Getting Unstuck

Breaking Your Habitual Patterns and Encountering Naked Reality

By: Pema Chödrön

Narrated by: Pema Chodron

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

Critic reviews

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

Subtle help and healing

I listened to this a few times and it seemed interesting but nothing clicked. Then I started experiencing my usual anxiety before the holiday arrival of my 'high maintenance" in-laws; I listened to the audio again and it calmed me and helped me realize their behavior need not effect me. During the visit, I remained focused, no buttons were pushed and I was able to speak up and stand on my own feet metaphorically. I also was able to analyze some of their more hurtful comments and realize they came from places within their history and had nothing to do with me. It was an almost fun visit, at the very least survivable. The only downside is that hey had so much fun they are coming back much sooner than usual.

I have listened to this lecture over and over.

I have found this to be very influential in my life. at moments of distress I listen to it again. so helpful.

POWERFUL & SIMPLE

Love love love this book- BTW, it is a recorded talk, not someone reading text. I found it to be so powerful and helpful! 🙏💖

A Required Course

Pema Chodren's light, humorous and approachable way allows listeners to be introduced to a concept and path of Tibetan Buddhism that frees us from the suffering of our own minds. She offers practical and applicable tools to stay present to what is, and allow intense emotions to be witnessed and released. There are many golden nuggets of wisdom that everyone should have access to. The more people that truly grasp these ideas and ways of being, the happier and healthier this world will be.

Great teaching for modern-day

A substantial talk from a great Western teacher. I will continue to come back to this year after year! Pema Chodron teaches with such wisdom and compassion, and I'm sure different parts of the talk will resonate with everyone who listens. Not to mention she is funny and lighthearted; reason enough to listen!

A clear teaching on how thoughts get us 'hooked'

Pema's style is frank and refreshing. I would recommend listening through twice. This recording may be beneficial to listen to while taking walks or doing chores, in order to establish its message in everyday activities.

Amazing

What a gift. One of the most helpful programs I've ever listened to. Amazing teacher and teachings.

Just What was Needed

I listened to this before and it was helpful. I relistened recently and it resonated in a whole new way. I have felt a little stuck in my practice with some habitual patterns that are not beneficial. This audiobook gave me a different perspective to work from, and I have found it very useful. I like the humor, compassion, and wisdom of the teacher.

Beautiful, thoughtful and hopeful

Teaching to gently and intentionally move you forward. Insightful, practical guide to seeing the thoughts that keep you stuck and how to free your thoughts.

Profoundly simple

A simple and accessible dharma talk I have and will listen to repeatedly to absorb and practice in order to “stop kicking the wheel”. Many thanks.