Fifteen years ago when I asked my teacher how falling in love and committing to Ondrea might affect my practice, he turned laughing and said quite incredulously, "Affect your practice! It is your practice. Remember, your partner is your practice." It reminded me of what the other meditation master had said about the true test of spiritual practice being illness and relationship. Each attracts grief and old small mind momentum. Each requires our whole attention and as much mercy as we can muster. Each requires a mindful watching and a heartful embrace.
— Stephen Levine, Embracing the Beloved