Meditation is a practice that helps us settle the mind, unwinding our tendency to create categories of right and wrong, for and against. Sitting quietly upright, things are simply as they are, here and now. The mind returns to its original state—open, empty, free of egoic compulsions and fixed identity. In time, this cultivation of open awareness contributes to more flexibility of the mind and a concurrent ability to include more perspectives. Our powers of observation become more acute, and we can actually see our prejudices arise, noticing how we cling to fixed views. Eventually it becomes easier to relinquish them and be open to new ways of seeing. If our minds weren’t fundamentally empty, we could never create a fairer society. But our naturally unbiased open mind is the source of true wisdom and compassion, and cultivating it puts us in touch with the innate value of all things.

_{From Compassionate Conversations: How to Speak and Listen from the Heart by Diane Musho Hamilton, Gabriel Menegale Wilson, Kimberly Myosai Loh © 2020 by Diane Musho Hamilton, Gabriel Menegale Wilson, Kimberly Myosai Loh. Reprinted in arrangement with Shambhala Publications. Diane Musho Hamilton is a Zen priest, meditation teacher, and author of several books. Gabriel Menegale Wilson is a leadership coach and an associate for Delta Developmental, a leadership and organizational development consultancy. Kimberly Loh is a leadership coach, consultant, and writer.}