Quotes from JOAN BORYSENKO

In Bali, even mundane things are reminders of the sacred.

Our life purpose has both a general and a specific aspect. The first has nothing to do with our work in the world and everything to do with learning how to give and receive love.

Surrender to the things that can't be changed is one of the keys to peace of mind.

In this month of May, help me understand You as God the Mother, She who gives and nourishes life.

No matter what the outer appearance of things may be, let me think of the "bookmark prayer" of Saint Teresa of Avila: Let nothing upset you, Let nothing afright you. Everything is changing; God alone is changeless. Patience attains the goal. Who has God lacks nothing; God alone fills all her needs.

May I be at peace, May my heart remain open, May I awaken to the light of my own true nature, May I be healed, May I be a source of healing for all beings.

Great Spirit, I begin the month of May filled with gratitude for the increase in the light that brings forth life from my soul and from the earth. May my heart be fertile ground for the sprouting of your Godseed, that I may be of loving service to my family, my community and all beings.

Every moment is a holy moment if we are present in it. Peace and stillness, love and wisdom, joy and creativity are the fruits of the present.

Fear and negativity exist outside the now and naturally disappear when we realize that now is the only moment that really exists.

Each of us is truly a bridge between heaven and earth. Just as the physical light of the sun is transformed by plants into all the organic matter on the earth, we are the transformers of the Divine Light that accomplish God's creation on the earth plane.

Today, as you move through your activities, be aware of the energy of your guardian angel. Whenever there is something of particular import that I am supposed to pay attention to, something that will help me unfold the tent of my life purpose, I feel a strong, loving presence on my left side that broadcasts the message "Listen, love, serve.

October is a time to take stock of our deepest held beliefs.

One of the most common blocks to effective directed prayer is the fear of failure.

When you have a plan in mind and have tried honestly and diligently to make it happen, pay attention when nothing happens or when roadblocks constantly pop up.

Another way to let go of the serious self-importance of the ego that stifles the easy flow of creativity is to spend some time helping other people.

Sometimes we complicate things too much. There is great wisdom in keeping things simple. When the Dalai Lama was asked to explain his religion and philosophy of life, he answered very simply that his religion is kindness. Can you envision a world in which kindness was everyone's primary motivation? We would be living in heaven on earth.

Tonglen is one of the most powerful practices of forgiveness and compassion that one can learn.

The further we go on the spiritual path, the more we realize what beginners we really are.

Today, be aware of the judgments you make. Whenever you catch yourself judging someone, imagine that you are breathing in their pain in the form of black smoke. Breathe your happiness back to them.

Rather than increasing stress by decreasing the time available for other work, volunteering is a proven way to reduce stress because it reduces the tendency to self-absorption.

Divine Beloved, I arise with a grateful heart on this beautiful summer morning. May all the study, practice and prayer that I do be an offering to the enlightenment of all beings. May I be content to leave the Great Mystery of the Universe as a mystery, without thinking that I can figure it all out.

There is a wonderful movement afoot called "random acts of kindness." What a refreshing change from random acts of violence that so trouble our world.

A strong intention is the single most important requirement to bring about growth and change, because intention provides the energy that motivates our continuing efforts.

During the day, if you are invited to share your spiritual practice with anyone, remember that humility, non-judgment and respect for other's points of view are the best measure of spiritual attainment.