It’s true, as the saying goes, that we can only love others when we first like ourselves, and we are able to only experience real joy when we stop running from discomfort. The key to understanding these truisms is based on remaining available to life in all circumstances, and right here Pema Chödrön displays us how. When we accept the happiness and suffering, intelligence and dilemma that are a organic part of life, we can begin to find a wellspring of courageous love within our hearts.