Meditation takes us just as we are, with our confusion and our sanity. This complete acceptance of ourselves as we are is called maitri, or unconditional friendliness, a simple, direct relationship with the way we are.

Even if you don't feel appreciation, just look. Feel what you feel; take an interest and be curious.

Just where you are-that's the place to start!

It's also helpful to realize that this very body that we have, that's sitting right here right now... with its aches and it pleasures... is exactly what we need to be fully human, fully awake, fully alive.

In meditation, you learn how to get out of your own way long enough for there to be room for your wisdom to manifest

Until we stop clinging to the concept of good and evil, the world will continue to manifest as friendly goddesses and harmful demons.

This moving away from comfort and security, this stepping out into what is unknown, uncharted and shaky - that's called liberation.