But this revolutionary act of treating ourselves tenderly can begin to undo the aversive messages of a lifetime.

Self-judgment continues to arise - it's a strong habit - but the fact that I made a conscious commitment to recognize it has helped me stop feeding the story of being unworthy.

We, like the Mother of the World, become the compassionate presence that can hold, with tenderness, the rising and passing waves of suffering.

Observing desire without acting on it enlarges our freedom to choose how we live.

I knew I could hold myself with that absolute love and compassion.

The trance of unworthiness keeps the sweetness of belonging out of reach. The path to "the sweetness of belonging," is acceptance - acceptance of ourselves and acceptance of others without judgment.

If I'm judging the attachment, myself, or another person, then I create separation.