Reduce sensory craving 

by realizing “less is more.”  

A dozen or so years ago, I happened to see a TV program as the credits scrolled down the screen. I commented to the person I was working with online that the image on the screen moved. He hesitated, then cautiously explained, “It’s TV; things move.”

I assured him I remembered his salient bit of information, and, not to worry, I was talking about the swirling background. Apparently, mere words were no longer enough to hold our attention. We now required sensory stimulation every moment of our lives. And not just on TV and not just visually, but everywhere and of all our senses.

Worse, unable to calm our mind, we agitate it even more with increased amounts of stimulation.

What can we do? Stop devouring phenomena and, instead, view them gratefully. Allow your mind to settle, and find joy in simplicity. And begin to let go of attachments by realizing that, in many ways, by appreciating what we have, less truly is more. 

If you can’t understand, fix, or accept it

—let it go. 

“I don’t see how the project will work. I don’t get why they’re doing it. I just don’t understand.”

We’ve all been there. We hear about what an individual or group is doing and just can’t see how the proposed project will work, or even why it’s needed. Perhaps we were asked to participate, and that’s why we looked into the proposal. After checking things out, we were left bewildered and shaking our head.

At this point, we have two options.

We can keep retracing our steps trying to figure things out.

Or we can politely decline the invitation to participate and get back to meeting our responsibilities, responsibilities we understand, accept, and were happy to take on.

The first option will result in further frustration and wasted energy. The second option—letting go—enables us to reduce our frustrated thoughts, wish those undertaking that new project success, and re-dedicate ourselves to the work we are qualified and committed to doing. 

Offering criticism in a timely, respectful manner.

(Part Two) 

Having learned previously in Part One who falls within our parameters for offering critical remarks to—those we have a good affinity with—we next need to know how we advise in a manner we wish others would use with us. Other than in times of danger, it’s largely a matter of timing and approach.

Try hard to not correct someone in front of others or when you’re upset.

Instead of bluntly criticizing them, phrase the comments in terms the person is more likely to accept.

Don’t say the person is wrong, just that you believe what they did was. Then explain why and what might have been done instead. Have a respectful conversation, don’t give a lecture.

As the Buddha advised: “If you know anything that is hurtful and untrue, don’t say it.

If you know anything that is helpful but untrue, don’t say it.

If you know anything that is hurtful but true, don’t say it.

If you know anything that is helpful and true, find the right time.”