I think I might take some time today to read Pema Chodron’s When Things Fall Apart. “How can we live our lives when everything seems to fall apart - when we are continually overcome by fear, anxiety, and pain?”
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A friend loaned me this book a year or so into the pandemic and a divorce. I can't overstate how much reading it helped me get through the pain, fear, anger and sadness I was feeling. It effectively and gently changed my outlook on life, and in that way provided the direction I needed to get through the hardest thing I've gone through. I read it slowly and multiple times start to finish. Each read gave me new insights. I think about it all the time, and I have so much gratitude for my friend who loaned it and for Pema for writing it. Maybe it was just a right time, right place thing, but what an impact it had. Another book that I've found incredibly helpful recently is - "Learning to Love Yourself" by Gay Hendricks. Gay's book is also written in a straight forward, fairly simple way like "When Things Fall Apart" which I find to be pleasantly authentic and not preachy. Thanks for reminding me of this book which has helped me grow so much.
Logan - I see you on the pandemic/divorce cocktail. My family moved into two homes (new places and school) in September 2019. Not a combination I'd recommend. Solidarity and love to you through the double-whammy of change.
Pema Chodron's "The Places that Scare You" (good audiobook, Jason) was the only thing I could listen to - music and podcasts were 'broken' to me for a while. I've since added "When Things Fall Apart". Now I'm going to search out your recommendation of LtLY as well.
If self-compassion is challenging, talking about these books with someone compassionate towards you can be incredibly helpful. Book group, friend, etc.
Can't ever go wrong with a daily dose of pema or thich nhat hanh!
I tried reading this last night and I couldn't focus on it for some reason. DIdn't feel like the right thing for me right now, which I was not expecting. 🤷♂️
I recommend HOW TO COOK A WOLF by MFK Fisher for an earthy version of this sentiment. I read it at the beginning of the pandemic and it was very helpful. This isn’t the only hard time and we can figure out how to create community and a life even in hard times. Plus recipes!
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