Even when our intentions are noble and our efforts sincere, even when we dedicate our lives to the service of others, the corrosive pressure of frantic over-activity can nonetheless cause suffering in ourselves and others. A "successful" life can become a violent enterprise.

As Gandhi wisely points out, even as we serve others we are working on ourselves; every act, every word, every gesture of genuine compassion naturally nourishes our own hearts as well. It is not a question of who is healed first. When we attend to ourselves with compassion and mercy, more healing is made available for others. And when we serve others with an open and generous heart, great healing comes to us.

Be not afraid. A kind life, a life of spirit, is fundamentally a life of courage-the courage simply to bring what you have, to bring who you are.

For thousands of years we have gathered in circle--around fires, around bodies, around altars--because we can't do this alone.

When we come close to those things that break us down, we touch those things that also break us open. And in that breaking open, we uncover our true nature.

In the soil of the quick fix is the seed of a new problem, because our quiet wisdom is unavailable.

Because we do not rest, we lose our way.