Henri Nouwen Quotes

Like Yoga, the spiritual life is actually very difficult.

A little more moderation would be good. Of course, my life hasn't exactly been one of moderation.

Our happiness depends on wisdom all the way.

If I have to be focused and watch what I say, then I have to be comfortable.

I had to learn, really, how to rein in my energies and discipline myself. And I found it very very useful. I rebelled against it at first, but it's a good thing to have.

I learned early in my career, where you get so wrapped up and so excited, that all of a sudden you don't think. So I worked very hard to keep myself suppressed. And that's one of the reasons I wasn't gregarious with the gallery.

If we do not discipline ourselves the world will do it for us.

Meditation is a lifelong process. Give it a try. As you get deeper and more disciplined into the process, you'll get deeper and more disciplined in your mind and life.

It's all right letting yourself go, as long as you can get yourself back.

Soul is the central point of spiritual discipline.

It is only when our life proceeds within bounds and in an accepted, disciplined way, that the mind can be free.

Man must do his part and detach himself from created things.

I meditate. Daily practice is essential to my life.

I had to find some clarity about approaching life more spiritually. I think I'm kind of dense, and it makes me pull the process into mind and struggle over it in finding the path.

Affirmation without discipline is the beginning of delusion.

Self-government won't work without self-discipline.

I'd say exercising self-control is very important for a dissolute life.

I try to stay grounded.

I just try to stay grounded.

A whole series of events pushed me towards meditation, and now it's become such an integral part of the way I manage myself. It's a tool for me; when you're an entrepreneur, and you're pulled in every direction, it is wonderful to have this discipline.

It's very difficult to regulate yourself, and if you learn to do that, well, it starts to spill over.

For self is the lord of self, self is the refuge of self; therefore curb thyself as the merchant curbs a good horse.

When we sit down to meditate, we connect with something unconditional - a state of mind, a basic environment that does not grasp or reject anything. Meditation is probably the only activity that doesn't add anything to the picture. Everything is allowed to come and go without further embellishment. Meditation is a totally nonviolent, non aggressive occupation. Not filling the space, allowing for the possibility of connecting with unconditional openness - this provides the basis for real change.

It is only through meditation that slowly slowly more consciousness is created within you, more light is created; more watchfulness, witnessing, happens. And that is the miracle of awareness: if you become aware of anger you become a master of anger. Then it is up to you whether to be angry or not. You are absolutely free to be this way or that way.

Meditate. Live purely. Be quiet. Do your work with mastery. Like the moon, come out from behind the clouds! Shine.