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)

Loved it!

You wold think Buddhism would be boring but Pema was so funny and engaging that I would like to this over and over and over again.

My favorite Pema audio!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

"Getting Unstuck" is a good descriptive title. This helped me on my path to appreciate the now and accept what is. The audio quality if very good. I have listened to this audio at least 5 times this year. It was helpful in a difficult time and continues to inspire me. Good material and not limited. Pema talks with humor and candor. I believe this material would appeal to anyone and is not specific to Budhism. It took me to the next spiritual level in a non-religious way. If you listen while driving, just skip past the meditation part. Her material about "shenpa" is great!

The best teaching ever!!

Pema Chodron really gets where westerners are in their heads. In this teaching, she is funny, realistic, and offers the best advice for getting unstuck with loving kindness for others and yourself.

Wonderful teachings from a superb teacher!

If you want to learn how apprehend habitual unskillful reactions at the pre-verbal level, this teaching on Shenpa is invaluable.

Grateful

So helpful. I found Don't Bite the Hook incredibly helpful, and this just reminds and reminds.... Someday this will be in my bones. Maybe. Pema Chodron is so patient with me that I can almost do that thing.

Beautiful

I had no prior experience of Pema Chodron before listening to this Audible program, but having now done so it won't be my last experience of this wonderful teacher. Beautiful guidance to unfolding the twists and turns we mangle ourselves into.

"Getting Unstuck" is a Gem

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Pema Chodron teaches you how to stay and deal with the pain and the feeling of being uncomfortable. Many times we want to run away and not deal with the painful yet powerful emotions that are causing distress in our lives. Pema teaches us that staying and dealing with the pain you can learn how to get unstuck and grow in the right direction.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Getting Unstuck?

Learning about 'Shempa' and how it works. I loved the kindness you feel hearing Pema's voice. It's a voice of love and acceptance.

Any additional comments?

This book is a Pema Chodron classic and a great introduction to Pema's teachings.

love her recorded retreats!

love her recorded retreats! Humanity, humor, humility. can't beat
Pema's compassionate guidance through her retreats.

Eye Opening

there is nothing to consider or ponder here....this is a deeper keeper of teaching. to be listened to over and over again. sort of 4 wheel drive for your being to keep flowing...unblocking, refriending YOUR SELF!

♥

I love this, her teachings are incredibly helpful and have helped me grow, and her voice is really soothing.