The whole practice is to keep our mind clear enough to be able to remember that compassion is boundless. And the ability to look at what's happening—to truly know it and respond to it from this place—is really the only refuge. To be able to maintain a certain amount of equanimity in the midst of being confronted with really frightful things—this is a moment of compassion for oneself.
Sylvia Boorstein
Spirit Rock Residential Teacher
Sylvia Boorstein, PhD, has taught Dharma and mindfulness meditation since 1985 and is a founding teacher of Spirit Rock. A psychologist as well as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she emphasizes daily life, citizenship, and social activism as integral to practice. Her books include It’s Easier Than You Think, Don’t Just Do Something, Sit There, That’s Funny, You Don’t Look Buddhist, Pay Attention for Goodness’ Sake, and Happiness Is an Inside Job.