We learn compassion as we see that we are not alone in our suffering. A classical teaching encourages us to remember every day that suffering is part of life. Everyone is subject to loss and gain, illness and death. Whether you are going through a period full of blessings or full of challenges, remember that they\u2019re both part of our life\u2019s curriculum. With gratitude for just being alive and learning along the way, every moment counts.<\/p>\n
James Baraz interviewed Frank Ostaseski<\/a>, founder of the Metta Institute, <\/a>co-founder of Zen Hospice Project<\/a>, and author of <\/span>The Five Invitations: Discovering What Death Can Teach Us About Living Fully<\/em>, <\/span>as part of a series called “Conversations with the Wise”:<\/p>\n \u201cMature hope requires clear intention but also letting go. It involves embracing uncertainty not trying to manage uncertainty. Hope is an optimizing force that leads us toward harmony.\u201d<\/p>\n