Taking the Leap: Freeing Ourselves from Old Habits and Fears

In this pithy, inspiring book, Pema Chödrön 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. Chödrön 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 Chödrön offers transformational teachings and practices that readers can immediately put to use in their daily lives.