Introduction: Embarking on a journey together -- From constriction to expansion -- When do we feel the smallest? -- Being with difficult feelings -- The light within -- Being with difficult circumstance -- How we can feel more expansive every day -- We are not alone -- With the light of clarity -- Aspiration -- Appendix. The eightfold path ; Meditation guide.
Summary:
"Merging the insights of inspiring voices with her own understanding of mindfulness, New York Times bestselling author Sharon Salzberg shows us how we can recover from the emotional effects of crisis. When confronted with pain and obstacles, we often shrink back and contract out of fear and disappointment. That can become a way of life. In Real Life, Sharon Salzberg lets us know it doesn't have to be that way. When we feel alone, cut off, or trapped, we can let those difficulties steer us onto a path toward an authentic, flourishing life-living in a way that allows us to find the wholeness that lies within. Even when we're alone, a sense of community can accompany us through the stormy times. Our words, hearts, and actions can line up with a larger vision, rather than the smaller views our anxious, fearful thoughts arouse in us. To live in a less constricted way-with a more spacious, open sense of possibility, creativity, connection, and joy-Salzberg says we need to get real about what's most important, to ask ourselves, "What do I most deeply yearn for?" "What would I benefit from letting go of?" "What do I believe is possible for me?" We accomplish the journey to expansive freedom (Real Life) through developing tools like mindful awareness, friendship, and a greater sense of purpose/aspiration. We learn to: take some risks with what we dare to imagine; take an interest in internal states we might normally try to avoid; and take an interest in people we might normally try to avoid Real Life is about the journey we make when we decide to live the life that speaks to our innermost longing to live free"-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.