“Our minds are like crows.  They pick up everything that glitters, no matter how uncomfortable our nests get with all of that metal.”  Thomas Merton

“If you never have had any distractions you don’t know how to pray.  For the secret of prayer is a hunger for God and for a vision of God, a hunger that lies far deeper than the level of language or affection.”  Thomas Merton

“It takes energy to look into suffering and to see what has brought about that suffering.  But this insight will lead us to see how to end our suffering, and the path needed to do so.  When we embrace our suffering, we see its origins, and we that it can end because there is a path.  Our suffering is at the center.  When we look at compost, we see the flowers.  When we look into the sea of fire, we see a lotus.  The path that does not run away from but embraces our suffering is the path that will lead us to liberation.” Thich Nhat Hanh

“It is not always necessary for us to deal directly with our suffering.  Sometimes we can just allow it to lie dormant in our store consciousness, and we use the opportunity to touch the refreshing and healing elements within us and around us with our mindfulness.”  Thich Nhat Hanh

“There are always moments when one feels empty and estranged.  Such moments are the most desirable, for it means the soul has cast its moorings and is sailing for distant places.  This is detachment — when the old is over and the new has not yet come.  If you are afraid the state may be distressing, there is really nothing to be afraid of.  Remember the instruction: Whatever you come across – go beyond.”  Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj