When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times

If certainty exists, few of us actually know it. For most of us, our lives are permeated with ambiguity and a host of emotions that tether us to a mentality of despair. Buddhist teachings encourage people to overcome this pessimistic mindset by diving straight into its core: In order to surpass sensations of fear, worry, and anger, you must drive into the center of their being. To transcend uncertainty, you must relinquish control. Contentment requires growing comfortable with the unknown; this kind of comfort derives from allowing yourself simply to be, allowing emotions to stretch on so that they peacefully dissipate. Buddhist nun and teacher Pema Chödrön delivers timely advice for withstanding the world’s inherent uncertainty through practicing maitri, or loving-kindness towards oneself, to transform negative emotions into positive realities—pain falls into peace.