Shambhala SunSpace readers recently had the pleasure of meeting Toni Bernhard via a guest post called “Why would a law professor write a Buddhist book on chronic illness?” Toni’s expertise, of course, isn’t merely scholarly: she actually has a chronic illness, and her new book, How To Be Sick, offers her hard-won lessons on living with that illness, many of which are informed by her Buddhist practice.
In this exclusive Shambhala Sun Audio interview, Toni speaks about how she’s come to find joy despite the pain and limitations caused by her sickness. She also offers a practice that she uses “every day, in every way” — and that she considers “the greatest antidote to clinging.”
Click this player to listen:
Giada D.R.: Great interview Toni. And it was great to hear your voice. :o)
Chris S: i really enjoyed listening to the interview-good luck with your book xxx
Barbara B.T.: I listened to the interview…your and inspiration to others who are chronically ill as myself. Thank you for sharing Toni.
I really enjoyed the interview with Toni. Only this morning as I went for a morning walk contemplating what is it that I want to teach and to whom do I want to teach? Do I only want to speak to those who are terminal and/or caregivers? Teach very much what Toni speaks about in her book. There has been so much focus on physical pain and pain medication and what about pain meditation, the spiritual/emotional side of pain.
Rayne
Kari E.M.: That was fun to listen to – good job!!! 🙂
Barbara S.A.: This is a great book, hard to realize what Toni is going through, but a wonderfully written, sensitive and unerstanding book.
Jann B: ….just started reading my copy. A [wishful] thought came to mind as I was reading… that perhaps now that Toni has made this information available to so many people…well, that maybe she wouldn't be sick anymore.
So good to hear your voice…..
May it sell a million copies and may you learn to fly!
Bodhi S: Sounds like she has a lot of wonderful insights. I can't wait to get a copy as someone also with chronic illness my whole life.
Sylvie B: I wish one day I will be able to attend just anything where she is teaching. she is a true " path opener .
Toni, I 'm so glad I got to hear this and put your voice to words. Nice interview!
I'm sick and I'm reading this book. Really great and truthful writing. Very helpful in calming your crazy mind!