The Five Hindrances

As we end 2025, its useful to look back at the year in review and notice how we fared as evolving beings of light, with an abbreviated version of the five hindrances.

The five hindrances can be understood as very common, negative mind sets which hinder us on the spiritual path, as per Buddhist philosophy:

The first hindrance is Desire.

"Everything will be OK when I get what I want."

Is that really true?

The second hindrance is Ill Will or Aversion.

"I don't want this. I don't like this. This should not be happening."

What is the deeper truth underneath?

The third hindrance is Sloth and Torpor.

"I can't deal. I better go numb or shut down completely."

Where does going numb lead us to?

The fourth hindrance is Restlessness and Worry.

"Something is wrong. I need to fix this. This can't be happening."

We must ask if we really are in control of the situation?

The fifth hindrance is Doubt.

"I must be broken. Maybe I can trust, but if I do, will it all go bad again?

I doubt things will work out well for me. They never do."

What would it be like to let go of my fear?

Personally, I struggle with aversion and doubt, with a little side of worry. What helps me the most is staying present and just getting curious about the hindrances I feel. Where do I feel them in my body? What is it like to feel aversion?

Usually by the time I do that, the hindrance has moved on and I am left with the wonderful, glorious present moment.

Here is to our wonderful, mixed up, crazy human journey! Let's let go of a bit more of the hindrances in 2026!