It is only when we begin to relax with ourselves that meditation becomes a transformative process. Only when we relate with ourselves without moralizing, without harshness, without deception, can we let go of harmful patterns. Without maitri (metta), renunciation of old habits becomes abusive. This is an important point.
Pema ChodronWe are all capable of becoming fundamentalists because we get addicted to other people's wrongness.
Pema ChodronThere's a reason you can learn from everything: you have basic wisdom, basic intelligence, and basic goodness.
Pema ChodronUsually we think that brave people have no fear. The truth is that they are intimate with fear.
Pema ChodronThe happiness we seek cannot be found through grasping, trying to hold on to things. It cannot be found through getting serious and uptight about wanting things to go in the direction we think will bring happiness. We are always taking hold of the wrong end of the stick. The point is that the happiness we seek is already here and it will be found through relaxation and letting go rather than through struggle.
Pema Chodron