Alchemists are tasked with transforming the seemingly worthless into something noble. In a sense, this is the opposite path of the ego, which considers what it has to be inferior and demands an improved version. Life gives the ego bread and it is dissatisfied with it because it wants toast. The alchemist, on the other hand, patiently works all his life on that which is least valued and gradually transforms it into the true treasure. 

The alchemist already sees the secret inherent in the seemingly worthless and finds ways to recover it. Hidden within is the knowledge that can turn any experience into gold. Being human contains a wide range of qualities. Some of these qualities are welcome, others are not. But it is the unwelcome parts that are the ‘raw material’ for transformation, revealing their gift with a little pressure, temperature, and mindfulness. 

The alchemist knows that redemption from human suffering does not happen in the future and is not achieved through effort or sacrifice, but arises in the moment when you sincerely turn to yourself when you need yourself most. This alchemy transforms pain into compassion.