Welcoming the Unwelcome: Wholehearted Living in a Brokenhearted World

by Pema Chödrön

My Thoughts:

Only by learning to fully embrace all aspects of ourselves–even the most seemingly negative elements of our minds and hearts–will we learn to fully embrace others. Only by discovering the basic goodness in both our lotus and our mud, will we come to see the basic goodness of all living things.

In a world full of polarization, this book can help humans find peace. Welcoming the Unwelcome contains valuable advice from a Buddhist’s perspective on overcoming the obstacles we have in life, maintaining compassion toward others, and that failure is an opportunity for growth, rather than something to run from.

This is my first book by Pema Chödrön. At first I thought it might not be a good book for me, but I’m glad I continued reading. Even though the book is written from a Buddhist’s perspective, I found it helpful from a Christian standpoint. Anyone can benefit from the down-to-earth advice given in this book. It’s positive, uplifting, and full of hope. Life brings challenging situations and difficult relationships to all of us, but it’s such a waste to let them dominate our lives and hold us back. The ultimate goal is to learn how to love one another.

I appreciated that the author shared some of her own personal life experiences, making the book more perceptive. The meditation practices in the back of the book were very helpful too, because this is something I’ve always struggled with.

I’m looking forward to reading more books by Pema Chödrön, and I’ll likely reference this book in the future.

4****

I’d like to thank the publisher, author, and Goodreads for offering this book in a giveaway. This is my own, honest opinion of the book.

Find this book on Amazon and Goodreads:

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Shambhala (October 8, 2019)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1611805651
• ISBN-13: 978-1611805659

From Goodreads:

From the bestselling author of When Things Fall Apart, an open-hearted call for human connection, compassion, and learning to love the world just as it is during these most challenging times.

In her first new book of spiritual teachings in over seven years, Pema Chödrön offers a combination of wisdom, heartfelt reflections, and the signature mix of humor and insight that have made her a beloved figure to turn to during times of change. In an increasingly polarized world, Pema shows us how to strengthen our abilities to find common ground, even when we disagree, and influence our environment in positive ways. Sharing never-before told personal stories from her remarkable life, simple and powerful everyday practices, and directly relatable advice, Pema encourages us all to become triumphant bodhisattvas–compassionate beings–in times of hardship.

Welcoming the Unwelcome includes teachings on the true meaning of karma, recognizing the basic goodness in ourselves and the people we share our lives with–even the most challenging ones, transforming adversity into opportunities for growth, and freeing ourselves from the empty and illusory labels that separate us. Pema also provides step-by-step guides to a basic sitting meditation and a compassion meditation that anyone can use to bring light to the darkness we face, wherever and whatever it may be.

Thanks for reading my review!

♥️ Mischenko