Awards

• Commended for Books for a Better Life (Spiritual) 2009

Overview

In this pithy, inspiring book, Pema Chodron presents the Buddhist concept of shenpa - which can be translated as 'getting stuck' or 'getting hooked' - and shows us how we can liberate ourselves from it. Shenpa is that irritating sensation that arises in moments when life suddenly becomes disappointing, difficult, or painful. Perhaps someone criticizes your work, your appearance, or your child. Something within you tightens, shuts down. That's shenpa. After we tighten, we instinctively start to blame ourselves or others. We might get angry and lash out in words or actions. Or we might reach for a cigarette, a drink, or some other addictive substance to numb our pain. Chodron shows us the way out of these habitual reactions that keep us locked in cycles of suffering. In ""Taking the Leap"" she introduces a new way of responding to moments of shenpa: learning to stay present. Rather than running from life's hurts, you can actually stop and open your heart, and therein discover courage and compassion. This book presents the 'four R's' of working with shenpa: recognizing it, refraining from acting out against ourselves or others, relaxing with the underlying feelings, and resolving to make this our way of life. With her characteristic warmth and encouragement, Pema Chodron offers transformational teachings and practices that readers can immediately put to use in their daily lives.

Full Product Details

9781590306345

Table of Contents

Reviews

This gently encouraging book by popular teacher Chodron applies Buddhist wisdom to the problems of deeply ingrained reactions. Among her strengths are compassion for the difficulty of human existence and her willingness to acknowledge her own failings. This short guide provides valuable tools for change in uncertain times. -- Publishers Weekly <br><br> Straightforward and personal, Taking the Leap is a fine addition to Chodron's work. --BellaOnline.com <br><br> You don't have to be a Buddhist to benefit from reading Chodron's book, you just have to be willing to approach new ideas with an open mind. -- The Lindsay Post (Canada) <br><br> Taking the Leap seems to speak directly to the angst we are currently facing and she is spot on with her teachings. Chodron is effective not because she coddles the reader, but because we get the sense that she understands exactly what this pain feels like. -- LA Yoga

&ldquo;This gently encouraging book by popular teacher Ch&ouml;dr&ouml;n applies Buddhist wisdom to the problems of deeply ingrained reactions. Among her strengths are compassion for the difficulty of human existence and her willingness to acknowledge her own failings. This short guide provides valuable tools for change in uncertain times.&rdquo;&mdash; Publishers Weekly <br>&#160;&ldquo;Straightforward and personal, Taking the Leap is a fine addition to Ch&ouml;dr&ouml;n&rsquo;s work.&rdquo;&mdash;BellaOnline.com <br>&ldquo;You don&rsquo;t have to be a Buddhist to benefit from reading Ch&ouml;dr&ouml;n&rsquo;s book, you just have to be willing to approach new ideas with an open mind.&rdquo;&mdash; The Lindsay Post (Canada) <br> &ldquo; Taking the Leap seems to speak directly to the angst we are currently facing and she is spot on with her teachings.&#160; Ch&ouml;dr&ouml;n is effective not because she coddles the reader, but because we get the sense that she understands exactly w

Author Information

Pema Chodron is an American Buddhist nun in the lineage of Chogyam Trungpa. She is resident teacher at Gampo Abbey in Nova Scotia, the first Tibetan monastery in North America established for Westerners. She is the author of many books and audiobooks, including the best-selling When Things Fall Apart and Don't Bite the Hook.

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