When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times
By Pema Chodrom

A friend handed me this little book not too long ago and suggested I read it, saying something like, “it’s worth the read.” Clients often ask me for reading recommendations and I’m always on the look out for “little” books for those who may enjoy reading ponderous material less than I. This slim volume will be added to my top ten list for people experiencing internal struggle of any kind. I read a chapter a day during March (one of my morning rituals) and was thoroughly engaged in a fascinating conversation with the author.

Ms. Chodron, an American Buddhist nun, speaks timeless words of wisdom from centuries old eastern traditions filtered through the voice of a western woman’s perspective. After a devastating divorce, the author sought relief from her broken life to find a whole new one as a student of a Buddhist Master. When Things Fall Apart is an edited version of seminars she has conducted and they read easily; bite-size chapters of five pages, perfect for beginning or ending a day.

Though the topics are timeless – acceptance, forgiveness, balance – Ms. Chodron brings them into the present day and invites the reader into deeper levels of self-honesty and human understanding. Her simple, clear style acts as a perfect voice for simple, clear truths about things we usually seek answers to in times of trouble.

I loved it. And I learned a lot about the nature of maitri. Read the book. You’ll understand.

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