At some point, we realize that what we do for ourselves benefits others, and what we do for others benefits us.

Every moment is unique, unknown, completely fresh.

Sitting meditation gives us a way to move closer to our thoughts and emotions and to get in touch with our bodies.

Learning how to be kind to ourselves, learning how to respect ourselves, is important. The reason it's important is that, fundamentally, when we look into our own hearts and begin to discover what is confused and what is brilliant, what is bitter and what is sweet, it isn't just ourselves that we're discovering. We're discovering the universe.

As we practice, we begin to know the difference between our fantasy and reality.

Compassion starts with making friends with ourselves.

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.