“If you tell me you already understand, I feel a little pessimistic. If you say you do not understand, I feel more optimistic” – Thich Nhat Hanh

I’ve learned that I can never live up to my image of myself. I can only live out my questions.

The fast current of life requires me to stand up, again and again, and to not be defeated when I am angry or cruel, or worn down. I just get to a deeper level.

In this way, my life keeps getting more and more precious.

I stand up to be stripped bare, worn down. This, I think, is how everything in my way is made thin and stripped bare, so I can feel just how thoroughly alive I am.

Sit quietly, and bring to mind a time when I stood up to something I had to face.

Breathe deeply, and name and consider an experience that has worn me down.

Center myself, and name, if I can, how standing up and being worn down has changed me.