The peaceful environment we seek

can be found wherever we are, 

even in a busy city.

How? By replacing all those pesky bad habits that we tend to indulge in! Like being easily distracted and desirous of new experiences. Being gregarious and seeking others’ company. Or being lazy and following wherever our wandering thoughts happen to lead us.

By changing these, we can reduce our mental clutter. When in a car or on a train, don’t look at billboards. They’re designed to elicit our cravings and emotions. 

At work, spend less time chatting and gossiping. 

At home, turn the TV off. Programs and movies are made to keep our adrenaline pumping and interspersed with frequent commercials to have us discover something we can’t live without. 

On the Internet, check what is needed but don’t get carried away, aimlessly clicking the headlines or surfing.

So many of the distractions in our lives are what we invite in. Instead, we can quiet the mental clutter and begin to create that calm, peaceful world right where we are—even in a city.

When we behave morally, we’ll be . . .

Thoughts can transform in an instant.

Hopefully in the right direction. 

Imagine rushing to the library with an armful of books, coffee in one hand, purse slung over your shoulder. Suddenly, somebody bumps into you from behind. Arms flailing, you manage to retain your balance, but your books go flying, your coffee cup ends up on the ground, next to your gaping purse, its contents all over the sidewalk.

Whirling around to yell at the person who caused this disaster, you manage to catch yourself before you blurt out a scolding.

In front of you, an elderly woman lies sprawled on the ground. She’s murmuring to herself, “I’m so clumsy!”

In an instant, you’re at her side, “Are you alright? Did you hurt yourself? Can I help you up?”

If we could see the pain and suffering of others, and their self-recrimination and embarrassment this clearly, we would be much less inclined to allow our irritation and anger to arise. We would try to find out if others are hurt. If they need help. And if we can provide that help.

Forming Dharma affinities one . . .