Topics covered:  You are never going to have a life that is completely free of troubles, but you can understand the nature of those troubles; Letting go has nothing to do with what the mind points to as the source of its pain; If you are not in contact with your body, then you are only in contact with thoughts and the sensations that are produced by identifying with them.

Question: I struggle as I get older and the purpose of my life changes. I begin to wonder, "Well, what is my purpose?" Is being mindful enough? Should I be volunteering? Should I be doing this or that to complete myself? I also struggle with the conditions of the world and my local community. The changes in our society weigh heavily on me, and I often don't know what I can do. But the conflict arises when my mind remembers...

Question: I am a mother with a difficult 16-year-old. I have read The Secret of Letting Go and many other books. I have met with professionals and still I keep on having to deal with difficult situations. I really don't feel letting go is the right thing at this time because I can't run away from my kid... I need to be present to have her consider her choices and their consequences. It's my responsibility towards her...

How can I turn my dream of a higher life into reality? What is the right action for me to take?...

What understanding do you have of what Divinity requires of us in the way of abstinence or utilizing our sexual energy in order to dissolve the ego and develop our soul?...

Why am I always so tense, and what can I do about it? This constant state of tension seems to ruin all my efforts!...

Can a loving, true friendship between a man and a woman exist without physical attraction or sexual desire? Is this kind of love impossible?...

I'm not nearly as grateful as I should be. How can I better cultivate a sense of reverence for Truth? (From student correspondence)...

What do you think about Valentine's Day?...

What key lessons in particular can I apply when the job situation looks so grim and at any moment I won't even have rent money? (Student correspondence)...

I've been reading 'The Essential Laws of Fearless Living' and am getting a lot out of it. One idea however needs a little clarifying. It says to not counteract a thought that you don't want with another thought, such as telling yourself you shouldn't have that thought and why. What I am getting from the book is that you shouldn't counteract the thought with an opposite thought, just observe. I...