madelynt1129 's review for:

The Places That Scare You: A Guide to Fearlessness in Difficult Times by Pema Chödrön

3.0

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I really liked some of the teachings in this book, especially the more practical ones about breathing/mindfulness techniques, and will definitely be trying them out. Her idea of sitting with an emotion without labeling it as good/bad or attaching a narrative to it really resonated with me. I was a bit put off by the author's writing style and messaging, though. I don't think she really confronts the sources of many "difficult times," which makes me wonder how well her techniques hold up. I wish she had included a chapter on how these teachings fit within or challenge social, economic, or political systems of abuse/exploitation/etc. But I enjoyed it overall as an introduction to meditation and mindfulness