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  • Getting Unstuck

  • Breaking Your Habitual Patterns and Encountering Naked Reality
  • Written by: Pema Chödrön
  • Narrated by: Pema Chodron
  • Length: 3 hrs and 24 mins
  • 4.9 out of 5 stars (162 ratings)

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Getting Unstuck cover art

Getting Unstuck

Written by: Pema Chödrön
Narrated by: Pema Chodron
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Publisher's Summary

Have you ever had an itch, and not scratched it? In the Buddhist tradition, this points to a vast paradox: that by refraining from our urge to "scratch", great peace and happiness is available. On Getting Unstuck, Pema Chodron introduces a rare Tibetan teaching she received from her teacher, Dzigar Kontrul Rinpoche, and one that has become critical to her practice. Here, she unveils the mystery of an ineffable quality; a "pre-emotional" feeling that arises in us, brings us discomfort, and causes us to react by escaping the discomfort, often with harmful habits. With Getting Unstuck, she offers us a first look at "both the itch and the scratch": what Tibetan Buddhists call shenpa.

On this new, full-length recording, Pema Chodron, best-selling author and beloved American Buddhist nun, shows us how to recognize shenpa, catch it as it appears, and develop a playful, lively curiosity toward it. Join Pema Chodron to discover more about:

  • Critical mind: how to recognize this fundamental shenpa, and approach yourself and others with a sense of humor and loving-kindness
  • Ways to unravel the patterns of self-denigration, and develop the fundamental maitri, loving-kindness, toward yourself
  • How to cultivate acceptance of your irritability, insecurities, and other simply human traits
  • Recognition, Refrain, Relaxing, and Resolve: the four R's of working with shenpa, and more

    An urge comes up, we succumb to it, and it becomes stronger, teaches Pema Chodron. We reinforce our cravings, habits, and addictions by giving into them repeatedly. On Getting Unstuck, Chodron guides us through this "sticky feeling", exploring the moments when we get hooked, and offers us tools for learning to stay with our uneasiness, soften our hearts toward ourselves and others, and live a more peaceful life in the fullness of the present moment.

  • ©2005 Pema Chodron (P)2005 Sounds True

    What the critics say

    "Chodron demonstrates how effective the Buddhist point of view can be in bringing order into disordered lives." (Publishers Weekly)

    What listeners say about Getting Unstuck

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    • Overall
      5 out of 5 stars

    healing power for the mind and soul

    I love Pema Chodron's recordings.
    They are my go-to for clarity, being and wellness and I refer them to all my loved ones.

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    1 person found this helpful

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      5 out of 5 stars

    Attachment is suffering

    Listen to this if you are looking for inspiration to meditate or be more aware
    Her humour and humility were amazing.

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    • nb
    • 2023-09-02

    Simple, helpful, insightful

    The simplicity and clarity of Pema Chodron’s approach makes is easy to tend to this difficult topic many struggle with. She provides clear and manageable tools and practices.
    She is also a great narrator. I love her absolute honesty and lightness!

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      5 out of 5 stars

    Very Interesting

    This is my first book of this kind, so pretty much all concepts were new to me, but I found the way of thinking very interesting. It has inspired me to look further into it.

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    A Gem !

    Pema Chodron is a gift. Her clarity, wisdom and humour shine brightly. This book is a succinct explanation of one of the most profound and simple approaches to being human, dealing with our “monkey minds” and connecting with our innate goodness and compassion. Such a gift!!!

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      4 out of 5 stars

    Never enough

    Pema Chodron's voice is comforting. I'm going to listen to this audiobook a few more times.

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    3 people found this helpful

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    • Sam
    • 2021-04-22

    Cheapest trip to an Abbey you can buy.

    This is an audio recording of some lectures that she did which I didn’t realize, so the quality of the recording surprised me initially. But don’t let that deter you! I really enjoyed the intimacy of this listen. If you can’t make it to hear a talk by Pema in person, then this is the next best thing. Cheapest trip to an Abbey you can buy.

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    Pema Rocks

    Infinitely relateable. Persistently inspiring. The sound of her voice steadies my heart head and hand.

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    Loved it!

    I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Pema Chödrön in this recording of a workshop. It was well recorded, easy to listen to, and very enjoyable. I got a lot out of it as well. I’m going to listen many more times.

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