A Short Second Arrow Meditation For Inner Lightness

The Buddha taught that every unpleasant experience is like 2 arrows.

The first arrow is the unpleasant natural experience.
The second arrow is the blame for having experienced it; the “we don’t like ourselves” feeling. It's more painful because it undermines our self-worth.

He adds “we cannot always control the first arrow, however, the second arrow is our reaction to the first. The second we can free ourselves from.”

And that’s why we practice meditation.

Reviews

I’m a greatful humble Christian actor singer with courage kindess and a purpose to serve and inspire and transpire people around the world amen and so it is

We could all use a little self-compassion. Thank you for this beautiful meditation practice!

Thank you Elizabeth, how wonderful to learn about the 2 arrows.