In the Shambhala and Buddhist traditions the essence of mind is openness and clarity combined, or openness inseparable from the capacity to know. It is inherently curious and tender or warm. Therefore I use the notion of awake mind to suggest that, generally speaking, this mind you or I have doesn't seem to be as open, clear, curious, and sympathetic to the world as it could be.
— Cynthia Kneen, Awake Mind, Open Heart