Just because we are working hard does not mean we are making anything happen.

To pray is no small thing. It is nothing less than a sacred pilgrimage into the heart of the whole world.

The heart of most spiritual practices is simply this: Remember who you are. Remember what you love. Remember what is sacred. Remember what is true. Remember that you will die and that this day is a gift. Remember how you wish to live.

We become what we love. Whatever you are giving your time and attention to, day after day, is the kind of person you will eventually become.

If we do not allow for a rhythm of rest in our overly busy lives, illness becomes our Sabbath— our pneumonia, our cancer, our heart attack, our accidents create Sabbath for us.

We are called to be strong companions and clear mirrors to one another, to seek those who reflect with compassion and a keen eye how we are doing, whether we seem centered or off course ... we need the nourishing company of others to create the circle needed for growth, freedom and healing.

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.