Category: Advice for Difficult Times
Intimate Relationship as a Spiritual Crucible
Living with someone we love, with all the joys and challenges, is one of the best ways to grow spiritually. But real awakening only happens, says renowned psychologist John Welwood, in the charnel ground where we acknowledge and work with our wounds, fears, and illusions.
How to Move Forward Once You’ve Hit Bottom
Pema Chodron tells the story of when, having hit rock bottom, she asked her teacher what to do.
Pema Chödrön and Jack Kornfield talk “The Wondrous Path of Difficulties”
A conversation with Pema Chödrön and Jack Kornfield, moderated by Michael Krasny, about the everyday difficulties that provoke us, reveal our habitual patterns, and ultimately transform us.
The Scene of the Accident
In moments of shock we might find that we are suddenly free of our habitual ways of perceiving. These are moments when we might readily tap into our inherent goodness.
Thank You, Michael
Carina Stone on the tragic death of her husband, the Buddhist teacher Michael Stone, the challenges he faced, and the gifts he gave.
A Guided Reflection on Bringing RAIN to Difficulty
In Andrea Miller's article, Tara Brach discusses a technique called RAIN that she frequently teaches to her students, and also uses in her own life. Here's a guided reflection for applying RAIN in your own life, excerpted from True Refuge.
Should I believe the thought that I want a divorce?
Three teachers answer the question: "How can I know whether or not I should believe the thought I wish I weren't married to my spouse?"
Getting to Know Your Inner Critic
Jan Chozen Bays explains how to recognize and tame the critical commentary we replay in our minds.
The Long Goodbye of Alzheimer’s
She’s no longer the grandmother you remember. Margaret Manteau–Rao on how to love and accept your loved one as she is now.
You’re Basically Good — The Benefits of Contemplative Psychotherapy
Karen Kissel Wegela on therapy that starts with your basic sanity, not your neuroses.
How Do I Deal With Painful Thoughts of Revenge?
You needn't give harbor to thoughts of ill will, says Lewis Richmond, no matter how justified they seem to be.
Offer Your Depression
Once I was in a meeting with a publisher to discuss a book I was writing (for which he had paid a tidy sum). He hated it. He hated me.
Bouncing Forward from Cancer
When the doctor said "You have cancer," Phyllis Coletta's defenses of anger, fear, and self-reliance fell apart. All she had left was gratitude.
17 Resources to Develop Self-Compassion
Essential books, audio, websites, and videos to help develop self-compassion.
How Sharon Salzberg Found Real Happiness
Lindsay Kyte talks to Sharon Salzberg about how she became one of today’s most relatable Buddhist teachers.
How can we continue Buddhist practice when dealing with dementia?
The teachers are asked "What happens to our right effort if we lose the ability to practice or to work with our mind?"
Waking Up Bipolar
Many years after his first psychotic break, Chris Cole learned that recovery meant understanding his bipolar disorder through both medicine and spiritually.
I was “completely unprepared” for cancer — but mindfulness and yoga helped
Esther Brandon recalls how — though they never met — Rabbi Alan Lew's words helped her to persevere through her battle with breast cancer.
Find Your Heart in Loneliness
When we are alone, says Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, we may begin a love affair with sadness.