CD-Charts Position 1
Average Rating:

When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times

by: Pema Chodron

Release Date January 11, 2005
It's great if you're a first time reader of self care books. Otherwise it drags and it's less interesting than expected. Although I've been trying to find it's saving grace I don't care for the writing style or the authors referrences.

Recommend: The Energy of Money: A Spiritual Guide to Financial and Personal Fulfillment Many of us are having money problems at this time or have always had money issues, like me. I recommend reading "The Energy of Money". It's about our relationship to everything (yes everything) including money.

CD-Charts Position 2
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The Places That Scare You: A Guide to Fearlessness in Difficult Times

by: Pema Chodron

Release Date March 27, 2007
I love listening to this tape. I put it on and start it over again when it is done. I find it totally inspiring to listen to the writing of this wise Buddhist monk.
My only criticism is that the woman who reads the book (beautiful voice, by the way). She pronounces the word "strength" omitting the 'g' sound. This was horribly annoying to me. I grew up pronouncing the 'g' and it sounds prissy and pompous to omit the 'g' sound.

CD-Charts Position 3
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Getting Unstuck: Breaking Your Habitual Patterns & Encountering Naked Reality

by: Pema Chodron

Release Date November 30, 2004
Pema Chodron has a wonderful approachable style which is evident in this audio collection of her speeches. While she is a practising buddhist nun, her insights and advice are compelling for people of all backgrounds. I have owned this volume for over 2 years now and keep returning to it when life gets tough. It is a wonderful companion with practical wisdom and I can imagine it being my companion through life's journey.
But this is not just an exercise in "feel good", it is an invitation and practical guide to reach your highest potential.

CD-Charts Position 4
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The Wisdom of No Escape and the Path of Loving Kindness

by: Pema Chodron

Release Date August 21, 2001
This book serves as a constant inspiration to me in my own meditation practice; I have read it countless times. As a psychotherapist whose modality involves working with my clients in a state of mindfulness (www.wisemenopause.com), I also recommend this book as a clear, concise introduction to meditation.

CD-Charts Position 5
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Don't Bite the Hook: Finding Freedom from Anger, Resentment, and Other Destructive Emotions

by: Pema Chodron

Release Date July 10, 2007
Do you find yourself caught in maybe a lifetime of negative reactions to certain events, people, or addictive behaviors in certain situations? Do you find it almost impossible to control yourself from reacting negatively to certain relatives, TV shows, or politicians? Have you ever bought something just because you felt like it was something you should buy, or it was "you," and then gotten it home and felt sick because you didn't need it or shouldn't have spent the money? Who hasn't? Pema Chodron's easy to understand discourse can help you get beyond these self-destructive behaviors in no time. The freedom and peace that lies outside of living in reaction is your reward for listening to this teaching. There is nothing here that will contradict ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 6
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Comfortable with Uncertainty: 108 Teachings on Cultivating Fearlessness and Compassion

by: Pema Chodron

Release Date April 08, 2008
A couple years back my dad got demoted and was potentially going to lose his job. He was facing a lot of uncertainty and was not sure how to deal with it. I first read The Places That Scare You: A Guide to Fearlessness in Difficult Times in a high school philosophy class when I was dealing with a lot of my own personal problems and found it incredibly helpful and selected this book as an introduction to Chodron. Since reading this book my dad has started reading several other books about buddhist spirituality and has pursued meditation, all of which have helped him immensely both then and now. This book serves as a great tool for maintaining spiritual health and a comprehensive introduction to Buddhist spirituality and Pema Chodron.

CD-Charts Position 7
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The Pema Chodron Audio Collection: Pure Meditation:Good Medicine:From Fear to Fearlessness

by: Pema Chodron

Release Date April 12, 2005
I stumbled across Pema Chodron on Amazon and am so glad I did. What a truly inspiring person. I loved this collection because it is warm and human and funny. She shares her many years of wisdom with heart and her messages are simple and inclusive. This cd has not only helped me meditate but also reminded me to treat myself with kindness.

CD-Charts Position 8
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Start Where You Are: A Guide to Compassionate Living (Shambhala Classics)

by: Pema Chodron

Release Date August 21, 2001
First and foremost, you have to be open to Buddhism in order to feel comfortable with the teachings and meditation techniques presented here. I was introduced to this book by a friend and mistakenly thought this book as a self-help sort of reading material without much religious bent. I was wrong. It is definitely Buddhism, but not in-depth Buddhism either. Just some bits of advice here and there in the form of short slogans and some typical Eastern religous philosophical psychology mixed in to make it palatable for someone wanting mere self-improvement rather than the classic state of enlightenment sought in traditional Buddhism. The title aptly implies starter fare Buddhism. Starting where I am, that I don't like Buddhism, this book is not for me ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 9
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Turning the Mind Into an Ally

by: Sakyong Mipham

Release Date January 06, 2004
This is a great book, I've gone back to it many times. It is not the definitive text on Buddhism, and does not try to be. It is an easy to read, thought provoking and wonderful piece. Strongly recommended for those who are beginning their meditation practice, and who want to learn more about Buddhism through meditation.

CD-Charts Position 10
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How to Meditate With Pema Chodron: A Practical Guide to Making Friends With Your Mind

by: Pema Chodron

Release Date 2007-12
While there are valuable ideas and suggestions in Pema Chodron's CD series, it is decidedly from a Buddhist perspective and seems to assume the listener is an active or aspiring Buddhist as well. A great series if that is one's desire. If not, there are decidedly better resources available.