The capacity for love that makes dogs such rewarding companions has a flip-side: They find it difficult to cope without us. Since we humans programmed this vulnerability, it's our responsibility to ensure that our dogs do not suffer as a result.

Chronically dysfunctioning families are also delusional. Delusion is sincere denial.

All these feelings need to be felt. We need to stomp and storm; to sob and cry; to perspire and tremble.

Healthy shame is an emotion that teaches us about our limits. Like all emotions, shame moves us to get our basic needs met.

Shame is the root of all addictions.

I believe that this neglected, wounded, inner child of the past is the major source of human misery.

It is a mark of soulfulness to be present in the here and now. When we are present, we are not fabricating inner movies. We are seeing what is before us.