Within each of us there is a deep well of potential goodness — of radiance and nobility. The problem is that we do not always know how to draw from this well or make it a source of ongoing sustenance and support. You could think about it this way: Perhaps when you feel lonely, its is actually your positive qualities that are lonely. It could be your goodness that has become surrounded by adverse factors, unhealthy habits, and cold attitudes. You can surround your own lonely potential for goodness instead with supportive factors and warm attitudes. You can become a friend to your basic radiance and wholeheartedly, unequivocally nurture your own positive qualities. This can bring a quality of warmth and richness to your time alone. Even if no one else is around you, you can experience connection rather than isolation.
17th Karmapa
from the book
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Further quotes from the book Interconnected :
- A genuine sense of affection
- Individualism or interdependence
- The power of our senses
- Gratitude
- The full vividness of direct contact
- Self-discipline
- Inner conditions of interdependence
- Dismantling the walls that separate us
- You exist in connection with others
- Extend yourself and connect
- Remaining indifferent to the suffering of animals
- The opportunity to love
- Our life is like a vast net
- Time to act
- The air we breathe
- Extending gratitude in all directions
- An important source of closeness and love
- The imagination to see the other as free and happy
- Self-reliance
- Knowing more is not a substitute for feeling more