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Getting Unstuck

Breaking Your Habitual Patterns and Encountering Naked Reality

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Getting Unstuck

By: Pema Chödrön
Narrated by: Pema Chodron
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About this listen

 Have you ever had an itch, and not scratched it? In the Buddhist tradition, this points to a vast paradox: that by refraining from our urge to "scratch", great peace and happiness is available. On Getting Unstuck, Pema Chodron introduces a rare Tibetan teaching she received from her teacher, Dzigar Kontrul Rinpoche, and one that has become critical to her practice. Here, she unveils the mystery of an ineffable quality; a "pre-emotional" feeling that arises in us, brings us discomfort, and causes us to react by escaping the discomfort, often with harmful habits. With Getting Unstuck, she offers us a first look at "both the itch and the scratch": what Tibetan Buddhists call shenpa.

On this new, full-length recording, Pema Chodron, best-selling author and beloved American Buddhist nun, shows us how to recognize shenpa, catch it as it appears, and develop a playful, lively curiosity toward it. Join Pema Chodron to discover more about:

  • Critical mind: how to recognize this fundamental shenpa, and approach yourself and others with a sense of humor and loving-kindness
  • Ways to unravel the patterns of self-denigration, and develop the fundamental maitri, loving-kindness, toward yourself
  • How to cultivate acceptance of your irritability, insecurities, and other simply human traits
  • Recognition, Refrain, Relaxing, and Resolve: the four R's of working with shenpa, and more

    An urge comes up, we succumb to it, and it becomes stronger, teaches Pema Chodron. We reinforce our cravings, habits, and addictions by giving into them repeatedly. On Getting Unstuck, Chodron guides us through this "sticky feeling", exploring the moments when we get hooked, and offers us tools for learning to stay with our uneasiness, soften our hearts toward ourselves and others, and live a more peaceful life in the fullness of the present moment.

    • ©2005 Pema Chodron (P)2005 Sounds True     Buddhism Career Success Motivation & Self-Improvement Feel Better

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    Critic reviews

    "Chodron demonstrates how effective the Buddhist point of view can be in bringing order into disordered lives." ( Publishers Weekly)
    All stars
    Most relevant
    I loved Pema Chodron clear mind. So comforting and inspirationnal as well as practical. I am so grateful. Some more!

    Getting unstuck

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    Loved it....very enlightening.
    It was helpful and entertaining to hear of her journey.
    Thankyou Pema 😊

    Food for thought

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    In this open and accessible talk by Pema Chodron, she comes across as grandmotherly and gently. As I listen I can imagine a twinkle in her eye as she speaks of her own experience and instructs on how to deal with issues common to all.
    To anyone that has taken time to pause and reflect on their daily interactions, it's hilarious.

    A grandmother speaks wisdom

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    Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

    I already have recommended this book to friends and one in particular who has really taken on the messages of acceptance and finding true contentment

    What did you like best about this story?

    Pema conveys the key messages of Bhudism in such simple and accessible ways. It really made it easy to get into the subject

    What about Pema Chodron’s performance did you like?

    It is really natural. There is no pretention and it is easy to relate to the stories she tells

    If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

    Being happy to live, not living to be happy

    Any additional comments?

    I cant recommend this highly enough! To say that it chnaged my life is no lie. It wasnt in a big dramatic way. I simply feel more confident and able to live life every day

    Life changing!

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    In these troubling times we all need to find a different way of relating both to ourselves and to those around us. Pema Chodron addresses this and demonstrates how we can begin with ourselves right where we are now and how this can grow into a wise compassion that can eventually reach out and touch the world.

    Brilliant and just what is needed for us all

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