Transcending Insanity, Part Four: Exertion

Sep 5, 2025

Dive into the concept of exertion, where it's revealed that true effort is about opening to reality, not just trying harder. Explore the hidden forms of laziness, including procrastination and losing heart, that hinder personal growth. Discover how community and purpose can reignite your spirit when feeling overwhelmed. Finally, learn about the three faces of exertion, which include showing up with commitment and embracing the journey, while humor signals a renewal of energy in your practice.

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INSIGHT

Exertion Is Opening, Not Pushing

Exertion in Buddhism is not about trying harder; it's about opening repeatedly to reality.
You stay willing to engage without certainty about outcomes.

INSIGHT

Laziness Is More Than Doing Nothing

Laziness is the main obstacle to exertion and has deeper forms than mere inactivity.
Noticing your lethargy initiates change by metabolizing what you resist.

INSIGHT

Avoidance Stems From Hopelessness

The first form of laziness is avoidance rooted in hopelessness or shame.
Simply noticing the avoidance begins to shift it.

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In this episode, I dive into the fourth of the six paramitas, or transcendent actions, from the classical Buddhist teachings: exertion. If you’ve been following along with our exploration of the first three—generosity, discipline, and patience—you’ll know these aren’t lofty ideals but practical ways to bring dharma off the cushion and into real life.

Here, we go deep into what exertion really means. Spoiler: it’s not about trying harder. I talk about what makes exertion so powerful, what gets in its way, and how to reconnect with your own life force—especially when you feel disheartened or overwhelmed.

This episode is personal, honest, and yes, maybe a little long. But I hope it offers something of use to you as we navigate life with as much wisdom, courage, and compassion as we can muster.

Highlights:

Exertion ≠ Trying Harder:
Most of us are already trying as hard as we can. Buddhist exertion is not about pushing more—it’s about opening more.
What Exertion Is:
A continual willingness to engage with reality, to stay with your life and your heart—even when you don’t know where it’s all going.
The Three Forms of Laziness:
1. Procrastination or Avoidance: Often rooted in hopelessness or shame.
2. Being Too Busy: When the essential things—like you—fall to the bottom of the list.
3. Losing Heart: When the state of the world or your own limits make you forget your innate goodness.
The Three Forms of Exertion:
1. Suit of Armor: Not armor as in closing off, but as in showing up with commitment and presence, no matter what.
2. Action: You keep going. You don’t give up. You come back.
3. Never Being Satisfied: Staying curious. You haven’t reached the bottom of your own wisdom yet.
A Different View on Motivation:
Exertion is fueled by generosity, discipline, and patience. These are things we receive through openness, not willpower.
How Beliefs Can Block Exertion:
Our belief systems—especially those we don't even realize we have—can narrow our perception and prevent us from experiencing what's real.
Restoring Exertion Through Humor:
When we lose our sense of humor, it can be a red flag. Humor often signals a return of energy and perspective.

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Produced by Citizens of Sound