Backwards law
We remind ourselves that the optimal level of effort is the least required to do what needs to be done, and the optimal type of effort is relaxed.
Playfulness
We remind ourselves that we can be flexible and creative even in challenging situations.
Self-Compassion
We remind ourselves that we can look at our thoughts, feelings, and even the things we’ve done or said, with kindness and then respond to our own thoughts and feelings with wisdom and kindness, too.
Restraint (contemplative)
We remind ourselves that we can tolerate strong emotions and hold back from reacting to our thoughts, feelings, and sensations automatically.
Restraint (behavioral)
We remind ourselves that we can compose ourselves even when we feel stressed, overly excited, or upset, and we can hold back from reacting to a situation before thinking it through.
Present moment
We remind ourselves that we can resist getting sidetracked from the present in order to observe, listen, and be fully engaged in what’s happening right now.
An open mind
We remind ourselves that even things that seem different from one another have something in common and that there is more than one side to every story.
Motivation
We remind ourselves to reflect on why we’re about to do or say something before we do or say it, to make sure that the our actions are aligned with our motivations.
Interdependence
We remind ourselves that what’s happening now is the result of countless interdependent and changing factors, some that we know, some that we don’t know, and some that are entirely outside our control.
Everything changes
We remind ourselves that everything comes, everything goes, and that life is rooted in transformation and change.
Discernment
We remind ourselves that before responding to or judging a complex situation, we can consider whether what’s happening, and how we might respond, are helpful to other people, the planet, and ourselves.
Wise Confidence
We remind ourselves that we can tolerate many uncomfortable feelings and situations and that we can stay clear-headed and warmhearted in many situations.
Compassion
We remind ourselves that we can try to understand what something looks like and feels like from another person’s perspective and respond to them wisely and with kindness.