Shock

“Authentic growth toward happiness comes by _taking shocks
with awareness_. Let’s see what this means.

When we are faced with an unwanted truth, we are shocked.
If we resist the blow by repressing it or denying it, we
cannot learn from it, in fact, we are worse off than before.
But if we are aware of the blow, we can see its cause in
the clash between what is true and what we falsely claim
is true. Our willing exposure of our falseness wins release
from its pain.”

~Vernon Howard, Pathways to Perfect Living, p. 97

“There are many fierce moments in any one life span: times of turmoil, upheaval, challenge, and change. These fierce moments of grace are in many ways the most spiritually important moments of our lives.”

~ Adyashanti, FIERCE GRACE, Awakening in the Midst of Turmoil

Courage

 

“Real courage consists of repeatedly leaping beyond surface personality even while fearing to do so, until all fear vanishes.”

Vernon Howard. 1500 Ways to Escape the Human Jungle, # 484