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.

we learn the process of emptying out, cleaning house, both within and without.

All experiences are welcomed and fully digested, not judged good or bad.

When we are able to receive life's challenges as koans rather than problems, they become interesting and exciting, rather than ponderous and depressing.

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.

All the insight we will ever need to live well will come from fully being who and where we are.

If one's sense of self is obtained through the eyes of another it is always subject to being lost.