I would say both Western psychology and Eastern paths would recognize that we get caught up in feeling like a separate self and an unworthy self.

As long as we are alive, we feel fear. It is an intrinsic part of our makeup, as natural as a bitter cold winter day or the winds that rip branches off trees. If we resist it or push it aside, we miss a powerful opportunity for awakening.

Meditation helps us to get out of our thoughts about the future and really be in the present moment.

There is something wonderfully bold and liberating about saying yes to our entire imperfect and messy life.

I mentioned earlier the two wings of awareness. The first step is recognizing the fear of getting close to others - this honest witnessing of where it is in the body, where it is in your beliefs.The other wing regards what's seen with kindness and compassion.

The two wings of mindfulness and kindness will begin to open the heart to more connection with our world.

As we free ourselves from the suffering of 'something is wrong with me, 'we trust and express the fullness of who we are.'