When we are willing to stay even a moment with uncomfortable energy, we gradually learn not to fear it.

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.

Being preoccupied with our self-image is like being deaf and blind. It's like standing in the middle of a vast field of wildflowers with a black hood over our heads. It's like coming upon a tree of singing birds while wearing earplugs.

The greatest obstacle to connecting with our joy is resentment.

Life's work is to wake up, to let the things that enter your life wake you up rather than put you to sleep.

We don’t sit in meditation to become good meditators. We sit in meditation so that we’ll be more awake in our lives.

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.