As the Dhammapada says,

We are what we think; all that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts we make the world. Speak or act with an impure mind, and trouble will follow you, as the wheel follows the ox that draws the cart.

We are what we think; all that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts we make the world. Speak or act with a pure mind, and happiness will follow you, as your shadow, unshakeable.

“Look how he abused me, and robbed me – how he threw me down and beat me.” Live with such thoughts and live with hate.

“Look how he abused me and robbed me – how he threw me down and beat me.” Abandon such thoughts and live in peace.

It’s a frequent surprise how relevant this is. Things have been rough for us lately – we put a dog to sleep Monday, and things have been harder than usual at work. What amazes me (though it shouldn’t, because I know better already) is that the training that helps me cope with the grief – mindfulness of the present moment, and focusing on experience rather than story, or goal – is the best strategy for dealing with the the workplace-generated dissatisfaction, also.

I wonder if there’s a way to integrate mindfulness practice as a component of a prioritization process, to support making things as a lived experience or practice. I’m sure there must be work on this somewhere.