Since death is certain and the time of death is uncertain, what is the most important thing?

Hold the sadness and pain of samsara [suffering, confusion] in your heart and at the same time the power and vision of the Great Eastern Sun [fundamental awake human nature]. Then the warrior [brave enough to look at & work with reality] can make a proper cup of tea.

So war and peace start in the human heart. Whether that heart is open or whether that heart closes has global implications.

By becoming intimate with how we close down and how we open up, we awaken our unlimited potential.

Be kinder to yourself. And then let your kindness flood the world.

The ego seeks to divide and separate. Spirit seeks to unify and heal.

For one day, or for one day for a week, refrain from something you habitually do to run away, to escape. Pick something concrete, such as overeating or excessive sleeping or overworking or spending too much time texting or checking e-mails. Make a commitment to yourself to gently and compassionately work with refraining from this habit for this one day. Really commit to it. Do this with the intention that it will put you in touch with the underlying anxiety or uncertainty that you've been avoiding. Do it and see what you discover.