Transformation takes time. 

Changing our habitual ways of doing thing takes time. But in a society craving instant gratification, this is a tough concept to accept. We don’t like waiting. We don't have time to be patient. We have a lot to do, and people expect things to be done—all are expecting quick results.

But effecting lasting change takes time.So in your practice, do not have expectations of fast achievements. In fact, don’t have any expectations at all.

Start from where you are, and gradually learn how to put the teachings into practice by starting with things that are easier to change. As you begin to improve in little ways, you will gain the confidence and experience to know how to change in more meaningful ways. Such changing and improving of yourself will take time. Understanding this, patiently give yourself the time you need.

Gradually, as you become more adept at changing, you will even begin to transform negative thoughts and bad habits into those that brighten your world and all who enter it. 

Reduce sensory craving by realizing . . . (Click image for video)

“But how can I use Buddhism in everyday life?” 

The woman who asked me this added that she wasn’t a monastic—she lived in the real world, a world filled with deadlines, competition, and scrappy people.

Once I quit laughing, I explained that my life has many deadlines, human nature is rife with competition, and monastics also have people who don’t agree with them. And having worked all day that day, even eating my meals at the computer, I really did have a good idea of her world.

I then gave her an example of Buddhism applied in real life. A student told me of the time where she realized a supplier had misquoted a product’s price. Rather than take advantage of his error, this student questioned the pricing, which the grateful supplier quickly corrected. She could have saved a lot of money but knew it was not “right.” It would not have followed the Buddha’s teachings.

She is now trusted by the supplier and respected by his company. Why? She’s ethical.

This is Buddhism working in the “real world.”