It takes some training to equate complete letting go with comfort. But in fact, “nothing to hold on to” is the root of happiness. There’s a sense of freedom when we accept that we’re not in control. Pointing ourselves toward what we would most like to avoid makes our barriers and shields permeable.

Pema Chödrön (1936-), Pema Chödrön is an American Tibetan Buddhist. She is an ordained nun, and disciple of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. Chödrön has written several dozen books and is principal teacher at Gampo Abbey in Nova Scotia, Canada.