 need more stars, please |
| Review Date: February 3, 2010 |
| Reviewer: A. B. King, |
This 2-CD set is a gem. If you are a fan of Pema, then you are probably going to buy this because you buy all her CDs. Well, you are in for a special treat. While the first CD is a lecture, the second CD is an interview of Pema by Tami Simon. You may recognize her voice because she often does the intros and because she is the reader for Comfortable with Uncertainty: 108 Teachings on Cultivating Fearlessness and Compassion [COMFORTABLE W/UNCERTAINTY] ~ one of my favorites.
I thought that I would not like an interview, but I love it. Pema opens up about herself in a very personal way, maybe because she is only talking to one person. She talks about not meditating, which addresses my own guilt about not doing it. (It's okay not to meditate, but meditating develops the discipline to stay with uncomfortable feelings.) Her quiet non-judgmental voice opens up our hearts to listen to the intent behind her words.
I should mention that the first CD is wonderful. She addresses facing fear in this new political/economic climate. It is a short session. She does not discuss how to sit in meditation. There are no references to tonglen practice, which is what first drew me to Pema. For these reasons, this is not the set I would recommend to first-time Pema buyers. I started with The Pema Chodron Audio Collection: Pure Meditation:Good Medicine:From Fear to Fearlessness Perhaps others can recommend different "starter kits."
I have been listening to Pema CDs for three years. In that time I have become a much more forgiving person, both of myself and of others, the beloved ones and the difficult ones. I have learned to let go of the story lines I feed myself. I have learned to notice my reactions to crises and to acknowledge when I feel overwhelmed by it all. And then keep going. I cannot say, "Oh, this woman, she's the best there is." Maybe her lessons do not resonate in your heart. But if you are looking for a gentle guide in hard times, I personally can think of no one better. |
Helpful and gentle instruction from a wise spiritual teacher
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| Review Date: February 24, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Carl McColman, Clarkston, GA USA |
Here is a wonderful audio book filled with gentle wisdom for transforming all of life's experiences into occasions for spiritual growth. If you (like me) sometimes feel like you relate to life more from a position of fear or anxiety than from a place of deep trust and confidence, then this teaching program just might inspire you to cultivate courage in your own life.
Unconditional Confidence is really two programs on two CDs. The first disc features a talk given by Buddhist teacher Pema Chödrön before a live audience; the second features a more intimate approach to the topic, in which Pema is interviewed by Sounds True owner Tami Simon. The first disc provides the message of "unconditional confidence" in a more formal way; the interview functions as a "behind the scenes" look at the wisdom and life experience that helped to shape Pema and her message.
And what is her message? Simply put, that if we choose to approach all of life mindfully, we can learn to trust and relax into anything that comes our way -- even times of suffering, or anxiety, or stress. Any experience that arises is an opportunity to learn non-attachment, to practice gentleness and mindful awareness, and to cultivate a spirit of trust and basic friendship toward ourselves (even our failings) and our experiences. "Unconditional confidence" does not mean living a robotic life in which we never feel doubt or fear or disappointment, but rather a mindful and "heartful" life in which even the challenges that come our way are seen as dharma -- as occasions to grow.
Pema Chödrön is a wise and warm teacher, and her down-to-earth manner makes her message accessible and inviting. Her ability to laugh gently at herself is a witness to her humility (in the best sense of the word) and the quality of her message. Listening to her (whether lecturing or conversing in her interview with Tami Simon), I came away with a sense that true confidence and trust is available to anyone who really wants it; the key is not years of almost super-human meditation practice (although she is clear that a disciplined meditation life can only help the fostering of confidence); rather, the key seems to be learning to cherish every moment that life brings us, by "leaping into, smiling at, and experiencing" all of life, even those moments that seem to be filled with fear or angst.
The interview disc includes honest discussion of such issues of physical pain and health issues, facing death, dealing with explosive interpersonal relationships and "triggers," and other real-world considerations of when confidence is not something that flows naturally, but must be mindfully cultivated. Pema's vulnerability in speaking of her own imperfections and challenges is particularly inspiring and reinforces her basic message that unconditional confidence is not about living a perfect life void of any doubt or fear, but simply a life in which all of our messy imperfections are embraced with kindness and mindful non-attachment. |
Nurturing Kindness and Solid Support
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| Review Date: February 11, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Heather LaRee Carter, Central Coast, California |
I have read Pema Chodron's words before and this is my first time listening to her. What a lovely blessing to receive.
This is a 2-CD set. Quality recording and packaging.
CD 1 ~ Pema speaks before an audience about how we strengthen and grow with more love, tenderness and vulnerability by practice being with our tender selves in times of fear, anger - difficulty vs what we don't address when we cover and run. She presents this information without ego and with compassion for herself and all of us. There is much to mine from this CD.
CD 2 is equally wonderful -- lovely interview inviting the listener into Pema's human self and processes.
I will listen to these often. Very healing, inspiring and deeply stirring. Encouraging keys and expanded grace.
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Beats around the bush
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| Review Date: February 12, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Wade W, |
| There are two CD's in this collection, the first is a recorded lecture in front of a class or audience. I was a little concerned when she said she really doesn't prepare for them. It seemed like the subject of unconditional confidence is talked around but not addressed directly. I guess that the sub title "Instructions for Meeting Any Experience with Trust and Courage" gives the idea that there will be instructions and/or training, but alas, it seems like we never get to the instructions or a detailed discussion of the premise. The second CD is an interview and does start to delve a little more into the subject, but I came away wishing that the subject had been dealt with more directly. Quick and easy steps isn't what we're looking for here, but the content just didn't seem to achieve "Instructions for Meeting Any Experience with Trust and Courage" as directly and as in-depth as could have been addressed. |
Worthwhile
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| Review Date: February 23, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Nicole S. Urdang, Western New York |
I have listened to a number of Pema Chodron's CDs and like this one he best, so far. Pema seems sweeter, and more compassionate. I also liked the subject matter which related to unconditional confidence in direct and subtle ways. In other words, this is not a how-to for building self-confidence; however, if you take her advice to heart you will become more resilient and secure in your ability to handle the vicissitudes of life.
I especially liked the following sub-topics:
smile at fear
the ubiquitous of nervousness
conceptualizing a deep, underlying tenderness beneath emotions like jealousy and addictive behaviors, and turning towards it, rather than shunning it like the plague
confidence comes from tender-hearted courage towards oneself and one's challenges
all suffering is trying to get things to work out on our terms (ego); so, if we drop that demand we can have more peace
the classic Buddhist approach of staying with whatever is happening, no matter how unpleasant, is what builds confidence
placing your panicked mind in the heart of loving kindness.
As a psychotherapist, I have found the hardest work we do is learning to be gentle and loving towards ourselves. It was the Buddha who said, "There is no one more deserving of compassion than you." Listening to this CD repeatedly will help change old messages into new ones, where loving kindness towards oneself is the coin of the realm. |
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