thoughts being that’s all they are, and to not judge my insides to other people’s outsides (so true). And I appreciate you pointing out the different ways to view thoughts. Interesting, and I have never thought of the differences that way. Thank you for your kindness and knowledge.

Jasmine, it’s so great to hear from you. I will take your “preaching” anytime, being it’s really wonderful advice. How true that when we live without conditions and feel content, life is so much easier. It’s odd how we can beat ourselves up, when it’s probably the last thing we need. And you are right about looking outside to external circumstances/people to make sense of something when really the “answers” or peace comes from within. Thank you for sharing all your great advice, and ah, the heart chakra meditation is so soothing. Your pearls of wisdom are brilliant, and I will be coming back to this post many, many times for a refresher. I need to be more conscious and consistent to working on self. Thank you for so much insight to help me with that. And for sharing your big, bright light.