By developing unconditional friendship with ourselves, we learn to abide with our own energy and overcome fear of that which is unfamiliar. In doing so, we also see our “sameness” with others, that we are all in the same boat. Practicing this further, we develop the unconditional ability to stand in others’ shoes, not causing harm, and opening our hearts for others. Excerpted from talk 2 of Pema Chodron’s weekend retreat, “All in the Same Boat,” May 2008.