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This is the fourth consecutive book I've read by Pema Chodron, but this one will have a special place in my heart since it helped me get through a very frightening and difficult experience. There's nothing trite or sugar-coated about this book. it boldly challenges readers to lean into, instead of avoiding, the experiences that frighten us, and use painful feelings to wake up, grow up, and increase our compassion.
With fear, resentment and the idea that everything that is happening in today's world is "wrong" and problematic, this book offers a courageous look at stepping toward that which we fear to explore it, be with it, learn from it. This is the first book I have read on Buddhist teachings and I was struck most by the practice of maitri or "loving kindness toward oneself" that Pema Chodron weaves throughout the book, and to practice living without judging, either ourselves or our world. Profound reading in times of struggle. Very highly recommended.
I'm into Practical Practice- and this is a great book. For instance- how hope and fear are really two forms of attachment and suffering- and that knowledge allows us to see our world a little differently, and deal with what we need to.
If you already have even a slight buddhist leaning- it's even better, as the concepts will be familiar to you. Her advice is wholly practical- but springs from our own introspection.
Even if you are not a buddhist, this book totally hits the mark for offering advice for difficult times in one's life. She talks in plain language about the roots of suffering, attachment and aversion- but in terms that are practical and useful.
I worked in a bookstore for years, and sold this book frequently to people I saw standing -dazed- in front of the self-help section. (It's a slim volume, which is great when the soon-to-be reader is a already struggling with life in the pain lane).
Me. Those who reject Chodron as the face of pop buddhism will miss a valuable book- and probably should read it.
The title and timing might make this a best seller for the self-helpers watching their lives sink into economic uncertainty, but actually this is a clear introduction to a Buddhist way of approaching living in hard times and good. The writer is delightful, smart and comes from a strong background of training and Buddhist thought, very far from a pop psychology approach. Much recommended for humans for it's wisdom and clarity.
I've read many psychological, philisophical, and self-help or self-improvement books. This book is the best I have encountered thus far. It speaks towards everyone, not just those practicing an Eastern philosophy (which is the author's backround). The way it's written, the instructions; all the components of this book provide a realistic way to view the world from an un-biased and somewhat uplifting perspective.
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