As we practice, we begin to know the difference between our fantasy and reality.

The real thing that we renounce is the tenacious hope that we could be saved from being who we are.

Lower your standards and relax as it is.

If we begin to get in touch with whatever we feel with some kind of kindness, our protective shells will melt, and we'll find that more areas of our lives are workable. AS we learn to have compassion for ourselves, the circle of compassion for others-what and whom we can work with, and how-becomes wider.

When we feel left out, inadequate, or lonely, can we take a warrior’s perspective and contact bodhichitta?

The essence of our whole path is in that place of discomfort, and what do we do with it?

Things become clear when there is no escape.