A Buddhist master and his student were walking toward the river bank when they suddenly saw a young woman who was very distressed. This was somewhat of a problem because in their religion they were forbidden to look at, or even speak with, a woman.

Sometimes you come to a crossroads where you need to decide which way to turn. It’s not always as simple as left or right, up or down. The path you choose could be life-changing or a dead end. But often times you don’t know what the result will be until you take that first step.

I have always had a fascination with self-development. It was this interest that led me to Buddhism and I see self understanding and development as an arts unto themselves, and yes, they take a lifetime of practice to master. So here are a few tips to point you to your own path and development.

Let’s face the truth: Generally, people have a negative attitude and mindset. Just look at the faces of the people on the bus or in traffic next time you are commuting and you will realize that most people are looking unhappy, annoyed and not spreading positive vibes at all. In general, people tend to talk much more about the negative than the positive things in life. Also if you turn on your tv and watch the news, you will be informed of all the bad things that are happening.

Appreciate your advantageous circumstances.

Did you have a good day? Was it a bad day? Maybe you think being present and living in the moment involves little to no afterthought? Well The Buddha did teach qualities of presence and living within the moment. But he also was a big supporter of lessons learned, growth and understanding. These attributes require another important Buddhist concept – Reflection.

The antidote to living on automatic is to cultivate mindfulness.

Buddhist beliefs and practices can be woven into everyday life. In fact it really should not be any other way since Te Buddha’s teachings do not interfere with nor disturb any other beliefs or practices.

The benefits of building resilience are tremendous. Having resilience makes you mentally tough, helps you to recognize your unique strength, increases your life satisfaction, and improves your relationships with others.

The faculty of a person that enables them to be conscious and aware of themselves, and others is known as mind. The possession of mind is a sign of living being. Non-living things like stones, chairs, etc., cannot be conscious and aware of themselves.

Growth is inevitable part of life; all living beings are subject to grow. There is no regression for any living being that are born; it is always growing forward. As a human being, our body continues to grow with the passage of time, but at the inner level we all have to define the direction of our growth. Life in itself has no meaning until you give them the one and it is your inner growth that gives life the direction and something to look forward in future.

We know that self-awareness is important, but how do you develop it? And, what’s the use?

Springtime feels magical. Wet earth, an awakening. Blustery winds make quick work of drying up soccer fields, knee-high in winters debris. Glorious sunshine filters through rough branches just beginning to bud. An explosion of blossoms permeates the town with the fragrance of new love and new life and call us to leave the confines of our winter slumber to trust and venture out into the open once more.