We are made for joy. This is who we are. We are not our fear, our grief, our anger, or our jealousy. We are so much more than that. This practice is about uncovering this well-being that is within us. And it's accessible, it's always here, we just need to cool ourselves down a bit, open up our hearts, and look clearly. As you touch into the profound, luminous qualities of your own heart, you know deep in your bones that you are completely worthy—that there is nothing wrong with you, and nothing has ever been wrong with you. Who you are, as you are, is perfect, perfectly imperfect, and perfectly perfect.
Diana Winston
Spirit Rock Residential Teacher
Diana Winston is the Director of UCLA Mindful, the mindfulness education center of UCLA Health. She has taught retreats at Spirit Rock since 2004. She is the author of Fully Present, The Little Book of Being, and Wide Awake: A Buddhist Guide for Teens.