It Is What It Is… And The Second Arrow

Sometimes life delivers something we didn't want.

A mistake. A harsh comment. A setback. Or a disappointment.

That moment is what the Buddhist tradition calls the first arrow: the pain that life inevitably brings.

But very often we add another.

The second arrow is our reaction: the rumination, self-criticism, anger, or resistance that turns a moment of pain into prolonged suffering.

In this talk, we explore the ancient teaching known as The Parable of the Second Arrow and how it connects to the deeper practice of acceptance.

You'll learn:
• What the Second Arrow actually is
• Why our minds instinctively create more suffering
• How to notice when we're adding unnecessary pain
• A simple way to stop the spiral
• How to respond with self-compassion when we realize we've already reacted

The talk concludes with a short reflective meditation to help you put down the bow and stop shooting additional arrows at yourself.

Image: Liulolo from Getty Images
Music: Purple Planet Music