Dear Skeezyks,
I love Pema Chodron too. I have read several of her books. I practice meditation daily because it sometimes lifts me out of the heavyness of the world. It is like going into an air conditioned room on a hot humid day.
I don't know how to judge myself as good or bad student. My teachers may not know the peculiarities of my life, but I know when I fall short and try to do better at living the way I believe life should be.
A very inspiring teacher (unknown person) said that any progress during a life is success. Maybe we sell ourselves short. I know I do sometime.
When I was going through a deep depression I kept a sign on the wall
"What did I do right?"
That seemed to focus my attention temporarily to the correct living practice and away from self destructive judgments that just tore me down. It helped by persisting and finding a little light in every day.
Thank you for sharing Pema Chodron. Just mentioning her name brought a little light into my life!