We might also ask, Given my present situation, how long should I stay with uncomfortable feelings? This is a good question, yet there is no right answer. We simply get accustomed to coming back to the present just as it is for a second, for a minute, for an hour — whatever is currently natural — without its becoming an endurance trial. Just pausing for two to three breaths is a perfect way to stay present. This is a good use of our life. Indeed, it is an excellent, joyful use of our life. Instead of getting better and better at avoiding, we can learn to accept the present moment as if we had invited it, and work with it instead of against it, making it our ally rather than our enemy.

Pema Chödron

from the book Taking the Leap: Freeing Ourselves from Old Habits and Fears

Read a random quote or see all quotes by Pema Chödron.

Further quotes from the book Taking the Leap:

• Realizing that we are never alone
• The path of pausing
• Unshakable tenderness
• Admiting all experiences
• Unconditional openness
• Getting unstuck
• Here, Now, Always
• Lean In
• Openness is like the wind
• Letting natural openness come to us
• A reservoir of courage