I sometimes call this our "spacesuit self" because we come into an environment that is difficult and challenging, where we're told to be different. We're told to jump over hoops to be loved and appreciated, so we have to develop spacesuit strategies to get approval and create ways to avoid being judged.

It is through realizing loving presence as our very essence, through being that presence, that we discover true freedom.

To open in a loving way is to let awareness notice that tightening.

In the process of deeply accepting our own inner experience, instead of being identified with a story of a limited self, we realize the compassion and wakefulness that is our essence.

Unless we're completely awake, have a degree of that. We tense against love and hold on in a way that doesn't let it flow. When that's really strong, the key piece to freeing our hearts is self-compassion.

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

When we put down ideas of what life should be like, we are free to wholeheartedly say yes to our life as it is.