Little Buddha,

I’m sorry for your suffering, and can understand how hopeless we can feel when cycles overwhelm us. It feels big, as though associations are strong, ruts are deep, because they happen consistently. A few things came to heart as I read your words.

Consider that it feels like lots of problems, because they crop up in many ways. But really, it seems like most of your issue stems from negative fixation. We have an unpleasant experience, and as we think about it, cycle around it, feel unpleasant emotions. This is like being thirsty and drinking from a salted well. The more we dwell, the more thoughts, the more we dwell, yeesh. Cut that crap out!

Instead, what we can do is find a wholesome well. This is done through self nurturing, such as bringing space, nourishment, relaxation to our body and mind. We sit down, intentionally grow a light space, and refresh, unwind. My favorite of these is metta meditation. Metta is the feeling of warm friendship in our chest, and opens up a spaciousness of mind. Consider how these little cycles of thoughts and emotions seem heavy, compressed, agitating. When they blossom in a patient mind, spacious mind, they’re more like flowers in a wide open field, full of information, creativity, inspiration. We can tend what we want, pull weeds, shine light where its needed, etc. Said differently, cultivating metta helps develop concentration quickly, so you can do something more productive with your time, instead of sitting and stewing. Why lament? Too many horizons, sunrises, possibilities to dwell in errors. The trick is learning we don’t have to. Or, learning, so we don’t have to.

Namaste, friend, may you find your little space, blue skies.

With warmth,
Matt