We all struggle with the pains and difficulties of life. One minute we feel joy, and the next we can feel entirely out of control of our emotions, and this perpetual cycle that seems never-ending of pleasure and despair can make you feel hopeless of that far-reaching inner peace that we all yearn for deeply. Negative thinking such as worry, low self-esteem, etc., always has its way of creeping into our minds ushering in anger, frustration, and sadness. Stubbornly clinging on to our identities and fearing that we are flawed, hoping that we aren't. The good news is that everyone is still a good candidate for enlightenment. With the lojong practices in this book, you can start where you are.
Start Where You Are teaches its readers how to cope with their pains and difficulties by breathing in things that hurt us and breathing out compassion. The author, Pema Chödrön, teaches us how to awaken our hearts and lean into those very things that trigger our sufferings—guiding her readers to be courageous and allow all sentient beings into our lives. To be a child of illusion by being curious instead of afraid and having a Bodhisattva Mind, cultivating courage and awareness in the midst of suffering.
If you feel angry, depressed, or fear, this book is designed for you. The teachings in this book will encourage you to have compassion for yourself and others. It teaches you how to stop running away from the painful aspects of your lives and openheartedly live life just as it is.
Rating: 8/10