It sounds crazy, right? Maybe you’re not spiritual, and that’s completely okay. You don’t need to be a committed Buddhist to learn from values that result in a peaceful, balanced, and positively sunny life. Relationships with ourselves and others (especially romantic ones), can sometimes feel anything but sunny. In fact, we’ve all been in relationships that have left us hurt and pessimistic. That’s where Buddha comes in…
1. Anger and Hate
“Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.” –Buddha
So you’re shaking with anger and want to yell heinous comments at someone or something. We’ve been there. But really, that selfish person, who couldn’t give a toss about your feelings, is not being affected by your brooding anger. You’re not yourself when you’re in an angry state. It’s a waste of your time and energy. Take deep breaths, focus on the positive things in your life, and soon enough, that “earth-shaking” anger will be a thing of the past.
2. Doubt and Anxiety
“There is nothing more dreadful than the habit of doubt. Doubt separates people. It is a poison that disintegrates friendships and breaks up pleasant relations. It is a thorn that irritates and hurts…” –Buddha
To have doubt in a relationship is like walking through a field of land-mines, expecting one to explode at any second. If you are anxious and constantly on edge, your relationship is not healthy. The people we hold close, like our girls or a partner, should be the people we can trust. Clear these doubts up any way you can. Be open and frank. If your “land-mine” does explode, just accept that it happened and strut, untroubled, into the sunset.
3. Acceptance
“Remember that, sometimes, not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck.” – His Holiness, the Dalai Lama
Okay, so it’s not Buddha, but the Dalai Lama’s quote is similar to core Buddhist teachings regarding acceptance and peace. You may have been in a relationship that you thought was going to have a happily-ever-after Disney ending, but it was actually very toxic. Six months down the line you can look back at that messy relationship and thank god that you walked away when you did! Stop, drop, and roll away from the negativity.
4. Happiness
“When you realize how perfect everything is you will tilt your head back and laugh at the sky.” –Buddha
You can’t help but smile when you read this. Choose to be happy. Take a second, look around you, and laugh at how silly everything is. You’re on this crazy life journey, full of triumphs and learning experiences, but you’re killing it!
Special credit to Buddha Doodles for brightening up our day and providing inspiration for this article. Head over to their website and explore their fab art prints, animations, comics, and other amazing merchandise!