The Temporary and Workable Habits of the Mind

"The essence of bravery is being without self-deception. However, it is not so easy to take a straight look at what we do. Seeing ourselves clearly is initially uncomfortable and embarrassing. As we train in clarity and steadfastness we see things we'd prefer to deny-- judgementalness, pettiness, arrogance. These are not sins but temporary and workable habits of the mind. The more we get to know them, the more they lose their power. This is how we come to trust that our basic nature is utterly simple, free of the struggle between good and bad."

Pema Chodron
The Places That Scare You