2. Patience - things must unfold in their own time - no need to be impatient with ourselves; we find the mind judging all the time or we are tense or agitated or frightened

3. Beginner's mind - a mind that is willing to see everything as if for the first time - allows us to be free of our expectations based on our past experiences.  The next time you see somebody who is familiar, ask yourself if you are seeing this person with fresh eyes, as he or she really is, or if your are seeing a reflection of your own thoughts about this person.  Try it with cats, spouse, friends, etc.

4. Trust - trust in yourself - it is far better to trust in your intuition and own authority, even if you make some "mistakes" along the way, than to look outside yourself for guidance.  If something doesn't feel right, why not honor your feelings.

5. Non-striving - you are not doing this for a purpose, to get something or somewhere.  Don't think "I am going to get relaxed this time", this introduces an idea into your mind of where you should be, and along with it comes the notion that you are not okay right now.  Pay attention to what ever is happening in the moment.  If you are tense, then pay attention it.

6. Acceptance - acceptance means seeing things as they actually are in the present.  If you have a headache, accept that you have a headache.  It does not mean that you should give up on your desire to change and grow.  It means that you should come around to a willingness to see things as they are.

7. Letting go - we tend to hold on to pleasant thoughts and try to get rid of unpleasant thoughts.  In meditation practice we intentionally put aside the tendency to elevate some aspects of our experience and to reject others.  Instead we just let our experience be what it is and practice observing it from moment to moment.