preposted for while I’m on the road:

Thought for the day:  In the midst of our overscheduled lives, how do we discover our inherent clarity and compassion?  How do we develop trust that openness…[is] available even in the most frantic moments?  When we fell left out, inadequate, or lonely, can we take a warrior’s perspective…?

Sharing the heart is a simple practice that can be used at any time and in every situation.  It enlarges our view and helps us remember our interconnection….

The essence of this practice (tonglen) is that when we encounter pain in our life we breathe into our heart with the recognition that others also feel this.  It’s a way of acknowledging when we are closing down and of training to open up.  When we encounter any pleasure or tenderness in our life, we cherish that and rejoice.  then we make the wish that others could also experience this delight or this relief.  IN a nutshell, when life is pleasant, think of others.  When life is a burden, think of others.  Pema Chodron, The Places That Scare You:  A Guide to Fearlessness in Difficult Times