Nothing in its essence is one way or the other.

Maybe the most important teaching is to lighten up and relax. It's such a huge help in working with our crazy mixed-up minds to remember that what we're doing is unlocking a softness that is in us and letting it spread. We're letting it blur the sharp corners of self-criticism and complaint.

But all the time our warmth and brilliance are right here. This is who we really are. We are one blink of an eye away from being fully awake.

None of us is ever OK, but we all get through everything just fine.

If you work with your mind, instead of trying to change everything on the outside, that's how your temper will cool down.

Everything is material for the seed of happiness, if you look into it with inquisitiveness and curiosity. The future is completely open, and we are writing it moment to moment. There always is the potential to create an environment of blame -or one that is conducive to loving-kindness.

As long as our orientation is toward perfection or success, we will never learn about unconditional friendship with ourselves, nor will we find compassion.