We learn best with focused attention. As we focus on what we're learning, the brain maps that information on what we already know making new neural connections

But the rational mind usually doesn't decide what emotions we "should" have !

Our emotional mind will harness the rational mind to its purposes, for our feelings and reactions-- rationalizations-- justifying them in terms of the present moment, without realizing the influence of our emotional memory.

When the darkness is seen as a necessary prelude to the creative light, one is less likely to ascribe frustration to personal inadequacy or label it as bad.

Our genetic heritage endows each of us with a series of emotional set-points that determines our temperament. But the brain circuitry involved is extraordinarily malleable; temperament is not destiny.

Empathy represents the foundation skill for all the social competencies important for work.

However, I began meditating at about that time and have continued on and off over the years.