We never know how or when we will meet ourselves. We are always on the lookout for someone or something to introduce us to our more inward being, our original, bright, not-mixed-up nature. Though that clear nature can't be sustained — we are sure to have recurrent difficulties — once we know it, then the ongoing daily drama loses some of its luster as the basis for establishing self-worth. We realize we don't have to identify with our problems as the limit of who we are.
— Edward Espe Brown, Tomato Blessings and Radish Teachings