Let difficulty transform you. And it will. In my experience, we just need help in learning how not to run away.

In a nutshell, when life is pleasant, think of others. When life is a burden, think of others.

So many of us start along the spiritual path because we are suffering. But you must realize that for real healing to occur, there must first be deep compassion for yourself, especially the parts of yourself you dislike or consider ugly.

I'm here to tell you that the path to peace is right there, when you want to get away.

Patience is not learned in safety.

Anxiety, heartbreak, and tenderness mark the in-between state. It's the kind of place we usually want to avoid. The challenge is to stay in the middle rather than buy into struggle and complaint. The challenge is to let it soften us rather than make us more rigid and afraid.

The best spiritual instruction is when you wake up in the morning and say, 'I wonder what's going to happen today.' And then carry that kind of curiosity through your life.