I am tired of suffering uselessly, and want to make a new wish for greater self-understanding. Are there any practical steps I can take to strengthen my wish?...

I have all the "right" books tapes and DVDs. I know what I need to do, but I don't! Why? Its like I'm frozen, and its killing me; yet I have no trouble partaking in my self destructive behaviors. Why! Any insights would be greatly appreciated. (From student correspondence)...

Nothing we blame for the pain of our anger, anxiety, or fear can ever change their real cause. The true source of our suffering -- individually and collectively -- is an unconscious nature that invents its own enemies, and then suffers in the futile attempt to conquer them... something it can never do, just as it's impossible for a shadow to overcome sunlight.

Vernon Howard was a bit harsh in his assessments of people. He believed you shouldn't help others. I think we all need help because many of us are blind. Would you help anyone that came to you, even "undeserving" people? Aren't we all undeserving? Vernon spoke of "super-sickies." Are there such people?...

I work consciously every day to overcome inner resistance, doubts, etc., but there is one thing that I don't know how to crack... that is tension and intense body pain that began early in my life that just seems to worsen over time...would you have any thoughts on this?...

What is the difference between a "judgment" and an "evaluation"? I am reading where you say to "let go of all judgments." How can I apply that in a profession (coaching) where it is my job to evaluate and judge others? I have to assess abilities and make recommendations, critique performance... do I let go of all these "judgments"?...

From what I am understanding, we are trying to accomplish a highly focused, constant watch over the mind, in fact so intense that it becomes our first priority in life. Is that right? This has got to take a strength of will or intention most of us have never been able to sustain!...

It is easy for me to try to let go of the negatives such as anger or worry. My problems come from the ones I like but that get me in trouble, such as excitement, anticipation, etc. These I know are also false but sometimes so much fun. How do I give these up?...

I have been married for many years. Recently, I discovered that my husband, who travels a lot for his job, has been unfaithful to me during his time away from home. I don't want to expose what I know because I'm afraid he will leave me. What should I do? (From student correspondence)...

One of your "key lessons" says: "Don't be the least concerned if you can't seem to find the time -- or the energy -- to get going because of life's seemingly endless "duties" to family or friends. Drop these punishing (and false) ideas." Do you suggest ignoring responsibility and family... or the way one thinks about such responsibilities? (From student correspondence)...

When I hear some voice in my head, I try to become conscious, aware of myself. I hear nothing, but I feel the presence of the voice in the form of a kind of "pressure" in my head. Is this pressure the emotion that accompanies the voice? Am I looking in the right direction? (From student correspondence)...

Awakening is the (graduated) process of negating all forms of identification; (it is) the realization that no matter how real the feel of any familiar sense of self -- for its pleasure, or pain -- nevertheless: no sensation does a “self” make...