Just pausing for two to three breaths is a perfect way to stay present. This is a good use of our life. Indeed, it is an excellent, joyful use of our life. Instead of getting better and better at avoiding, we can learn to accept the present moment as if we had invited it, and work with it instead of against it, making it our ally rather than our enemy.

This genuine heart of sadness can teach us great compassion. It can humble us when we're arrogant and soften us when we are unkind.

The idea of karma is that you continually get the teaching that you need to open your heart.

We're not trying to be something we aren't; rather, we're reconnecting with who we are.

If your everyday practice is open to all your emotions, to all the people you meet, to all the situations you encounter, without closing down, trusting that you can do that - then that will take you are far as you can go. And then you'll understand all the teachings that anyone has ever taught.

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

Use what seems like poison as medicine. Use your personal suffering as the path to compassion for all beings.