The mention of the diamond inside and the quote from the Dalai Lama remind me of one of the activities that I'm doing to help me deal with loss and developing a sense of self. It's called Tibetan Heart Yoga. Although it is a Buddhist approach, I don't see a conflict with someone from any religion trying it. It also helps increase compassion, interconnectedness, and health on the multiple levels. It's helping me develop a sense of self that I didn't have even before active addiction. Just thought that I'd throw that out there in case someone needs an idea.