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 root of suffering is resisting the certainty that no matter what the circumstances, uncertainty is all we truly have.

Having compassion starts and ends with having compassion for all those unwanted parts of ourselves. The healing comes from letting there be room for all of this to happen: room for grief, for relief, for misery, for joy.

Resistance to unwanted circumstances has the power to keep those circumstances alive and well for a very long time.

Pain is not a punishment; pleasure is not a reward.

Deep down in the human spirit, there is a reservoir of courage. It is always available, always waiting to be discovered.

The spiritual journey involves going beyond hope and fear, stepping into unknown territory, continually moving forward. The most important aspect of being on the spiritual path may be just to keep moving.