Three things differentiate living from the soul versus living from ego only. They are: the ability to sense and learn new ways, the tenacity to ride a rough road, and the patience to learn deep love over time.

The art of contemplation teaches us to covet this precious but vital gift of lightness. Sometimes when the clouds gather and press in on us, or when our brows curl into furrows, the one thing we need above all is this sense of greater perspective.