This was my very first encounter with a book by Chodron, and I must say, my initial impression was far from favorable. In fact, I thought it was truly terrible.

To be fair, nothing she presents in the book is overly far-fetched or inaccurate. However, there are others who can convey similar ideas in a much more engaging and effective manner.

Moreover, this book doesn't really seem to be a true source of practical advice. Instead, it comes across as a mere compilation of basic Buddhist teachings that, unfortunately, don't seem to have a direct connection to helping one navigate through difficult times.

For instance, consider the following passage: "If your pen runs out of ink while you are writing a letter, recognize that as impermanence. If someone dies, recognize that as impermanence." While the concept of impermanence is an important Buddhist tenet, it seems rather simplistic and perhaps even unhelpful when presented in this context.

I fully anticipate that the new-age community might not take kindly to this review. But for me, when it comes to seeking spiritual guidance or inspiration, I would much rather turn to the likes of Chogyam Rinpoche, Lee Lozowick, or Tom Robbins, any day of the week.

Chodrun's writings have had a profound impact on me. They have challenged me to view my practice and life situation in a completely different light.

Before, I never thought it was possible to approach things with as much humor and kindness as she suggests. But her words, though simple, hold great power.

They have made me realize that there is always another way to look at things, a more lighthearted and gentle way.

I truly believe that everyone should read this book. It has the potential to change the way we think and act.

And as we read it, may we all be inspired to be more kind to ourselves and to others.

May we all find a way to be free from suffering and to live a more fulfilling life.

My therapist highly recommended this particular book to me as a means to assist me in dealing with my anxiety.

It is an extremely accessible and concise book, which makes it very easy to understand and follow.

I find myself constantly drawn back to it, unable to resist the urge to re-read it a couple of times each year.

This book has been truly transformative for me as it has enabled me to gain a new perspective. It has helped me realize that my emotions do not have to hold sway over me and dictate my behaviors.

Moreover, it has shown me various ways in which I can approach change or those chaotic moments in my life with significantly less panic.

It has become an invaluable resource that I turn to whenever I need some guidance and support in managing my anxiety.

I am truly grateful to my therapist for introducing me to this wonderful book.

Recently, I haphazardly came across this book and purchased it on a whim. I'm truly glad that I did.

Pema Chodron has a gentle and at times humorous approach to sharing the fundamentals of Buddhism. What particularly intrigued me was the concept of Maitri - the practice of showing loving kindness towards oneself. This, in turn, inevitably spreads outwards to the people and the world surrounding us.

I have essentially underlined the entire book and will be referring back to it frequently. It's a remarkable read that offers profound insights and a new perspective on life.

Each page seems to hold a nugget of wisdom that can be applied to our daily lives, helping us to be more kind, compassionate, and understanding, both towards ourselves and others.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is seeking a deeper understanding of Buddhism or simply looking for a way to bring more love and kindness into their lives.

The same advice is repeated many times. There are no concrete methods to follow. However, upon reading it the second time, I find myself changing its rating to a solid 6/5. It is truly fascinating that the same book can feel so different at a different point in time.

Perhaps it is because our perspectives change as we grow and gain more experiences. What might have seemed unimportant or unhelpful the first time around can suddenly become valuable and relevant.

Or maybe it is the power of the written word itself, which has the ability to touch our hearts and minds in different ways depending on our mood and state of being.

Whatever the reason, this experience has taught me the importance of keeping an open mind and being willing to revisit things that we may have initially dismissed.

It also reminds me that there is always more to discover and learn, no matter how many times we read a book or encounter a particular piece of advice.

I had high hopes that this book would be the ultimate guide on how to deal with grief.

In fact, the recommendation I came across, which finally convinced me to get a copy, claimed that this was precisely what the book would offer.

Although it was a concise and straightforward read, it failed to live up to the expectations I had set for it.

As a result, it left me feeling a bit disappointed.

I had anticipated that it would primarily focus on adjusting mindsets and awareness, similar to books like "I Am That: Talks with Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj."

However, this book was more centered around various types of meditation and their respective benefits.

It was good, but not great.

Overall, while it provided some useful information, it didn't quite deliver on what I was hoping for in terms of helping me better cope with grief.

Perhaps if my expectations had been different, I might have had a more positive experience with this book.

Nevertheless, it still has its merits and could potentially be beneficial to others who are interested in exploring different aspects of dealing with difficult emotions.

A thought-provoking book that delves deep into the essence of embracing pain and approaching our struggles with openness and curiosity. It is similar to \\n  Radical Acceptance\\n by Tara Brach. When Things Fall Apart encourages us to accept our fears in order to better understand them, rather than running away from our doubts or distracting ourselves in unhealthful ways.

As someone who has experienced his fair share of traumas and heartbreaks, as well as joys and privileges, I was deeply touched by Pema Chodron's continued emphasis on appreciating both times of pain and times of prosperity. I also loved her focus on recognizing impermanence and how we all tend to cling to notions of forever, when in reality everything comes to an end. Therefore, we should cherish every moment and make the good ones last.

While this book is filled with a steady stream of wisdom (more free-flowing and less applied than Brach's Radical Acceptance), I will share two specific and wonderful quotes to conclude my review.

On letting there be room: "We think that the point is to pass the test or to overcome the problem, but the truth is that things don't really get solved. They come together and they fall apart. Then they come together again and they fall apart again. It's just like that. The healing comes from letting there be room for all of this to happen: room for grief, for relief, for misery, for joy."

On being fully alive: "To be fully alive, fully human, and completely awake is to be continually thrown out of the nest. To live fully is to be always in no-man's land, to experience each moment as completely new and fresh. To live is to be willing to die over and over again."

For more profound insights, be sure to check out When Things Fall Apart.

So much wisdom!

It truly is amazing how much profound wisdom can be found within these words. This piece is not just something to read once and forget.

It will be a source of inspiration and reflection for years to come. I can envision myself coming back to it time and time again, uncovering new insights and perspectives with each reading.

If you're looking for a way to unwind and reconnect with your humanity, I highly recommend giving it a try. It has the power to soothe your soul, calm your mind, and remind you of the beauty and complexity of being human.

Don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you. Open the pages and let the wisdom flow.

Using the Buddhist philosophies and teachings as its basis, Pema's message in this book is truly profound.

She emphasizes that we should not shy away from our difficulties, our pain, or our fears. Instead, we should bravely run towards them. This is the only way forward and the only path to healing.

By practicing mindfulness and meditation, and by cultivating compassion and acceptance for others, we can find our way through the darkness. We need to look outward, not just to help others, but also to help ourselves.

Most importantly, and perhaps the most challenging of all, is the need to be and stay in the moment. We must be fully present in the now.

I believe that regardless of your spiritual beliefs, the message offered here is a universal one of kindness, acceptance, understanding, and love for ourselves and for others. This is surely something that we all渴望.

Especially in light of the very recent, tragic events in Melbourne, this message is even more relevant and needed right now. It offers a source of hope and comfort in these difficult times.

This statement is definitely food for thought.

It makes one stop and really consider the depth of the idea presented.

However, it is also clear that to truly extract the maximum value from it, a rereading will be necessary.

The initial encounter with the thought-provoking content may only scratch the surface.

By taking the time to read it again, one can potentially uncover hidden nuances and gain a more comprehensive understanding.

Rereading allows for a more in-depth analysis and reflection, enabling the reader to fully appreciate the significance of the concept.

It is through this process of rereading that one can truly get the most out of the thought-provoking material and apply it to their own lives or further discussions.

So, while the first reading may offer some initial insights, it is the act of rereading that holds the key to unlocking the full potential of the food for thought.

Pema Chodron is truly remarkable in her ability to convey profound spiritual teachings in simple and understandable concepts, suitable for students of spirituality at any level.

I have a deep affection for this book and the teachings it contains. Through it, I have gained a wealth of knowledge on how to handle the various experiences in life. It has taught me to remain open and compassionate, not only towards others but also towards myself.

The teaching of the concept of tonglen has been particularly eye-opening for me. It has enabled me to embrace the uncomfortable feelings that I encounter and transform them into something beautiful, like a flower. In other words, it shows us how to turn the not-so-pleasant experiences in life into positive ones.

This book is well worth a reread, as it helps to imprint these valuable concepts in our subconscious. There will inevitably come a time in our lives when we feel like everything is falling apart. However, this is an essential part of our learning and growth as individuals. The contents of this book can be of great assistance to any reader in dealing with the uncomfortable feeling of losing everything in life, when we have nothing left to hold on to and are exposed naked to the world.

In conclusion, I love this book and highly recommend it to anyone seeking spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of life.

I was cautioned against this book right from the beginning of my therapy because of its reputation as a victim-blaming one.

Due to this, it is regarded as inappropriate reading material for the victims of rape and other traumas.

Perhaps it might have some advantages for those who have not endured truly hard times.

However, it has been associated with suicides and has been proposed as a book that might groom additional victims.

Some of the passages pointed out by my therapist strengthened this perspective.

Therefore, one should approach this book with great caution.

It is essential to be aware of the potential harm it could cause, especially to those who are already vulnerable.

Victims of rape and other traumas need support and understanding, not a book that might further victimize them.

We should always be vigilant when it comes to the media and literature we consume, ensuring that it does not have a negative impact on our mental health and well-being.