It is only when we begin to relax with ourselves that meditation becomes a transformative process. Only when we relate with ourselves without moralizing, without harshness, without deception, can we let go of harmful patterns. Without maitri (metta), renunciation of old habits becomes abusive. This is an important point.

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.

Anyone who stands on the edge of the unknown, fully in the present without reference point, experiences groundlessness. That's when our understanding goes deeper, when we find that the present moment is a pretty vulnerable place and that this can be completely unnerving and completely tender at the same time.

There's something delicious about finding fault with something. And that can be including finding fault with one's self, you know?

We are one blink of an eye away from being fully awake

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

Obstacles are our friends: they teach us where we're stuck.