The “Untoothache” and Transience

Another joy tip, from the wonderful Thich Nhat Hanh. When you last had a terrible toothache you knew for sure how good it was to be toothache-free. But do you allow yourself the enjoyment of a toothache free existence today? Bring awareness to all the experiences of pleasure you are having that you don’t even know you are having! Add them to your list of things that bring you joy – and build that list throughout the day. This is what we talk about in class regarding recalibrating your emotional set-point.

Tip number two is related – wisdom from my mother: This Too Shall Pass. When you bring awareness to how impermanent everything is – whether you consider your current circumstances good or bad – you feel the joy of being awake to reality and aware in your life. You don’t take for granted the joys, or become down about the pains. You don’t cling to experiences, even as you enjoy them.