Unity Bookstore Book Review
Living Beautifully with Uncertainty and Change by Pema Chodron
This is a spiritually based self-help book designed to assist in the development of living fearlessly in these most uncertain times, amid the current chaos, using principles from the Buddhist culture. Living Beautifully with Uncertainty and Change explores means of embracing the inherent instability of life using three commitments outlined in Buddhist principles. The author initially poses a question for our consideration: "How can we relax and have a genuine, passionate relationship with the fundamental uncertainty, the groundlessness of being human?"
Chodron first explains why clinging and grasping to false certainty inhibits our ability to achieve a life that is fulfilling and meaningful. Acceptance of being truly ungrounded, fully aware that uncertainty is a permanent state, and ambiguity and impermanence is constant, opens a passage to open-heartedness, joy, compassion and mindfulness, and builds within us resilience. It allows us the freedom to release our illusions of control which leads to suffering and pain. This ambiguity provides us with the opportunity for growth as we are forced to increase our adaptability and resilience
Chodron outlines three commitments as follows: 1. Do no harm 2. Care for others 3. Embrace the world just as it is.
The first commitment (Pratimoksha Vow) brings a practice of doing no harm and leads us to greater personal liberation. As we refrain from harmful behavior and thought we develop greater understanding of our habitual responses to other situations.
The second commitment (Bodhisattva Vow) leads us to care for others in an intentional way. We work to build genuine caring and concern for others and become committed to their welfare. Our biases and prejudices show up for observation and we have the opportunity to notice our impulses, allowing opportunity to make a different choice in how we react.
The third commitment (Samaya Vow) opens us to embrace the world just as it is. We stop trying to change things, we do not try to escape. We are present and open in the face of difficulty, and we see the sacred in the ordinary. We begin to recognize and accept our shared humanity and our empathy muscle develops.
Through this work Chodron encourages us to release rigid expectations and structure. She recommends finding the courage to have an adaptable mindset, to be flexible. Also it is important to live in the present moment, using awareness and compassion as a guide. We are encouraged to find the interconnectedness of all of life, and to find the spark of goodness in everything. Chodron suggests the cultivation of a receptive, open heart, with emotional awareness without overwhelm as we live day by day.
These are difficult and trying times for many of us. I recommend this read and know that application of these principles in our own lives will not only help bring peace to our souls but will build a solid, peaceful foundation for healing the brokenness of the world today.
Hope you enjoyed my friend,.
Dana Martin