Any time you spend paying attention, applying the mind to any kind of meditative technique, is helpful. By simply reducing your activities and sitting still, being with yourself, you can learn to let go of the perpetual struggle with your own situation.

Many of us have a hard time accepting appreciation because somehow we don’t feel worthy, so we hit a return volley. If your flash response is to say, “No, I didn’t do that great a job, really,” or you bounce back with a reciprocal but random compliment, such as “Thanks, I like your haircut!,” you are rejecting someone’s offering.

Even though we may have spoken the same words again and again, each time we speak them, we are expressing them in the now. In this way, we could say that in all time and space, there has only ever been one conversation. Past and future conversations are not occurring; there is only the conversation that is happening now.

In relationships, we cannot say, “I love you” all day long. But by talking about how another person is doing, having tea, having dinner, or going for a walk, we can sustain the feeling of kindness.

Conversely, by not acknowledging others, we are intentionally or unintentionally dismissing their existence. Those who are not acknowledged feel insecure, angry, and possibly vindictive.

Before you start complaining, ask yourself, Do I truly want to complain? Will it help my friend to hear this?

Identifying strongly with our thoughts and emotions, we mistake them for a solid “me,” and then defend that apparition against the world.

Do we have the bravery to be open and vulnerable to the people in our lives? To be kind? Conversation is a daily opportunity.

Unlike knowledge, wisdom doesn’t need to be learned; it is inherent. Inherently, humans understand that contact and exchange is good, and therefore that humanity is good.