Ego is like a room of your own, a room with a view with the temperature and the smells and the music that you like. You want it your own way. You'd just like to have a little peace, you'd like to have a little happiness, you know, just gimme a break.

Meditation takes us just as we are, with our confusion and our sanity. This complete acceptance of ourselves as we are is called maitri, or unconditional friendliness, a simple, direct relationship with the way we are.

You see, there really is no separation between you and everyone else.

Meditation practice isn't about trying to throw ourselves away and become something better. It's about befriending who we are already.

Lower your standards and relax as it is.

The wisdom, the strength, the confidence - the awakened heart and mind are always accessible -- here, now, always.

There isn't anything except your own life that can be used as ground for your spiritual practice. Spiritual practice is your life, twenty-four hours a day.