How to Be Sick (Second Edition): A Buddhist-Inspired Guide for the Chronically Ill and Their CaregiversA brand-new edition of the best-selling classic with added and updated practices. In 2001, Toni Bernhard got sick and, to her and her partner’s bewilderment, stayed that way. As they faced the confusion, frustration, and despair of a life with sudden limitations—a life that was vastly different from the one they’d thought they’d have together—Toni had to learn how to be sick. In spite of her many physical and energetic restrictions (and sometimes, because of them), Toni learned how to live a life of equanimity, compassion, and joy. This book reminds us that our own inner freedom is limitless, regardless of our external circumstances. Updated with new insights and practices hard-won from Toni’s own ongoing life experience, this is a must-read for anyone who is—or who might one day be—sick or in pain. |
Common terms and phrases
able activities Ajahn Chah arise asked aversion Ayya Khema become body breathe Buddha Buddha’s teaching Buddhist Byron Katie’s inquiry called calm cancer caregiver challenge chapter chronically ill compassion cultivate didn’t Disidentify doctor Don’t-Know Mind dukkha empathetic joy equanimity experience feel felt four sublime gathas give happen hard heart I’ve inner critic Jack Kornfield Joseph Goldstein Katie keep kind koan let go lives look Mara ME/CFS meditation mental suffering metta minutes Neem Karoli Baba never noble truth okay ourselves pain patient endurance peace person phrases realized repeat retreat S. N. Goenka self-compassion share sick someone Spirit Rock stories stressful thoughts Susan Saint James symptoms talk teacher Thich Nhat Hanh things three-breath practice told tonglen Toni Bernhard Tony’s treat treatment turn unpleasant unpredictability Vipassana waiting wheel of suffering wise action wise speech words worry you’re Zen master