Yes, there are troubles in the world. There's war and hatred, there's sickness and difficulty. And there is also an undying spirit, an inviolable consciousness that is born in each of us. It is who we are, and it's everything and it's nothing.

The things that matter most in our lives are not fantastic or grand. They are the moments when we touch one another.

Much of spiritual life is self-acceptance, maybe all of it.

Look at every path closely and deliberately. Try it as many times as you think necessary. Then ask yourself and yourself alone one question. This question is one that only a very old man asks. My benefactor told me about it once when I was Young. And my blood was too vigorous for me to understand it. Now I do understand it. I will tell you what it is: does this path have a heart? If it does, the path is good. If it doesn't, it is of no use.

In the end, just three things matter: How well we have lived How well we have loved How well we have learned to let go

The waves do keep coming, so learn to surf.

Everybody needs to take some time, in some way, to quiet themselves and really listen to their heart.