By engaging in a delusive quest for happiness, we bring only suffering upon ourselves. In our frantic search for something to quench our thirst, we overlook the water all around us and drive ourselves into exile from our own lives.

Once someone appears to us primarily as an object, kindness has no place to root.

Meeting people in a genuine way and feeling like there is a vital and meaningful connection going on makes me come alive.

We need the compassion and the courage to change the conditions that support our suffering. Those conditions are things like ignorance, bitterness, negligence, clinging, and holding on.

Let the breath lead the way.

My ideal registration system would be an opt-out one, where every single person is registered once they turn 18. In Australia, I’m told, everyone is registered to vote and you pay a fine if you don’t vote.

With the practice of meditation we can develop this ability to more fully love ourselves and to more consistently love others.