The second noble truth says that this resistance is the...mechanism of what we call ego, that resisting life causes suffering.

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

Usually we regard loneliness as an enemy. Heartache is not something we choose to invite in. It's restless and pregnant and hot with the desire to escape and find something or someone to keep us company. When we can rest in the middle, we begin to have a nonthreatening relationship with loneliness, a relaxing and cooling loneliness that completely turns our usual fearful patterns upside down.

The point is that our true nature is not some ideal that we have to live up to. It's who we are right now, and that's what we can make friends with and celebrate.

Compassion practice is daring. It involves learning to relax and allowing ourselves to move gently toward what scares us.

Each time you stay present with fear and uncertainty, you're letting go of a habitual way of finding security and comfort.

Don’t worry about achieving. Don’t worry about perfection. Just be there each moment as best you can.