Mindfulness is a pause - the space between stimulus and response: that's where choice lies.

We are waiting for the next moment to contain what this moment does not.

The renowned seventh-century Zen master Seng-tsan taught that true freedom is being "without anxiety about imperfection.

True refuge is that which allows us to be at home, at peace, to discover true happiness. The only thing that can give us true refuge is the awareness and love that is intrinsic to who we are. Ultimately, its our own true nature.

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

Most of us grew up with a very damaging story that something is wrong with us. Gradually - or as in my case, suddenly - we become resolved not to believe this anymore. It takes a dedicated practice to follow up on that resolution, because the conditioning is very strong to keep generating self-demeaning stories.

This longing to express and celebrate life is innate and quite beautiful.