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  • Welcoming the Unwelcome

  • Wholehearted Living in a Brokenhearted World
  • Written by: Pema Chödrön
  • Narrated by: Claire Foy
  • Length: 4 hrs and 35 mins
  • 4.9 out of 5 stars (69 ratings)

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Welcoming the Unwelcome

Written by: Pema Chödrön
Narrated by: Claire Foy
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Publisher's Summary

From the best-selling author of When Things Fall Apart comes 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.

©2019 Pema Chodron (P)2020 Shambhala Publications

What listeners say about Welcoming the Unwelcome

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Life Saver

I am profoundly grateful to Pema Chodron for all of her books and this one is no exception.

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Wonderful

Such important insight, especially in the current global times. I have found the teachings in this book a great help and comfort.

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Beautiful. Please share.

This book is beautiful in its message. I believe this information can allow people to have great introspection and allow for beautiful practices to be learned and unhelpful practices to be challenged. Thank you again Pema Chodron.

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  • J
  • 2020-12-06

All I can say is, it’s a beautiful listen...

which I will listen to again again and again.
Thank you, thank you Pema Chodron

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  • Amazon Customer
  • 2020-05-25

One of Pema's best audiobooks

I have about 8-9 audiobooks by Pema. Most of them are live recordings, and I go back to 1 or 2 a couple of times a year, to get grounded again or to hear something new. (Getting Unstuck and Unconditional Confidence are my go-to's). The others didn't resonate as much with me - and the recordings of her books by other voices have been the least helpful. But this is a great book - well written, and a succinct but openhearted summary of much of her teachings. And Claire Foy's reading is perfection. Highly recommended for fans of Pema. It will be on my go-to list in the years ahead.

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28 people found this helpful

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  • Pacific9
  • 2020-04-11

Incredible

Claire Foy reading Pema Chodron - an unbeatable combination & experience. This book was incredibly helpful, especially with what is going on right now. Just finished and playing it again. Pure gold.

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  • jenjen
  • 2020-04-30

Amazing book! Amazing Narrator!

I love all things Pema Chodron! This does not disappoint! Also, I'm very voice sensitive and I feel like some narrators don't really capture the essence of Pema's humility and compassion. That is NOT the case with this narrator. It was a pleasure to listen to. I enjoyed every part of it! Great book all around!

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  • Mya Jones
  • 2020-12-31

Bravo Pema!

Welcoming the Unwelcome is a synonym to getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. It is truly a necessity to encompass this practice for all who wish to grow whether you’re just trying to be a better person, friend, companion, co-worker, etc., or you are on the path to seeking nirvana or an aspiring boddhisatva. Beautifully written, easy to understand and narrated by the lovely Claire Foy (The Crown on Netflix).

Whether you’re an avid fan of Pema Chödren or this is your first introduction to her teachings, I believe there is something for everyone to learn in Welcoming the Unwelcome. Embrace yourself for a wild ride and hard truths we must all examine. Disclaimer: do not read if you have no interest in bettering yourself in any aspect.

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8 people found this helpful

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  • NJ Doula
  • 2021-05-28

During time of grief.

My husband of 47 years died just 3 months ago. This book is so supportive.

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7 people found this helpful

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  • Amazon Customer
  • 2020-05-14

Great book!

loved the reader's voice, great book for wanting to work on becoming the best you for the benefit of the world as a whole!

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7 people found this helpful

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  • Amazon Customer
  • 2020-07-19

Welcoming the Unwelcome

This book touched my heart and captured my mind. I am glad to have read it after another of Pena’s books and the knowledge gained prior to listening to this book. She provides a down to earth and simple discovery of ones self leading us to the path of enlightenment. It was truly a blessing.

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5 people found this helpful

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  • paigegreen
  • 2020-05-08

awesome

her work is amazing love her audiobooks learned so much. I will invest in more!

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  • Cathleen S Sanchez
  • 2021-05-04

Beneficial for our troubling times.

Helps with personal struggle as well as those shared globally. Thanks once again dear Pena.

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  • JLL
  • 2021-02-28

My favorite Pema book so far!!!

I have been a Pema Chodron fan for a few years now and this book is my new favorite. Her message rings so true to me. The stories, messages and suggestions are so helpful as I face a phase in my life filled with so many of the more unwelcome emotions...specifically fear and anxiety.
I have struggled through previous audiobooks narrated by people other than Pema herself. This is definitely NOT the case this time.
Claire Foy is an exceptional narrator...she is the perfect compliment to Pema’s writing. I will listen to this book over and over.

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