11 Quotes I Live By // Spirituality & Life
“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing there is a field. I’ll meet you there.” ― RUMI
Rumi is a 13th century Persian poet whose words are timeless and universal. This is one of many snippets which speak directly to my core, and oh how I appreciate him giving a voice to my soul all those years ago. Beyond right and wrong exists this space in which we are all connected. We need not forgive those who wronged us nor elevate those who’ve done good by us to find common ground in this space. It’s where I go to seek understanding and remember who I am — a spirit, a soul, living a very human life just like you.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”― Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr, pastor and civil rights activist, is the epitome of love and it’s incredible force. Love and light, my friends. It’s what we are made of.
“Spirituality is not some external goal that one must seek, but a part of the divine core of each of us, which we must reveal.” ― B.K.S. Iyengar, Light on Life
B.K.S. Iyengar is a late disciple of Krishnamacharya, the man responsible for much of what we know of Yoga in the West. I keep Light on Life on my shelf always, with a lifelong goal to fully digest at least 70% of his words by the time I die — a lofty goal at best. There is nothing we can’t know by going on a journey within. I can attest, with the short span of time that I’ve consciously explored my self, that the ease of knowing when it comes from within is pure fucking light.
“The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.” ― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations
Roman emperor and philosopher Marcus Aurelius practiced what he preached. His words are eternal, but I believe it was his action of those words that made a lasting impact. We have this incredible human ability we call free will, allowing us to consciously manipulate our thoughts, our feelings, and in turn our lives. Turn these words to action. You have everything you need.
“What is right is not always popular, and what is popular is not always right.” ― Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein was a living example of going against the grain and not following the masses in favor of what made sense to him. He didn’t preach smarts, he preached our ability to think, to imagine, and to create. Truly an epic human being — something we are all fully capable of. Popularity proves nothing not popularity. Do what’s right, especially in the face of adversity.
“I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better.” ― Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou, American writer and civil rights activist, is a woman who stood in her power, inspiring millions beyond her lifetime. Hindsight will always be 20/20, but do not let that stop you from taking action. The lines of right and wrong are blurry, subjective, and ever-evolving. Just do the best with what you’ve got in any given moment, and continue moving forward. That’s all anybody is doing.
“At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can.” ― Frida Kahlo
Frida Kahlo suffered, but knew how to laugh, to love, and to create. She was an artist whose work we continue to admire. She reminds me that we are always stronger than we think we are and capable of things we’ve never done before.
“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t — you’re right.” ― Henry Ford
Henry Ford used basic human powers to reap success in his life. And so can we. I would argue that it’s the only way.
“The past has no power over the present moment.” ― Eckhart Tolle
Unless, of course, you give it power with your thoughts, feelings, and attention. This is not to discredit the effects of trauma and past experiences, but rather to give us back our power to be fresh and new with each moment. Our past can teach us about ourselves and show us what we are truly made of. And we have the ability to heal ourselves. It’s important that we know this. Eckhart Tolle is a great spiritual teacher of his own making, and a great example of the power we are all capable of tapping into. Learn and let go.
“Everything happens for a reason.” ― Barbara Jean Lerch, my mother.
She’s a mother, a grandmother, a wife, and a friend, but before all of that she is an example of love and personal growth. Although she wasn’t the first to say this, she was the one who shared these words with me since I was a young girl, and in times of strife and confusion, they have brought me solace and gain more truth every day. I even tattooed them in Sanskrit on my left forearm, as to never forget.
“Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.” ― Buddha
We can read all the books and listen to all of the lectures on life, spirituality, and love, but if it does not resonate with your internal truth it need not hold a place in your story. Even if Buddha said it. All we can seek from others is perspective, not truth. So, what is your eternal truth? What do you live by? What makes sense to you?
