We are what we think about. When we stay fixed on one person, thought or situation, we get caught in the grip of self-centered thoughts. The more we give attention to that which is upsetting, the more strength it has to rule our lives.

In the Zen Way we focus upon each breath, each day, each moment and experience it totally. One complete breath brings the next.

Consider for a moment what you pay attention to all day long. What seems important to you, what do you take for granted and hardly attend to at all? Write it down. Do not judge your answers. Be honest and simple. As you keep track all week long, you'll be amazed at what claims your attention, what you give your precious life force to.

Unless we base our sense of identity upon the truth of who we are, it is impossible to attain true happiness.

From the Zen view all beings are in the grip of the three poisons, greed, anger and delusion (ignorance).

When we are willing to accept our experience, just as it is, a strange thing happens: it changes into something else. When we avoid pain, struggle not to feel it, pain turns into suffering.

All conflict we experience in the world, is a conflict within our own selves.