Mark Epstein pulls some threads together

"His ordinary self, wrapped in all its primitive agony, was ... precious, too."

Kate, thanks for this video.

This is the first time I've heard dukkha defined as "hard to face". This nails it for me, as it's how I experience dukkha, only I could never find the right words for how I feel at those times. This brings in some clarity, and having this phrase is a tool I can use for inquiry.

I read a really helpful book by Epstein a few years ago, Open to Desire, where he talked about treating many meditation teachers/practitioners who had issues with misunderstanding desire. In fact, its probably something I should read again as soon as I get the chance. He has a really clear way of talking about complex concepts/emotions.