There's no way to get through a life without difficulties. To be able to do it with grace, kindness, and generosity of spirit—with a heart that reaches out and joins other people either in actual physical company or in wishing them well—that’s what it’s about. We are working on habituating our minds to kindness. Because in a life that's inevitably challenging for everybody in it, meeting it with kindness is the most comfortable way to be in the world, for oneself and for everyone else with whom one interacts. This is the antidote to the difficulties that life brings with it.
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.