Power Decoded
Craving and Suffering
Oftentimes, we – or at least, I – think of food or drink when we think of craving. I used to crave Oreos, crusty French bread, and lasagna from Stoneground Kitchen in downtown Salt Lake (it’s even outstanding when reheated the next day, and I abhor reheated pasta!). More recently, I crave a glass of red wine at the end of my work day or quiet time by myself since two construction crews have landed right outside my home office in the last few months. However, the Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching and thus Buddhism itself cautions against craving. Why? Because craving leads to suffering – to pain, to agony, to discomfort, to distress.
Are You Supporting or Enabling?
I have learned over the last few years that my aim to support people can lead me down an unintentionally dark path – that of enabling people, and not in a good way. We enable people when we act in ways that protect them from the natural consequences of their actions. We often associate enablers or enabling behaviors with relationships with addicts such as those addicted to alcohol, drugs, gambling, infidelity, irresponsibility with money, etc. Enabling behaviors are often focused on covering up a problem like alcoholism or making a problem go away such as doing a child’s homework or science project for them so their grades won’t suffer. We can enable various people in our lives and here are some of the biggies.
When Is Hope Harmful?
In the last week, what have you hoped for? The list of things that we may hope for is endless. However, hope itself should not be endless. Endless hope is counterproductive and even harmful.
Discomfort Required
We often hear the saying that “Change is uncomfortable.” We think that change brings discomfort. It can and often it does. However, what if it is actually the other way around? Could it be that discomfort triggers change?
Quitting a Partner
You don’t need a reason for quitting a partner, especially not one with a significant other. It may just be a feeling in your gut that says something is not right or this is not the right person for you.
Make Quitting Your Superpower
Quitting unhelpful or unhealthy habits requires numerous and frequent decisions that enable you to make big changes through those regular and choices. Lots of small actions = big results.
About
Merideth Thompson, Ph.D., is an educator, author, and speaker, who empowers young women with the skills they need to live a happy, productive life. It is her goal to demystify dense academic studies and data for everyday people so that they can make informed decisions for themselves.
Recent Posts
Craving and Suffering
Are You Supporting or Enabling?
When Is Hope Harmful?
Discomfort Required
Quitting a Partner
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