In this pithy, inspiring book, Pema Chodron presents the Buddhist concept of shenpa, which can be translated as "getting stuck" or "getting hooked" and shows us how we can liberate ourselves from it. Shenpa is that irritating sensation that arises in moments when life suddenly becomes disappointing, difficult, or painful. Perhaps someone criticizes your work, your appearance, or your child. Something within you tightens, shuts down. That's shenpa. After we tighten, we instinctively start to blame ourselves or others. We might get angry and lash out in words or actions. Or we might reach for a cigarette, a drink, or some other addictive substance to numb our pain. Chodron shows us the way out of these habitual reactions that keep us locked in cycles of suffering.

In Taking the Leap she introduces a new way of responding to moments of shenpa: learning to stay present. Rather than running from life's hurts, you can actually stop and open your heart, and therein discover courage and compassion. This book presents the "four R's" of working with shenpa: recognizing it, refraining from acting out against ourselves or others, relaxing with the underlying feelings, and resolving to make this our way of life. With her characteristic warmth and encouragement, Pema Chodron offers transformational teachings and practices that readers can immediately put to use in their daily lives.

Taking the Leap: Free Ourselves from Old Habits and Fears, Pema Chodron, Shambhala Publications, Paperback, 118 pp, $16.95

Pema Chodron is an American Buddhist nun in the lineage of Chogyam Trungpa, the renowned Tibetan meditation master. She is resident teacher at Gampo Abbey, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, the first Tibetan monastery in North America established for Westerners. She is the author of five books including the best-selling When Things Fall Apart and The Places That Scare you.

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CONTENTS: Taking the Leap: Freeing Ourselves from Old Habits and Fears
Feeding the Right Wolf	1
Learning to Stay	13
The Habit of Escape	21
The Natural Movement of Life	31
Getting Unstuck	37
We Have What We Need	47
Rejoicing in Things as They Are	57
Uncovering Natural Openness	65
The Importance of Pain	75
Unlimited Friendliness	85
Epilogue: Taking This into the World	97
Acknowledgments	101
Related Readings	103
Resources	105
About the Author	109
The Pema Chodron Foundation	111