When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times

There is a fundamental opportunity for happiness right within our reach, yet we usually miss itironically, while we are caught up in attempts to escape pain and suffering. Drawn from traditional Buddhist wisdom, Pema Chdrn's radical and compassionate advice for what to do when things fall apart in our lives goes against the grain of our usual habits and expectations. There is only one approach to suffering that is of lasting benefit, Pema teaches, and that approach involves moving toward painful situations with friendliness and curiosity, relaxing into the essential groundlessness of our entire situation. It is there, in the midst of chaos, that we can discover the truth and love that are indestructible. Included in the book are:

Ways to use painful emotions to cultivate wisdom, compassion, and courage
Methods of communicating that lead to openness and true intimacy with others
Practices for reversing negative habitual patterns
Techniques for working with chaotic situations
Tools for cultivating compassionate, energetic social action