Comfortable with Uncertainty: 108 Teachings on Cultivating Fearlessness and Compassion

This book changed my life. A friend sent it in the mail to me -- out of the blue-- in 2007. It is both an excellent primer on handling the uncertainties of change and for Buddhism. The subjective, transient nature of our own thoughts and perspectives are exposed with wisdom and kindness. A new world can open from reading this book where we are more at home in the present moment, more at peace with ourselves, and more at peace with the world. There are 108 very short, topical chapters. They can be read in any order. There are so many interesting topics that you may go through the Table of Contents and read at your leisure. The book to me was like a gentle invitation into a whole new world which was less predictable, deeper, richer, more open, and less confining. Pema Chodron, the author, writes in a candid, clear manner. The book does not have many technical or Buddhist terms. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for more than "been there, done that" in their lives.

enjoyable book

This compendium of short pieces has been a mainstay of our local Rigpa group. Pema Chodron is an American Buddhist nun who has specialized in mystical essays in Buddhist practice. 108 Chapter titles include:"Loving Kindness and Meditation," "Not causing Harm," and "Lighten Up(and Do Something Different)." Each essay conveys the paradoxical aspects of the Buddha's teaching. This is a work that will sustain repeated reading; it's not an item to read through in a few days. The volume editor writes: "Relative bodhhichitta is the courage and compassion to investigate our tender heart, to stay with it as much as we can, and gradually to expand it, ... Learning to rest in openhearted is a lifelong process. Learning to rest in openhearted basic goodnesss is a lifelong process. These teachings offer gentle and precise techniques to help us along the way." Chodron's style is full of ready American sentences, as well as classic Tibetan Buddhist theology, and down-home humor. Relatively inexpensive , it is a joy to read.

This small book contains 108 short chapters taken from Pema's four main/prior books (The Wisdom of No Escape, Start Where You Are, The Places that Scare You, When Things Fall Apart). It includes her signature stories such as pp. 40-2: the 4 Maras-"turning arrows into flowers", pp. 61-2: the teaching of heaven & hell to a samurai, p. 103: the empty boat, p. 111: lions and the strawberry, and p. 115: the Demon of Now in the cave. It also some fine quotes such as: p. 25: "Resisting Life causes suffering," p. 62: "Only with equanimity can we see that everything that comes into our circle [of sacred space] has come to teach us what we need to know," and p. 91: "We cannot be in the present moment and run our story lines at the same time." Perhaps best of all, it addresses not only on-the-spot Tonglen but also on-the-spot compassion and equanimity. So, reading it may provide you with on-the-spot joy!

An excellent way to acquaint one's self with basic Buddhist teachings. Clearly written. One teaching a day for 108 days. Book is Like New. Sent snail mail but worth the wait.

i found out about this book at my meditation session where the leader shared some quotes from this book. its full of wisdom and i think people should read it to have a new way of looking at things. we are so stuck in our own thinking most times and choose to suffer when there are other ways. the power is within you. it is within the you who are mindful, peaceful and grateful for everything that happens to you. life is a blessing. read that again.

Well, you can pick up any one of Pema’s books, open to any page and feel a sense of lightness and joy. This is not to say things are easy, her books just are soft place to land. I especially loved Comfortable with Uncertainty, I highlighted a phrase on each page and enjoy re-reading the phrases each day. Self-kindness, self-compassion, and self-care a bit everyday. Wonderful! R. Williams, coauthor of The Mindfulness Workbook for Addiction and The Gift of Recovery.

This book was given to me as a gift when I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer at 39 years old. I cannot express how wonderful and comforting this book has been for me. The focus is on living in the present and being comfortable with who you are and where you are right now, while practicing Buddhist principles to achieve the ultimate goal of enlightenment, are practical to everyone in the world. I was raised catholic and am currently agnostic, I would not say this book comes across as religious in any way, and I think it can be enjoyed by anyone who might follow other religious beliefs. Ultimately, being kind to everyone, including yourself, if a message we could all learn to practice daily.

I haven't finished it yet. I'm reading it slowly, for savoring each word. Wonderful book! Very inspiring. I recommend it.

One of my favourite buddisht monk whose words I trust to alleviate darkness of my heart and put steady foundation in this modern time when I feel like drowning I look for some people's advise and Pema chodron is one of them.I can not appreciate enough wisdom shared in her writings.

I love it; I find it a great help in my recovery & meditatetion. very good. I would like to buy another of her books, Catherine Earnshaw xxxx

This book contains wonderful readings (not a guarantee) to gain serenity a live a peaceful life

I bought this book in my third trimester of pregnancy, right about when I began "freaking out" about things. Pema Chodron's teachings are in line with my personal beliefs, and this particular book has arrived at just the right time. Reading her words puts things into perspective and helps me slow my busy monkey mind. I feel this is excellent prep for motherhood, but it would be a great book for anyone seeking to learn more on the path of mindfulness.