There are many brilliant life teachers in the world, some have books upon books, some have talks, some have videos, podcasts, articles and more for you to check out.
But sometimes, a simple sentence can really be powerful enough to help create a shift in your life.
So I wanted to share with you 7 powerful life lessons I’ve learnt from some of the greatest teachers in the world, ranging from Spiritual leaders, writers and philosophers.
1.“My secret is that I don’t mind what happens” – Jiddu Krishnamurti
The great teacher Krishnamurti often talks about not being attached to an idea or an outcome, and to take everything for its face value. Without an expectation on how something will or won’t go, how can you have disappointment which ultimately creates inner conflict? Life should be lived expecting nothing but accepting and experiencing everything.
2. “Slow down to speed up” – Steve Chandler
The ‘Godfather of Coaching’ is known by this label for a reason. His powerful teachings have helped thousands of coaches to create a practice of their own – including me. But this one phrase has huge effects on every area of life. When we slow down our approach and thinking in life, we start to see and experience more. Instead of focusing our energy in the future or the past, you are able to focus that energy on the life you are living right in front of you in any given moment.
3. “Be where you are otherwise you will miss life” – Buddha
Hopefully Buddha needs no introduction but this simple lesson is a great reminder that life is happening right now, right in front of you. When was the last time you walked down the street and admired the trees, the sounds around you or the flowers? Most likely you have been busy with your phone or too caught up in your own thinking to notice your surroundings. If you aren’t being present where you are, you will be missing out on the life around you.
4. “Your mind will take the shape of what you frequently hold in thought, for the human spirit is coloured by such impressions” – Marcus Aurelius
The Stoic Philosopher wastes to ink with his words and no space with his thoughts. He understands that that in which you think becomes the reality you experience. In other words; your thoughts are what create your reality. Take note of your thinking in any moment and realise how it is creating the experience you are having. To change your life, you need to change your thinking or, at least, open your thinking to new perspectives.
5. “Plot twist. The coolest person you know is yourself” – Rachel Wolchin
Writer, Rachel Wolchin, hits the nail on the head with this one. What if you stopped trying to be like anyone else and instead, you were just being yourself? You are already cool enough as you are and by building that relationship with yourself, you will understand that you will also be the person who is there for yourself when you fall a thousand times.
6. “Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance” – Eckhart Tolle
Spiritual teacher, thought leader, author – however you want to call him, Eckhart Tolle, knows his stuff. And when you start acknowledging and being grateful for the things you already have in your life, you will begin to create a life of abundance and joy. The key to living a fulfilling life, is to know that you do not lack anything, you are already complete as you are.
7. “If you let cloudy water settle, it will become clear. If you let your busy mind settle, your course will also become clear” – Buddha
I had to sneak in another Buddha quote because this one sums up perfectly my entire philosophy of life. If you stop engaging in your thoughts, stop fighting away feelings and just allow your mind to settle itself, you will find the clarity you are seeking.
Peace and love,
Alex