Quotes | The SMART Buddhist

SMART Buddhist Quotes From Twitter

Below are original thoughts & ideas sent out on the SMART Buddhist Twitter feed.

Letting unrealistic expectations & irrational fear control your life, you choose to miss out on all the positive possibilities in life too. May 27th from web
Long for the past, relive mistakes. Live only in the now, there is no future. Focus on the future, lose sight of the present. Seek balance. 9:31 PM May 24th from web
When we work for what we want instead of settling for what’s easy to get, life gets less complicated.8:49 PM May 24th from Twittelator
Strive with determination to reach your goals, but do not mindlessly fight all those you encounter to achieve them.5:51 PM May 24th from web
Know the difference between what you need & what you want. Boldly ask for what you need, & accept not getting what you merely want.5:48 PM May 24th from web
Once you stop running from pain, you can start sitting and enjoy the happiness.1:35 AM May 24th from web
Remember, when dealing with person in addiction, they’re not trying to lie to you, they’re really lying to themselves: u just overhear them.6:05 PM May 19th from Twittelator
Feel guilty about those wasted years? Instead, why not think about all the years you won’t wasting now that you’re making positive changes.12:44 PM May 19th from web
When life’s troubles seem too overwhelming, just remember to breath.1:44 PM May 16th from web
If it’s better to be a hammer than a nail, just think how amazing it is to be the carpenter. Don’t be a tool: use the tools.10:49 AM May 12th from web
Drugs & alcohol program our brain to “do it again!” Our cognitive mind & extended neocortical capacity allow us to change the program.4:09 PM May 5th from web
In 1931 Carl Jung told Rowland Hazard that psychiatry could do nothing more for his addiction. — The times have changed!1:22 PM May 5th from web
To change any habit, at first you have to act differently than you feel. Allow your rational mind to make the decisions.8:12 AM May 5th from web
The path to recovery should be illuminated by hope, not darkened by fear.9:38 AM May 4th from web
Asking for help is not admitting powerlessness. Asking for a helping hand is not asking to be being carried. Acknowledge your effort & power8:36 AM May 4th from web
Loss of control is not the same as having no power. If you can’t control a behavior, you have power not to engage in the behavior.4:59 PM May 3rd from web
There’s a difference between not swimming against the inevitable currents of the universe & drowning in powerlessness.4:23 PM May 3rd from web
The big question: Are you willing to forgive yourself for not knowing? Are you willing to forgive yourself for not being wiser & more aware?1:55 PM May 3rd from web
If you look, you did the very best you could with where you were at the time.1:54 PM May 3rd from web
If you knew then what you know today, you could have acted very differently: but you didn’t know then.1:54 PM May 3rd from web
Key to releasing guilt is recognizing that we go through life doing our best with the skills & awareness we have at the time.1:52 PM May 3rd from web
When you lose your car keys, how would admitting you are powerless to find them help you get were you’re going?12:05 PM May 2nd from web
Getting your way isn’t always the same as getting what you need.7:36 PM May 1st from web
Chasing the short-term high only leads to the long-term low.3:08 PM May 1st from Twittelator
When seeking truth, knowledge outlasts blind faith.7:25 AM May 1st from Twittelator
With right effort, potential is created & talent develops.7:43 AM Apr 30th from Twittelator
Talent & potential amount to nothing without right effort.7:40 AM Apr 30th from Twittelator
It’s just as easy to be lonely in a crowded room: Conquer loneliness by enjoying your own company.9:27 AM Apr 28th from web
Sober, adjective: sedate in demeanor, earnestly thoughtful character. Sober, verb: become more realistic.3:00 PM Apr 27th from web
Just because you stopped using drugs & alcohol, doesn’t automatically mean you’re sober.2:45 PM Apr 27th from web
Having unpleasant choices forced upon you, does not negate that you still have a choice, & it’s still your responsibility.8:25 AM Apr 27th from web
There is no unpleasant truth that a lie makes less painful.12:02 PM Apr 26th from Twittelator
I think that last quote is the best explanation of why I am a Buddhist: It’s concise and sums up exactly what Buddhism teaches.7:54 AM Apr 20th from web
When we recognize the causes & conditions of unhappiness, we can choose to change or accept them: Choose to live empowered and happy.9:10 AM Apr 18th from web
Ultimately, choice is number one cause of relapse. Triggers are merely external events; they have no control over your action.
xa3:44 PM Apr 17th from web
Accepting old problems is more comfortable than new solutions: the known vs. the unknown. Recovery is choosing to be fearless vs. fearful.9:02 AM Apr 17th from web
It’s not nature vs. nurture; it’s consciousness vs. programming. We can choose to rise above our instinct & experience.10:17 AM Apr 14th from web
There’s a difference between goals and plans: A goal is where you want to be in the future, & a plan is how you’re getting there.5:26 PM Apr 13th from web
When breaking bad habits, one can lapse from time-2-time: learn to see the path leading back 2 them, so you can turn back next time.9:31 PM Apr 12th from Twittelator
Defining who you are as a person is a choice: Are you actively making that decision, or passively giving that choice to others?10:26 AM Apr 12th from web
Make decisions based on current knowledge. If negative results occur, learn from the choice & add knowledge: No regret & guilt required.12:30 PM Apr 9th from web
Action without though, is habit. Action despite thought, is change.8:13 AM Apr 7th from web
Just because the song in your head hasn’t changed, doesn’t mean you can’t change dance partners: Thoughts aren’t action.7:41 AM Apr 7th from Twittelator
We find excuses to avoid the responsibility of our choices: Saying we simply don’t want to do a thing is more empowering than the lies.8:53 AM Apr 1st from web
Don’t settle for the quick fix in life: Look for the right answer and simple solution.11:22 AM Mar 28th from web
Repressing your emotions is like denying that your eyes exist: Both are there to help you see the world.10:57 AM Mar 28th from web
Are you really depressed or just unhappy with your life? Either way, you have the power to make changes & choose to be happy.6:14 AM Mar 27th from Twittelator
If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be? More importantly, what are you activly doing to change it?6:10 AM Mar 27th from Twittelator
In life, it’s really just a choice between acceptance or change: The trick is not to passively accept what you really want to change.8:41 AM Mar 24th from web
There’ve been a lot of lapses talked about in meetings lately: Seasonal depression could be a factor. Remember to be aware of your emotions.11:18 PM Mar 17th from web
Regardless of how many days or years of being clean you have, always remember the reason you have chosen not to use today.9:20 PM Mar 15th from Twittelator
Just finished helping facilitate a SMART Recovery meeting. Great discussion about relapse prevention skills and pitfalls.9:14 PM Mar 15th from Twittelator
If you believe it’s everyone’s reaction that’s the problem, & not your actions, you may not be ready for change.6:42 PM Mar 15th from Twittelator
Live your life now, not in past regrets or future hopes: We choose our life in these precious moments, not those ethereal years.3:28 AM Mar 13th from web
A drug of choice works well to hide from your problems: On the other hand, how many of those problems were caused by that drug of choice?6:20 PM Mar 10th from Twittelator
Addiction is a choice: Every time you give in to an urge or craving, it is a choice you alone make. Accept the responsibility to change.7:32 AM Mar 10th from Twittelator
How can you trust the Universe to provide what you need, when you haven’t accepted that you are as you’re supposed to be.8:07 AM Mar 4th from Twittelator
A test for addiction: What was once done as pleasure, is now done to avoid the pain of quitting. Face the brief pain, and be free forever.2:29 PM Feb 25th from web
One does not overcome an addiction by fighting urges & cravings: Commit, accept, learn, understand, & transform to finally triumph.9:29 AM Feb 24th from web
To find your true self, look past the ego; that self you let the world define. Instead, look inward & define your world.6:37 PM Feb 22nd from Twittelator
Pain is a natural phenomenon; suffering is a choice.6:42 AM Feb 20th from Twittelator
There is choice in everything you do, even when the choices presented are unpleasant. Cognitively acknowledge the choices you make today.7:11 AM Feb 19th from web
If you focus on just taking care of yourself for this one day, all the tomorrows will take care of themselves.11:07 AM Feb 18th from web
Use information, gain knowledge; use knowlege, gain wisdom; use wisdom, gain a peaceful mind: This is the Tao of The SMART Buddhist.6:15 PM Feb 15th from Twittelator
Don’t live as the rock, hard & unyielding: Live as the water, always flowing & accepting of the Universe; for enduring water wears away rock8:14 AM Feb 13th from web
As the murkiest water clears with stillness, so does the calmed mind find clarity.3:36 PM Feb 10th from Twittelator
There is no path to happiness: Choosing happiness now is the path.3:18 PM Feb 10th from Twittelator
You can’t fill an existential vacuum with material things; it can only be filled by meaning. Look to your own heart & mind for that meaning.4:46 PM Feb 9th from Twittelator
Don’t live as the rock, hard & unyielding: Live as the water, always flowing & accepting of the Universe; for enduring water wears away rock8:14 AM Feb 13th from web
As the murkiest water clears with stillness, so does the calmed mind find clarity.3:36 PM Feb 10th from Twittelator
There is no path to happiness: Choosing happiness now is the path.3:18 PM Feb 10th from Twittelator
You can’t fill an existential vacuum with material things; it can only be filled by meaning. Look to your own heart & mind for that meaning.4:46 PM Feb 9th from Twittelator
When it’s difficult to accept who we truely are, turn to those that already unconditionally accept that person we try to hide: Like family.10:47 AM Feb 7th from Twittelator
When life seems to suck, just remember to think, “It is, what it is”. Don’t waste your energy complaining; change it, accept it, & move on.8:17 AM Feb 6th from Twittelator
(Knowledge) / (the unknown) = Faith2:05 PM Feb 5th from web
(Knowledge) + (Seeing the limits of knowledge) = Wisdom1:58 PM Feb 5th from web
The meaning of life is unconditional: It cannot be handed out by others, only discovered uniquely by you.6:15 AM Feb 5th from Twittelator
We choose our addictions & habits because on some level, they work: Recovery is finding healthier habits that work, & choosing them instead.7:28 AM Feb 3rd from web
Look for the cause of the depression, and fix the problem: Don’t just medicate, cover up the symptom, and hide from the problem.11:35 AM Feb 1st from web
Maybe you’re actually unhappy with your life’s experiences . Think about changing your life & perspective, not just your medication. (2/2)11:31 AM Feb 1st from web
If you’re taking an antidepressant, and you still have symptoms of depression, maybe it’s not more medication you need. (1/2)11:30 AM Feb 1st from web
American dream: Achieve anything you dream. American Reality: I don’t feel like doing anything today.11:50 AM Jan 31st from Twittelator
When you’ve lost a taste for life, don’t “sugar coat” it with saccharin; Change the recipe & indulge in an honestly sweet & satisfying life.7:41 AM Jan 30th from Twittelator
As one door closes another always opens: Unfortunately, the hallway in between can be long and dark.8:54 AM Jan 27th from web
After accepting Karma, one does not helplessly ask to be saved but confidently relies on their own actions & takes responsibility for them.4:10 PM Jan 26th from web
Always focusing on an immediate fix can distract you from solving the long-term problem: Look for the root cause before finding a solution.9:14 PM Jan 21st from web
Don’t look to merely escape unhappiness & stress in your life: Instead, realize your power to change your life & manifest true happiness.12:10 PM Jan 21st from web
When you’re in need, the Universe may not give you everything you want. But, given the chance, it might give you what you need.8:07 AM Jan 21st from web
When you choose an action, karma is sown. When things happen to you, karma is reaped: Be a mindful gardener & choose your seeds carefully.1:48 PM Jan 19th from web
We may not be all powerful beings able to control time & space: But we can choose when we do, where we do, & most importantly what we do.9:58 AM Jan 19th from web
The best way to deal with a difficult person, is to react with sincere compassion, consideration, and love.1:51 PM Jan 17th from web
Gaining control of your emotions, reasoning, and in the end you life, is an evolution not a revolution. Allow yourself the time to change.7:03 AM Jan 16th from Twittelator
If all you have is blind faith, you cannot see the truth. Seek, question, understand and truly know the truth.8:05 AM Jan 15th from Twittelator
Regret is for mistakes you cannot change. Guilt is for mistakes you choose to repeat.7:52 AM Jan 15th from Twittelator
Constantly running from your fears makes you a prisoner of the chase. Stop. Face your fear. Be free.7:25 AM Jan 15th from Twittelator
Accepting the world as it is can be difficult: Frustration & intolerance manifest as a disquiet mind at best and anger at worst.11:11 AM Jan 14th from web
It can be difficult to change a behavior. To help, change the inner dialog: It isn’t what you should or need to do, it’s what you want to do8:27 PM Jan 13th from Twittelator
Not liking the person staring back in the mirror? Realize that you have power to change that person for the better, & how you perceive them.11:49 AM Jan 12th from web
I’ve never been fond of “Fake it till you make it” because it seems a little disingenuous. I prefer “Practice Makes Perfect.”9:16 PM Jan 10th from web
Be strong enough to ask for what you need, without feeling you need to justify it to the world first..2:22 PM Jan 10th from Twittelator
Since bad events are the result of past actions, you have the power and choice to change current actions, stop bad results, & be happy now8:38 AM Jan 9th from web
Is life really unfair? Or, do we actually, perhaps unknowingly, cause all the unhappiness in our life, and get exactly what we have earned?10:18 PM Jan 8th from web
If you see life as a struggle against bad things happening, it will be. If you see life as being full of joyous opportunity, it will be.8:15 AM Jan 7th from web
To “accept that which we cannot change”, we must first accept & understand ourself to realize what we can change.4:11 PM Jan 6th from Twittelator
Like suffering, addiction too has causes. For true life changes, understand and address the causes, not just the symptom.10:35 PM Jan 4th from web
Thought for the day: “I’d rather choose to be happy, than drunk.”8:01 PM Jan 3rd from web
More important than what you say or what you do, is what you are. Do you know what you are?7:49 AM Dec 31st, 2008 from Twittelator
In recovery, we need relationships that are interdependent partnerships, to lift us up to be better than what we were.10:23 AM Dec 29th, 2008 from web
We tend to build co-dependent mutually destructive relationships when afflicted with substance abuse and addiction.10:21 AM Dec 29th, 2008 from web
In recovery, relationships pull you down into old habits, hold you back from true change, or lift you up: What are your relationships doing?8:14 AM Dec 29th, 2008 from web
Avoiding responsibility and confrontation in your life, is like feeding the seeds of disharmony in your karmic garden.10:25 AM Dec 27th, 2008 from web
As Buddhist in the U.S., what are you doing today: Celebrating an American cultural tradition, a religious holiday, or just a day off work?7:56 AM Dec 25th, 2008 from web
Ten Commandments = How you must behave, as demanded by God. Five Lay Precepts = Who you choose to be, as an enlightened being.9:10 AM Dec 20th, 2008 from web
You can’t talk your way out of problems that you behaved your way into: Change your character not your excuses.8:13 AM Dec 18th, 2008 from digsby
Who we are today is the direct result of choices we made yesterday. Choose to be a better person tomorrow, by making wise choices today.7:34 AM Dec 17th, 2008 from Twittelator
The power to change our world, stems from our ability to understand how we perceive the external and the ability to illuminate the internal.10:34 AM Dec 16th, 2008 from digsby
If you are not proactive to get what you really want, you are choosing to be reactive to get want little you can.10:47 AM Dec 13th, 2008 from Twittelator
Between stimuli and response, is our ability to choose.10:38 AM Dec 13th, 2008 from Twittelator
Remember: Not questioning the status quo of everything, is active participation in ignorance.9:36 AM Dec 12th, 2008 from Twittelator
Heading out for the 10:30 S.M.A.R.T. meeting at the OHSU clinc @ SW 5th & Alder. I’m hoping for a inspirational meeting.9:30 AM Dec 12th, 2008 from Twittelator
True happiness comes from the ability to sacrife what we want now, for what we need eventually: Suffering the acute, to cure the chronic.4:45 PM Dec 11th, 2008 from Twittelator
Is love really a verb, not a feeling?4:31 PM Dec 11th, 2008 from Twittelator
We do not see the world as it is; we see the world as we are.7:45 AM Dec 11th, 2008 from Twittelator
Like a doer depends on the doing, cause depends on effect: Without the effect, it cannot be a cause. There is no independent arrising.7:19 AM Dec 3rd, 2008 from Twittelator
“I” only exists in name only, and through thought.7:04 AM Dec 2nd, 2008 from Twittelator
There is no “I” separate from mind and body, nor is the “I” found within the mind and body.6:56 AM Dec 2nd, 2008 from Twittelator
Is anger, wrong effort? Fear has purpose, but what of anger? Shouldn’t we use that energy wasted on anger to solve the issue causing anger?6:50 PM Nov 30th, 2008 from Twittelator
Be awake7:01 PM Nov 26th, 2008 from web
Subdue yourself, and discover your master.7:00 PM Nov 26th, 2008 from web
To straighten the crooked you must first do a harder thing – straighten yourself. You are the only master. Who else?7:00 PM Nov 26th, 2008 from web
Love yourself and be awake – today, tomorrow, always. First establish yourself in the way, then teach others, and so defeat sorrow.6:59 PM Nov 26th, 2008 from web
There is no way divorced of a stabilized mind by which addiction to the ocean of samsaric delights is calmed. And as it is this fixation that binds living beings to suffering, First cultivate the spirit of a stabilized mind9:06 AM Nov 25th, 2008 from web
You not addicted to samsaric indulgences, Who strive to make precious life meaningful, O fortunate one, listen with a clear mind.9:04 AM Nov 25th, 2008 from web
Becoming comfortable with the decision to be free from addiction can be difficult. But it’s very freeing when we accept who we have become.9:29 PM Nov 23rd, 2008 from web
Accept who you are now, while aspiring to actualize your potential – Remember, even the Buddha was once ignorant of the Four Noble Truths.10:18 PM Nov 19th, 2008 from digsby
Abandon evildoing; Practice virtue well; Subdue your mind; This is the Buddha’s teaching.9:34 PM Nov 19th, 2008 from digsby
Addiction is a behavior and a choice. Recovery is simply obtaining the skills to make better choices.3:33 PM Nov 16th, 2008 from digsby
Through empowerment, knowledge, and practice we are capable of recovering from, and attachment to, addictive behaviors. – SMARTBuddhist11:07 PM Nov 14th, 2008 from web
The way to recovery is through self-realization, understanding true motivations, and belief in one’s own power to change behaviors.10:54 PM Nov 2nd, 2008 from web