PLACES THAT SCARE YOU


Pema Chodron (2001). The Places that Scare You: 

                                    A Guide to Fearlessness in Difficult Times.


Chodron earned a BA in English Literature and a Master's in Elementary Education before becoming a Tibetan Buddhist nun and teacher of Buddhism--she has written many books.

The book provides insight into everyday living through the practice of Tibetan Buddhism, translating traditional Tibetan Buddhist terms/practices into clear and useful practices in everyday language, often supported by personal stories.


Practices:

teaching

begin with an aspiration to be open, curious, treating whatever is learned as an experiment in life, and ending with the intent to use the teachings for the benefit of others (not keeping them to ourselves).

BE REAL

acknowledge and accept the present moment as it is, with all the feelings, judgments, stories, and whatever else is there...we cannot make progress on the path pretending to feel or be something we're not...start with where you are, stay and abide in whatever energy is there, observe, watch, touch it and let it go.

relax and allow yourself to move toward what scares you

e.g. suffering, bring loving kindness and compassion to self first, then extend to others, loved ones, strangers, and those we dislike.

patience

let things evolve at their own pace and time, don't force.

kindness

choose to be kind, even when others are not.

unhealthy habits

catch yourself in the middle of an unhealthy habit (thoughts, habitual emotional reaction, behavior) and get curious, be inquisitive, explore whatever is there with an open mind.

 


 

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