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Loving What Is cover art

Loving What Is

Written by: Byron Katie, Stephen Mitchell
Narrated by: Byron Katie, Stephen Mitchell, MacLeod Andrews, Rebecca Lowman
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Publisher's Summary

Out of nowhere, like a breeze in a marketplace crowded with advice, comes Byron Katie and "The Work". In the midst of a normal life, Katie became increasingly depressed and, over a 10-year period, sank further into rage, despair, and thoughts of suicide. Then, one morning, she woke up in a state of absolute joy, filled with the realization of how her own suffering had ended. The freedom of that realization has never left her, and now, in Loving What Is, you can discover the same freedom through The Work.

The Work is simply four questions that, when applied to a specific problem, enable you to see what is troubling you in an entirely different light. As Katie says, "It's not the problem that causes our suffering; it's our thinking about the problem." Contrary to popular belief, trying to let go of a painful thought never works; instead, once we have done The Work, the thought lets go of us. At that point we can truly love what is, just as it is.

Loving What Is will show you step by step, through clear and vivid examples, exactly how to use this revolutionary process for yourself. You'll see people do The Work with Katie on a broad range of human problems, from a wife ready to leave her husband because he wants more sex to a Manhattan worker paralyzed by fear of terrorism to a woman suffering over a death in her family. Many people have discovered The Work's power to solve problems; in addition, they say that through The Work they experience a sense of lasting peace and find the clarity and energy to act, even in situations that had previously seemed impossible.

If you continue to do The Work, you may discover, as many people have, that the questioning flows into every aspect of your life, effortlessly undoing the stressful thoughts that keep you from experiencing peace. Loving What Is offers everything you need to learn and live this remarkable process and to find happiness as what Katie calls "a lover of reality".

©2002 Byron Katie and Stephen Mitchell (P)2016 Random House Audio

What the critics say

"Good Lord! Where did Byron Katie come from? She's the real McCoy. Her Work is amazingly effective - a simple, straightforward antidote to the suffering we unnecessarily create for ourselves. She asks us to believe nothing, but provides a surprisingly effective and simple way to cut through the tangle of delusions we wrap ourselves in. Just reading the exchanges in Loving What Is, I can admit things I didn't want to admit and stop torturing myself in ways I didn't realize I was doing." (David Chadwick, author of Crooked Cucumber: The Life and Zen Teaching of Shunryu Suzuki)
"Suppose you could find a simple way to embrace your life with joy, stop arguing with reality, and achieve serenity in the midst of chaos? That is what Loving What Isoffers. It is no less than a revolutionary way to live your life. The question is: are we brave enough to accept it?" (Erica Jong, author of Fear of Flying)
"Byron Katie's Work is a great blessing for our planet. The root cause of suffering is identification with our thoughts, the 'stories' that are continuously running through our minds. Byron Katie's Work acts like a razor-sharp sword that cuts through that illusion and enables you to know for yourself the timeless essence of your being. Joy, peace, and love emanate from it as your natural state. In Loving What Is, you have the key. Now use it." (Eckhart Tolle, author of The Power of Now)

What listeners say about Loving What Is

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Worth the listen

If you are ready to do “the work” this is so worth the listen. I’ve had this audio book in my library for years but haven’t been able to get into it. Tried it again, and I was obviously ready, because it is changing the stories I tell myself and I am listening.

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Amazing!

This book is amazing and life altering. It is definitely a must read for anyone wanting to positively change their lives.

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Uplifting

A dear friend recommended this to me when I was stuck in a rut. Loving what is puts things in perspective and had a beautiful message about making the best of the human condition! A great listen. #audible 1

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Difficult to follow

The book feels genuinely useful but it's very difficult to follow in an audiobook format because most of the book is exercises, and written ones at that. After rewinding back and forth several times, trying to keep up with the steps it wanted me to complete on paper while the book was talking, I ended up returning it. Will probably pick up a paper copy to work with instead.

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A profound yet simple way of letting go of pain

I feel inspired and humbled by what I've heard. I keep getting the feeling like I'm on the brink of a revelation, like I've almost grasped it, and then my ordinary thought patterns try to confuse me again. I'll be doing the work until I feel more at peace with myself and the world. I've had a small taste of a universe of new, simple yet profound possibilities. Thank you!

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life changing !

thus is the vest ookIave own since I am born! I highly recommend it if you want drastic changes in ur life.

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powerful and life changing

Really enjoyed the narration and the simple, yet powerful concepts. Easy to apply and instantly life changing!

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worth the read

loved it. life changing. read it or don't. it really helped me look at my uninvestigated thoughts.

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A Life changing book!!

This is a life changing book! I listen to it repeatedly and apply it to my life! Every time I listen and apply it my life gets better... Loving what is is a daily and continuous practice!

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It works- if you’re ready for it

I bought this book 4 years ago after someone recommended it to me. I listened to it but it didn’t stick. I didn’t understand the concepts and the whole thing kinda went over my head: I wasn’t ready. I never forgot about it though. Now, 4 years later I’m starting to get the concept and it has already helped me avoid unnecessary pain.

The book is a series of scripts from sessions with the author. Since it’s a script being read by the author and a reader the reactions aren’t very realistic and can sound kind off. Still with listening to.

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