When Things Fall Apart

I have never read anything filled with such wisdom, psychological insight, and practical suggestions for personal transformation.

Far from a self-help book, When Things Fall Apart encourages the reader to develop a straightforward relationship with reality—the world around us. This elderly American Buddhist nun presents a compelling case that we need to accept all of it, including a willingness to experience our own distress—and learn from it.

I’ve tried writing about these topics in a non-fiction format and never matched Chodrin’s elegant, simple style. I fold in many of the same ideas in my novels via my characters’ voices, which… show more.

I learned in my grief that the experience of loss can open the door wide for personal growth and transformation. Pema Chodron’s book brings the possibility of gentle healing through the lens of Buddhist practice. After the first year of loss, as I was beginning to regain some stability, this book helped me find my way into new spiritual practices. I used it to expand beyond old beliefs that no longer served me and into new ways of thinking and being. It grounded me in the context of suffering, helping me to see that I wasn’t alone; that suffering was… show more.

I organize many people whose lives have been touched by tragedy or trauma. It is reflected in their chaotic environments. I try and uncover the source of the chaos so that the client is free to investigate healing. There is no more powerful tool on that journey than Ms. Chodron’s book. I read it the first time when my life seemed to be falling apart. A dear friend recommended it after saying, “How exciting! Something new and wonderful must be headed your way!” Perception, intention, and expectation of good can be our friends, especially when coupled with uncovering and releasing… show more.

Appreciating the beauty around us and feeling calm inside can seem easy when all goes well in our lives, but Pema Chödrön's When Things Fall Apart offers insight into how the basic Buddhist teaching can be essential lifelines during the most difficult times. Chödrön demonstrates with ease and compassion how our anxiety and fear can be turned into opportunities for growth, and she offers, most of all, hope for those who feel that their lives are “falling apart.” Even Oprah is a fan.