QUESTION

It is easy for me to try to let go of the negatives such as anger or worry. My problems come from the ones I like but that get me in trouble, such as excitement, anticipation, etc. These I know are also false but sometimes so much fun. How do I give these up?

ANSWER

Consider this simple truth and how it holds true in all levels of life: “The child finds the classroom when he or she tires of the playground.” What you are really saying is that the temptation of an exciting sense of yourself presently outweighs your wish for a deeper relationship with that which doesn’t lose itself to any moment. What we must all do is work increasingly to stay awake in all such moments and, by this kind of self-remembering, begin to “taste” more deeply these exciting states. There is nothing wrong with a good time, but not when the cost of it is the compromise of our conscience. Staying awake, coupled with your continuing work, will eventually lend you the inner force necessary to remain detached from these or any other troubles.