reminders to self

"For one human being to love another is the most difficult task of all. It's the work for which all other work is mere preparation." - R. M. Rilke

"If you do not love too much, you do not love enough." - B. Pascal

"Until you have loved, you cannot become yourself." - E. Dickinson

"There is no remedy for love but to love more." - H.D. Thoreau

"Love is everything it's cracked up to be. It really is worth fighting for, being brave for, risking everything for. And the trouble is, if you don't risk everything, you risk even more." - E. Jong

"I'm not afraid of running out of love. The more I give, the more I have to give." - R. Brezny

"You're hungry for the Infinite, and the Infinite is hungry for you." - R. Brezny

Willing to experience aloneness,
I discover connection everywhere;
Turning to face my fear,
I meet the warrior who lives within;
Opening to my loss,
I am given unimaginable gifts;
Surrendering into emptiness,
I find fullness without end.

Each condition I flee from pursues me.
Each condition I welcome transforms me
And becomes itself transformed
Into its radiant jewel-like essence.
I bow to the one who has made it so.
Who has crafted this Master Game;
To play is pure delight,
To honor it is true devotion.
-J. Welwood

Guest House

This being human is a guest house
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

-Rumi