According to Zen Teacher Cheri Huber, we are conditioned to think that if we were only a little better in some way, we would be happy: ”Life isn’t the way it should be and it’s my fault!” But, Huber says, no amount of self-punishment will every make us happy or bring us control over life’s problems.
The help we are looking for is really found in self-acceptance and kindness toward ourselves. By simply allowing ourselves to be guided by our innate intelligence and generosity, which are our authentic nature, we are able to be compassionately present to what’s happening now. Compassionate self-discipline—the will to take positive steps in life–is found through nothing other than being present. When we are present and aware, we are not engaged in distracting, addictive behaviors. If we simply cultivate our ability to pay attention and focus on what is here in this moment, our experience can be authentic, awake, honest, and joyful.
This book includes a guided thirty-day program of daily meditation, contemplation, and journaling.
Praise for Cheri Huber:
“Huber challenges us to see our resistances and to accept our conditioned thoughts and behaviors–to live in the present moment with awareness.” –Spirituality and Health magazine
Cheri Huber has been a student and teacher of Zen awareness practice for over 30 years. She founded the Zen Monastery Peace Center in Murphys, CA and Living Compassion, a non-profit dedicated to peace and service. She has a weekly radio show, Open Air, on talkshoe.com and maintains Cheri Huber’s Practice Blog at blogger.com.