The essence of bravery is being without self-deception.

The Process of becoming unstuck requires tremendous bravery, because basically we are completely changing our way of perceiving reality.

The root of compassion, is compassion for oneself.

I have all the support I need to simply relax and be with the transitional, in-process quality of my life. I have all I need to engage in the process of awakening.

Remember that this is not something we do just once or twice. Interrupting our destructive habits and awakening our heart is the work of a lifetime.

One very powerful and effective way to work with this tendency to push away pain and hold on to pleasure is the practice of tonglen.  In tonglen practice, when we see or feel suffering, we  breathe in with the notion of completely feeling it, accepting it, and owning it.

If you ask why we meditate, I would say it's so we can become more flexible and tolerant to the present moment.