“The way practice works,” an anonymous Japanese Zen teacher once remarked, “is that we build up our practice, then it falls apart. And then we build it up again, and then it falls apart again. This is the way it goes.”

“Vulnerability is not a weakness, a passing indisposition, or something we can arrange to do without,” writes Whyte. “Vulnerability is not a choice. Vulnerability is the underlying, ever-present, and abiding undercurrent of our natural state. To run from vulnerability is to run from the essence of our nature.”

the Buddha met each one with a present, tender, and spacious awareness.

Everyone else, it seems, is living fantastic and blissful lives. This misperception leads to even further distress for all involved because

Anyone can feel inspired and motivated. Anyone can get started and stick with the program when things are going well.

Mara kept on assaulting the Buddha, and the Buddha kept on responding with acceptance and compassion.

whenever you say yes to something you are saying no to something else.

“I used to think there was an end zone or a goalpost that I’d arrive at. But that’s not true. There is no end zone. It’s a day-to-day decision. How do I want to show up? Where do I want to direct my energy and attention? What do I want to be present for? Answering those questions with integrity—that’s how you find happiness.”

Lao-tzu wrote, “When you are content to simply be yourself and don’t compare or compete, everybody will respect you.”