Compassion is not a relationship between the healer and the wounded. It's a relationship between equals. Only when we know our own darkness well can we be present with the darkness of others. Compassion becomes real when we recognize our shared humanity.

We cannot be present and run our story-line at the same time.

Somehow, in the process of trying to deny that things are always changing, we lose our sense of the sacredness of life. We tend to forget that we are part of the natural scheme of things.

Whole-heartedn ess is a precious gift, but no one can actually give it to you. You have to find the path that has heart and then walk it impeccably....It' s like someone laughing in your ear, challenging you to figure out what to do when you don't know what to do. It humbles you. It opens your heart.

Blaming is a way to protect your heart, trying to protect what is soft and open and tender in yourself.

Tonglen is a way for you to be with people who need you - beginning with yourself.

Compassion is not a relationship between the healer and the wounded. It’s a relationship between equals.