This loosely bound but intentional gathering of words weaves a heart-based path through a passionate spiritual landscape. Believing that life unfolds along a full emotional spectrum, the author stretches our conventional thinking about the transformative power of being "present" in our lives. By extending our non-judging, compassionate attention to our emotions as they arise, we both dilute their power over us, and expand our ability to withstand their impact. Processing an ever-shifting cycle of love and loss, she traces a mindful route, returning to center again and again, seeking out equilibrium, and finding the alchemy of despair into hope.