You’ve lived in such a way that depression has become possible. You’ve been running and not allowed yourself the time to rest, to relax, and to live your daily life deeply. Spending time each day doing mindful walking can help. Arrange your life so that you can do mindful walking every day.

If we know how to handle the little sufferings, we don’t have to suffer on a daily basis. We can practice letting go of what the French call les petites miseres, the little miseries, and save our energy to embrace and soothe the true pains of illness and loss that are unavoidable.

Understanding our own hurt allows us to see and understand the suffering of others. Looking without judgment, we can understand, and compassion is born. Transformation is possible.

That’s why the first practice is to stop running, come home to our bodies, and recognize our suffering.

we aren’t practicing the mindfulness that would help us recognize the many conditions of happiness that are there.

You are aware that you are alive; that is already enlightenment. You are aware that you have a body; that is already enlightenment. You are aware that your feet are strong enough for you to enjoy walking; that is also enlightenment.

with mindfulness you can touch the many conditions of happiness and joy that are already available. You are a real artist. You know how to create joy and happiness any time you want.

Even in the commotion of a big city, you can walk with peace, happiness, and an inner smile.

Once our mindful energy has soothed our suffering, we can begin to look more deeply into its nature and sources.