582 Quotes by Sharon Salzberg

When we are willing to explore our own experiences, we open the doorway to deeper connection and intimacy.

Although much of the work we do in committed relationships we do with our partners, sometimes it’s necessary to start with ourselves.

Any time we find ourselves relying on the ideas of an absolute, frozen state of right and wrong—or fairness versus unfairness—that we are used to, we can compare the habit to distraction during meditation.

Whether we fear the existence of boundaries with others or crave more of them, there’s no denying that individuation and separation are inevitable parts of loving relationships that become the site of tension.

When you recognize and reflect on even one good thing about yourself, you are building a bridge to a place of kindness and caring.

When we learn to respond to disappointments with acceptance, we give ourselves the space to realize that all our experiences—good and bad alike—are opportunities to learn and grow.

When we relate to ourselves with loving kindness, perfectionism naturally drops away.

Wholehearted acceptance is a basic element of love, starting with love for ourselves, and a gateway to joy. Through the practices of loving kindness and self-compassion, we can learn to love our flawed and imperfect selves. And in those moments of vulnerability, we open our hearts to connect with each other, as well. We are not perfect, but we are enough.

When we direct a lot of hostile energy toward the inner critic, we enter into a losing battle.