Start Where You Are: A Guide to Compassionate Living

A delightful, thought-provoking book that requires a second, slower and more contemplative read. My initial thoughts are that this book could be summed appropriately with the philosophy "Don't sweat the small stuff. And don't sweat the big stuff either. In fact, don't sweat at all." Equally though, it also counsels not to get overly ecstatic or confident when things go your way. The key seems to be not to let hurdles, obstacles or setbacks get you too down for too long. Equally, to not let successes think you cannot fail. Be calm and mild, either way. So, wherever you are, at any time, start from there, taking a middle path of not too much fear or sadness as well as not too much confidence and elation. After all, all feelings and situations are temporary. I'm glad I read it and look forward to having time to read it again slowly and contemplatively.

i purchased this book years ago and have read it multiple times. i keep returning to this little book because it helps me learn, in very practical and daily ways, about practicing compassion toward myself and others. i continue to be astounded to see the ways in which, as a practice, compassion toward myself (something i previously considered selfish) increases my receptivity to and respect for others. i have given this book as a gift to several people because the principles and suggestions are so beneficial -- regardless of one's spiritual persuasion. i've read all of chodron's book and believe this one to be the best.

After the death of my most important loved one, I contemplated life and living without him in it...It was a dark path down a frightening road; not even a flicker of light met me on the road ahead. A friend lent me this book and I read it cover to cover in one sitting...and, amazingly I realized that someone understood me and my pain. I bought myself a copy and dragged it with me everywhere I went-it was for me as my blanky had been as a child. I read it over and over until it fell apart. I have since bought at least 6 more copies of this book, intending to keep them. And yet, somehow, I always found myself giving it away to someone I cared about. The day I bought my Kindle Fire, I downloaded it and still always have it with me...and I am not giving this copy away. :) I do however, still find myself buying this book for friends... I now read it when I am feeling content, scared, happy, or sad-it seems to speak to me regardless of my mood. When I say this book saved my life- I mean it. Surviving a loved one's suicide is the most intense grief I have ever, and will ever, experience - but this book kept my pain at bay and my loved ones from experiencing the pain of my not possibly being here. Whenever I felt the darkness creeping in, and the hope disappearing, I reached for this book and in all senses of the word-THIS BOOK SAVED MY LIFE AND TAUGHT ME HOW TO LIVE in a brighter, happier, and purposeful life!

As good as it gets, as are all of her books. My favorite is The Wisdom of No Escape and Don't Bite the Hook (a recording of her talks on the sayings of Shantideva

Really Good Quality. Cover is sturdier and the pages are heavier than normal paperbacks. Which I love!

You should know that the CD Audio Book CDs have .WAV files on them rather than regular CD files or .MP3s. The reader is clear and easy to follow. If you liked the book, I think you'll like the CD version too. I picked this book after reading Eckart Tolle's New Earth. Pema Chodron speaks to many of the same issues from a little different perspective that, while perhaps more religious, seems clearer to me; more understandable. At the same time, I also think it's possible that many of us need to read both perspectives to gain a better understanding. I was attracted to this book by the title. Being able to Start Where You Are was an empowering notion. It was the idea that I don't need to wait till I (grow up, finish school, lose weight, get married, get divorced, get a job, retire) to (develop spiritually, be happy, find peace). Most particularly I don't need to stop suffering to be happy, or start my journey. Instead, I can use my suffering to facilitate my development & growth. The CD version is true to all of these ideas.

The words, the teachings, and the feelings are profoundly life changing! Written in a way that all can understand, the impact created a far better outlook than thought possible. Thank you so much!

I enjoyed this book. Good info and I’d read again. Thanks.

What an extraordinary book. Buddhism when explained well teaches us to soften and open up to life’s experiences rather than close down and harden. It understands our relationship and reaction to pain and suffering. It helps us love and understand ourselves, and by doing this love and understand everyone else. We need this on our crazy life journey. I’m so grateful to Pema for all her work. When you read this book you’ll meet yourself. And you’ll meet everyone else.

A beautifully written book with easy to follow instructions, explanations, inspiring stories and buddhist wisdom about meditation, compassion and forgiveness.

SUPERBE LIVRE ET COMPAGNON DE TOUS LES JOURS . ECRITURE CLAIRE ,ET TRANSPARENTE ,TRES ACCESSIBLE DANS SA SIMPLICITE ET LES MOTS JUSTES QUI VONT A L'ESSENTIEL ET INVITENT A LA REFLEXION ET MEDITATION AVEC PROFONDEUR ET LEGERETE .PEACE

I've read this three times over the years, and bought copies for friends going through difficult life spots. Easy read. Great starting point in Buddhist practice or as a perspective shift that can reduce mental suffering, regardless of spiritual background.

Ani Pema is at her compassionate best