Only in an open, nonjudgmental space can we acknowledge what we are feeling. Only in an open space where we're not all caught up in our own version of reality can we see and hear and feel who others really are, which allows us to be with them and communicate with them properly.

Next, feel your heart, literally placing your hand on your chest if you find that helpful. This is a way of accepting yourself just as you are in that moment, a way of saying, "This is my experience right now, and it's okay." Then go into the next moment without any agenda.

Difficult people are the greatest teachers.

We don't set out to save the world; we set out to wonder how other people are doing and to reflect on how our actions affect other people's hearts.

All the wars, all the hatred, all the ignorance in the world come out of being so invested in our opinions.

When you open the door and invite in all sentient beings as your guests, you have to drop your agenda.

Tonglen dissolves your solid sense of "I'm the wise person, I'm going to help this poor, unfortunate loser."