Feelings and stories of unworthiness and shame are perhaps the most binding element in the trance of fear. When we believe something is wrong with us, we are convinced we are in danger. Our shame fuels ongoing fear, and our fear fuels more shame. The very fact that we feel fear seems to prove that we are broken or incapable. When we are trapped in trance, being fearful and bad seem to define who we are. The anxiety in our body, the stories, the ways we make excuses, withdraw or lash out—these become to us the self that is most real.

Nothing is wrong - whatever is happening is just "real life."

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

Our greatest longing is to be intimate.

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.

I don't believe I'm bad, and I do believe I'm good.

Our kids go to school and they come out feeling not intelligent, not desirable, not attractive or appealing to others.