Bringing in a full harvest from human effort has always been difficult, because what is worth bringing in is almost always hidden from us: think of the hard, protected kernel of the wheat amidst a waving sea of gold, or the the walnut nestled in its dense, unyielding skin of green and white, think of how common a much-wanted, simple understanding is needed, hidden by our complex thoughts; or the attempt to fully forgive when even forgiving a little seems to be the last thing we want to do; and lastly, the wish to love and to be loved, when loving is what we are most afraid to do.  ~David Whyte

when we see things without fluff, without applause, without knowing……here is where the heart lives……

There are a lot of theories about how things are and how they should be
But a flower at a window offers something else
It offers a reward for a life spent paying attention.
~Roderick MacIver

when we forget to breathe

Rejoicing in ordinary things is not sentimental or trite. Each time we drop our complaints and allow everyday good fortune to inspire us, we enter the warrior’s world. We can do this even at the most difficult moments. Everything we see, hear, taste and smell has the power to strengthen and uplift us. As Longchenpa says, “The quality of joy is like finding cool, refreshing shade.”  ~Pema Chodron