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.

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.

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

Emptiness is the pregnant void out of which all creation springs. But many of us fear emptiness. We prefer to remain...surrounded by things...we imagine are subject to our control.

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

Sabbath requires surrender. If we only stop when we are finished with all our work, we will never stop, because our work is never completely done. With every accomplishment there arises a new responsibility... Sabbath dissolves the artificial urgency of our days, because it liberates us from the need to be finished.