Shundo David Haye – Zen Priest

‘I encourage you to think of the people close to you. What tragedies, challenges, and losses have they experienced? Think of two or three of the most challenging things each one has faced. How does this make you feel about them? And what about your pain, challenges, hurt, and discomfort?

Not turning away is a place of practice. The moments when we are confronted with pain, hit a wall, and become frustrated that we are not really getting what we want can feel really terrible. However, while fully feeling these feelings, it is important to learn to stay with these experiences. Each of them are filled with teachings, and they are among the most important in a life of spiritual practice. They also happen to be the main reason people abandon themselves and their practice.’ (from Slow Down. Help Out. Wake Up.)