In Tibet there is a lot of livestock: many cows, sheep, yaks.  The skin from these animals needs to be cured in order to be useful.  It needs to be softened by a special process.  Once the hide has been cured, it becomes flexible and can used in all sorts of ways.  But first it needs to be prepared in the right way – it needs to be softened, made flexible.  If the hide is simply left as it is, it hardens and becomes totally stiff; then it is nothing but an unyielding piece of animal skin.  It is the same way with a human being’s attitude.  We must soften our hearts, and this takes deliberate effort.  We need to make ourselves gentle, peaceful, flexible and tame, rather than being undisciplined, rigid, stubborn egocentrics. (Tsoknyi Rinpoche. The Compassionate Attitude of Awakened Heart and Mind.)

Wishing you peace and wellbeing as you warm up, soften your heart, and open yourself to meaningful, healthy relationships with others.

PS: Remember to hold the one’s you love just a little closer and tighter this week (without expectations).