Being present is what we practice in meditation - to be fully present to our experience, to see through the delusions of conditioned mind and end suffering. SUFFERING Pain is an inevitable part of being alive and in physical form. Suffering results from resisting pain, from wanting something other than what is. Suffering can be anything from abject

3. Meditation

Facing suffering, embracing suffering, becoming the conscious, compassionate awareness that can bring an end to suffering, is not painful. Trying to hide from suffering is extremely painful and will rob you of your

EXERCISE List some of your subpersonalities and what they say. For example, which part of you says: “I don’t have time.” “I should have known better.” “I’ll probably fail.” Add your own:

but adapt and survive. They aren’t bad, can’t be gotten rid of, and when embraced and appreciated become delightful companions. So, here you are with twenty or thirty small children who are depending on you for love, affection, guidance, structure, safety, and care. You don’t get to decide which ones stay and which ones go, which ones live and whic

When we look out at the world, we do not see the world as it is, we see the world as we are.

The feeling of center is often described as peaceful, compassionate, energetic, willing, and joyful. From center, the world is exactly the same as always, there’s just nothing wrong.

EXERCISE Imagine going through an average day. “Who” wakes up in the morning? (Who picks out your sleepwear?) Who decides what to do first? Is someone in charge of the morning rituals? Who fixes breakfast? (Sometimes it might be the “health food fascist,” sometimes the “junk food junkie.”) Who decides what to wear? Is there someone who plans your d

A new subpersonality was “born” each time you needed to adapt throughout your early years.