When we want to achieve or reach something such as happiness, peace, stability or even enlightenment and freedom in the deepest sense, the very thing we are seeking turns out to be the largest obstacle to our achieving it. This is because we have ideas of what it is, what it looks like, how it is to function from such a place, who and how and what we will be once we have it, once we're there. Along with these ideas come lists of requirements, of what we must do and who we must be and become in order to reach this place, to deserve such a thing. Combining all of this, what we end up with is something that is conditional. It's easy to see this conditionality when we look at the path we've constructed to lead us along; and it's important to recognize and acknowledge that, should we achieve the very thing we're seeking, its conditionality remains. In light of this, it's good to recall words from the historical Buddha: all conditioned existence is marked by suffering and dissatisfaction. Thus, by extension, anything we achieve through a conditional path will be marked by suffering and dissatisfaction. Fortunately, there is happiness, peace, stability, enlightenment and freedom that exist unconditionally. Right here, right now, naturally, intrinsically, undeniably. All beyond anything one could ever imagine, which is precisely the point.
(Please note: this talk features a surprise cameo by Siri around the halfway point, and she is right on point and sublime - if you listen for nothing else than that, it'll be worth it.)