About this quote

There is a paradox at the center of self-mastery: the harder you grip at controlling your own mind, the more it slips. Real steadiness of thought tends to arrive through letting go, surrendering the ego's need to win, rather than through sheer force of will.

When to use it

• A meditator who stops fighting stray thoughts and simply lets them pass finds the mind settles on its own.
• An insomniac who quits trying to force sleep and releases the effort finally drifts off.
• A perfectionist who loosens the need to control every outcome discovers a calm that striving never gave.