At the root of everything is "basic goodness"—a Buddhist view that each of us is fundamentally awake and compassionate—yet we tend to look at ourselves from a place of "badness," explains Ani Pema. We spend our lives in self-doubt and confusion, attempting to be perfect and "get it right." But life is about being open to whatever might arise, including feelings of uneasiness as well as feelings of contentment and peace. Rather than asking "how can I get out of this?"—ask "how can I stay in this moment of discomfort and begin to soften?" It is in that moment of softening that you will find your open heart, teaches Pema Chödrön. "Everyone has the longing to feel the open heart, because it is a deep happiness that can never be taken away."