Ever feel trapped in the same old habits and painful emotions time and time again? These are patterns we all face, and sometimes they feel impossible to shake. So how can we get unstuck? Drawing on time-honored Buddhist teachings on shenpa (all the attachments and compulsions that cause us suffering), Pema Chödrön shows how certain habits of mind tend to “hook” us and get us stuck in states of anger, blame, self-hatred, addiction, and so much more—and, most of all, how we can liberate ourselves from them. “This path entails uncovering three basic human qualities,” explains Pema. “They are natural intelligence, natural warmth, and natural openness. Everyone, everywhere, all over the globe, has these qualities and can call on them to help themselves and others.” Pema shares insights and exercises from her lifetime of practice that we can immediately put to use in our lives to awaken these essential qualities and help us to take a bold leap toward a new way of living—one that will bring about positive transformation for ourselves and for our troubled world.
"This gently encouraging book by popular teacher Chödrön 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
"Straightforward and personal, Taking the Leap is a fine addition to Chödrön’s work."—BellaOnline.com
"You don’t have to be a Buddhist to benefit from reading Chödrön’s book, you just have to be willing to approach new ideas with an open mind."—The Lindsay Post (Canada)
"Taking the Leap seems to speak directly to the angst we are currently facing and she is spot on with her teachings. Chödrön 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
Ever feel trapped in the same old habits and painful emotions time and time again? These are patterns we all face, and sometimes they feel impossible to shake. So how can we get unstuck? Drawing on time-honored Buddhist teachings on shenpa (all the attachments and compulsions that cause us suffering), Pema Chödrön shows how certain habits of mind tend to “hook” us and get us stuck in states of anger, blame, self-hatred, addiction, and so much more—and, most of all, how we can liberate ourselves from them. “This path entails uncovering three basic human qualities,” explains Pema. “They are natural intelligence, natural warmth, and natural openness. Everyone, everywhere, all over the globe, has these qualities and can call on them to help themselves and others.” Pema shares insights and exercises from her lifetime of practice that we can immediately put to use in our lives to awaken these essential qualities and help us to take a bold leap toward a new way of living—one that will bring about positive transformation for ourselves and for our troubled world.
Praise
"This gently encouraging book by popular teacher Chödrön 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
"Straightforward and personal, Taking the Leap is a fine addition to Chödrön’s work."—BellaOnline.com
"You don’t have to be a Buddhist to benefit from reading Chödrön’s book, you just have to be willing to approach new ideas with an open mind."—The Lindsay Post (Canada)
"Taking the Leap seems to speak directly to the angst we are currently facing and she is spot on with her teachings. Chödrön 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
