Customer Reviews

How Not to Be Afraid of Your Own Life: Opening Your Heart to Confidence, Intimacy, and Joy

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

When I read the title of this book I was a little taken aback--Afraid of my own life? Could I be? But Piver addresses issues and fears that are common themes in life--fears that are part of the human experience--and shows us in a methodically, and linear way, how to acknowledge and then diffuse those fears, by facing them head on. She disects some basic ideas in a very clear, direct, friendly and accessible way. It is as though Ms. Piver is sitting down to a cup of tea with you, to be that friend that listens and affirms all the crappy stuff that can happen to us, but then goes on to show us that by using the ancient practice of meditiation, ultimately, we can be ok with it. Or perhaps more accurately, it can be ok with us.

The meditation instructions are clear, specific and very accessible--and the 7 day meditation program looks like a great way take a committed practice of meditation to the next level. I'll say, it has inspired ME to get my butt to the cushion more, since reading the book.

Susan Piver's book is a wonderful introduction to Buddhism for the beginner. She explains the basic meditations of Buddhist practice with a fresh, light approach. Many Buddhist meditation texts are bogged down in background, and she skips the unnecessary details to cut to the chase. She is able to use references to the everyday situations most people encounter, and apply principles in the book.
This is my "go-to" book for my practice and I highly recommend it.

This is an excellent book on Buddhism that weaves Susan's own stories and challenges into the fabric of a meditation practice.
I found it accessible, straightforward, and compelling.

I very much appreciate the views Susan shares in her great little book. I'm halfway into it and have already received much more than many large books have presented to readers. Good job. Honest sharing of personal experiences and the perspectives born of them. I would buy any of her books in the future! Much appreciated.

I could not have found Susan's very excellent book at a better time. At the time, I was living the dream of a 30 year old New Yorker in post break-up hell. Ahhh, good times.

Susan's wise, direct and oftentimes funny advice on finding some space in-between the panic attacks of our everyday life gave me the space I needed to heal and move on. I've incorporated many of these practices in my daily and have found them to be of enormous benefit. Meditation need not be an insane spiritual awakening with crazy lights and sounds. It can just be a little quiet time to heal and find some comfort in your NYC apartment.

For a girl who may in fact love "Project Runway" more than her friends and family, it's nice to find a book that shows you how to be "spiritual" in the everyday modern world.

Susan Piver's book is a very good place to start if you want to get familiar with the basics of a beginning Buddhist meditation practice. Her easy, honest, straight forward style takes the woo-woo factor of spiritual jargon down to a real life level...which is where a spiritual practice starts and ends, anyway. I find I return to this book as a refresher when I have read pithier texts and I just want my spiritual big sis to translate for me. It is also a handy book to share with curious friends who want to know what this Buddhism thing is all about. I agree with other reviewers who are a little off-put by the title...it sounds like one of those magic bullet self help books, but don't let that put you off. For a beginner, it is a lovely introduction to what can be a lifelong practice.

After reading the other reviews of this book I was really looking forward to reading it. Unfortunately, I found the book rather superficial and without much meaningful content. Some of the really important ideas, such as being able to welcome difficulties in life, the author just skims over. After reading the book, I felt that I was actual more in tune than the author herself without dedicating years on reflection and buddhist practice.

I don't think this book could change anyone life's although it may get someone interested in learning more about meditation and mental reflection.

This is very easy reading. Everything she talks about is unpretencious and easy going. She gives good examples of how her life was stuck in fear and how to over come that with meditation. There is a seven day plan that I can't wait to start! If you are open to making a change in your life then you will enjoy her suggestions.

I got this book because "How Not to be Afraid of Your Own Life" sounded like EXACTLY what I needed at the time. I bought this book about 2 years ago, and I still go back to it once and a while. It got me into Buddhism, meditation, and I did the at-home retreat and it felt like a turning point for me. I had debilitating anxiety and felt like fear kept me in a straight jacket. This book was no miracle, but it was like a breath of fresh air. This book can offer you a helping hand. A kind, compassionate, "sweetie, I've been there." A new perspective on life, on what brings joy. Her personal stories were cathartic for me to read, and her meditation instruction is good. And like I said, the retreat was awesome.

In short, this book is well titled and surprisingly helpful. I recommend it. :)

How Not to Be Afraid of Your Own Life by Susan Piver is for anyone actively seeking to make a change. Based on years of study on meditation and Buddhism - and her own experiences - Piver helps make meditation an easy tool to integrate into day-to-day living. Part self-help book, part self-discovery mentor, and part Buddhist guide, this book is 100% valuable, applicable, and relevant. Piver goes far beyond the "big picture" of meditation as she delves into the everyday aspects of Buddhism and healthy living. She provides the tools that can make a life centered on meditation and Buddhist teachings possible.

How Not to Be Afraid of Your Own Life contains everything a person needs to improve their state of mind and well-being, and to accept the aspects of their lives and themselves that they can't change. Piver argues that no one need wait for the "right time" to make a positive change in their life. As a result, this book is an extremely accessible guide for almost anyone ready to embark on an inner journey of incorporating meditation and Buddhist living into everyday life.

The most valuable feature of How Not to Be Afraid of Your Own Life is the "Try This" tips scattered throughout the book. These are practical, relevant, and easy tips that aim to integrate mediation into everyday situations. The book culminates with Piver's detailed guide to creating a personal meditation retreat - no expensive classes or exotic destinations are required. The reader is empowered in making an immediate and profound change through the power of self-reflection and self-discovery. Everything thing you need is within yourself, and Piver shows you how to access your own personal wealth of knowledge. Piver's sense of humor is refreshing and revitalizing. Not only is this book an invaluable tool for teaching and reference, it's also an absolute joy to read.