p. 132 before a dream is realized, the soul of the world tests everything that was learned along the way.  it does this not because it is evil, but so that we can, in addition to realizing our dreams, master the lessons we’ve learned as we’ve moved toward that dream.  that’s the point at which, as we say in the language of the desert, one ‘dies of thirst just when the palm trees have appeared on the horizon.’  every search begins with beginner’s luck.  and every search ends with the victor being severely tested. (darkest hour right before dawn etc.)

p. 156 everything that happens once can never happen again.  but everything that happens twice will surely happen a third time.

p. 159 ‘be aware of the places where you are brought to tears.  that’s where i am, and that’s where your treasure is.