Making a Change for Good: A Guide to Compassionate Self-Discipline [Paperback]

Cheri Huber (Author)

Book Description

Release date: March 13, 2007

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 ever 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.

The book includes a guided thirty-day program of daily meditation, contemplation, and journaling.

Editorial Reviews

Review

 "Huber has been a Zen teacher for many years, but this does not feel at all like a Zen book. . . . The warmth of Huber's style and advice reinforce her message that self-acceptance, rather than punishment, is more likely to result in the changes we seek."—Library Journal


"Huber challenges us to see our resistances and to accept our conditioned thoughts and behaviors—to live in the present moment with awareness."—Spirituality & Health magazine

About the Author

Cheri Huber is a Zen teacher and the author of eighteen popular books. She founded A Center for the Practice of Zen Buddhist Meditation in Mountain View, California, in 1983, and the Zen Monastery Retreat Center in Murphys, California, in 1987. She founded Living Compassion in 2003, a nonprofit group comprised of There Is Nothing Wrong with You Retreats (based on the book); Global Community for Peace: The Assisi Peace Project; The Africa Vulnerable Children Project; and Open Air Talk Radio, which she hosts weekly. She lives in Murphys, California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Shambhala (March 13, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1590302087
• ISBN-13: 978-1590302088
• Product Dimensions: 5.6 x 0.4 x 8.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #173,592 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Cheri Huber is the author of 19 books, including There Is Nothing Wrong with You, When You're Falling, Dive,and Sweet Zen. She founded the Mountain View Zen Center in Mountain View, California, and the Zen Monastery Practice Center in Murphys, California, and teaches in both communities. She travels widely and often, leading workshops and retreats around the United States and abroad, most recently in Costa Rica and Italy. She founded Living Compassion in 2003, a nonprofit group comprised of There Is Nothing Wrong With You Retreats (based on the book); Global Community for Peace: The Assisi Peace Project; The Africa Vulnerable Children Project; and Open Air Talk Radio, her weekly call-in radio show originating from Stanford University. She lives in Murphys, California.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

54 of 54 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars More compassion from Cheri Huber March 30, 2007

By Casey Daly

Format:Paperback

I have read several of Cheri Huber's books, and this one does not disappoint. She delivers compassion once again - this time relating that self discipline is not about beating yourself or judging yourself into submission to a goal, it is about loving yourself entirely. It is a guide to meditation and journaling, but really it is so much more. She gives you the tools for success in any endeavor - whatever challenges YOU. Whether it is eating right, exercising, being a more kind person, committing to meditation, or ending your procrastination the method of kindness that she allows you to show yourself is a perfect tool for attaining your goal. It is not simply a repeat of her other material. It covers new ground with the same loving-kindness that flows from all of her work. It is not too "new-agey" and regardless of ones spiritual beliefs this guide is a wonderful tool for success.

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A very fine and practical approach for anyone! August 18, 2007

By Patrick D. Goonan

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I am a personal growth coach with a background in psychology, world religions and biofeedback. I work everyday with people who are trying to change their lives, which as you know is often a tall order. I've always admired Cheri Huber's simple, practical and effective approach and this book is certainly one of her best.

Although this book is based on Buddhist thought, it can be used by anyone of any faith. It approaches change from a perspective of non-judgmental awareness, unconditional self-acceptance and seeing that beating yourself is and always has been futile.

In addition to her fine presentation of content which is gleaned from a variety of areas including cognitive therapy, Buddhist thought and developmental psychology, she provides a structure. Specifically, the book contains a guided 30 day retreat which I think it EXCELLENT in every respect of the word... that's code for it really works!

This is one self-help book that is worthy of the name. I also recommend How You Do Anything Is How You Do Everything: A Workbook, Be the Person You Want to Find: Relationship and Self-Discovery, Unconditional Self Acceptance and The Fear Book: Facing Fear Once and for All. In reality, all of Cheri Huber's books and other resources are excellent.

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Pristine wisdom June 7, 2007

By Blues Man

Format:Paperback

The paradoxical approach to self improvement. Accept yourself exactly as you are. You do not need to be younger, thinner, less abrasive, politically correct, smarter, cooler. You just need acceptance. In addition to very clear description of the issues, a practical 30 day program of "practice" is included. You do not need to leave your home and family, leave your job, become a vegetarian, or go to a cave. You just need some quiet time each day. This book is a tremendous gift.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Guide to compassionate Self-Discipline April 12, 2009

By baidarkas

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Cheri Huber has written quite a few self-help books. If you like (or dislike) her style, I don't think you will find much to change your mind in "Making a Change for Good." Like some other books it is set in a hand-writing type font.

Reading other reviews, I saw that some reviewers are upset and others relieved that the book is so simple. There are no lengthy dissertations about complicated philosophical concepts. On the other hand those dissertations may not be very helpful to the end-user. Simple language drives home the point. Here is one example (discussing disidentification):

"I want to do something.
I do it.
I feel good.
Voices talk me out of doing it.
The same voices beat me up for quitting."

I am sure the same concept could be expressed in a manner that only 2% of the readers would comprehend :) The recipe for the antidote is just as easy to understand. A 30-day guided 30 to 45 minute a day self-retreat. It WILL work as long as one is honest to oneself. The method is sitting meditation and the clear view created in that space. Compassionate self-support will step in and recognize the "voices" that sabotage us.

I agree that all the conversation about the "voices" can turn you off. However, if we accept the word "voices" as a conceptual place-holder, the message will not get lost. And we have to say something, don't we?

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A friend with you every day September 17, 2009

By BooksAreGood

Format:Paperback

I am currently on day 21 of the 30 day retreat at the end of this book and I am reporting that it has become a beautiful ritual for me to come to each day. I also really love that the process is not about "doing this" or "getting that done" - but I'm learning the difference between 'must do' and compassionate self-discipline. What happens when my deepest truth wants to do something and I delay? Who are the players involved in taking that away from me? When I am aware of the dynamic I find that I am making different choices. Now that is a compassion and clarity that I am thirsting for. Meditating for 20 minutes every day? That is not something my thinking mind would believe I could do. But I do, and I am. I am understanding what it means, the peace that passes all understanding.

For me this book provides a great opportunity to kindly take your own hand and lead it forward with love. I find that the worst possible thing that can happen when I "fail" to meet my goals is a kindness that knows no end. Wow.