Accordingto Zen teacher Cheri Huber, we are conditioned to think that if we were only alittle better in some way, we would be happy: “Life isn't the way it should beand it's my fault!”  But, Huber says, no amount of self-punishmentwill ever make us happy or bring us control over life’s problems.

The help we are looking for is really foundin self-acceptance and kindness toward ourselves. By simply allowing ourselvesto be guided by our innate intelligence and generosity, which are our authenticnature, we are able to be compassionately present to what’s happening now. Compassionateself-discipline—the will to take positive steps in life—is found through nothingother than being present. When we are present and aware, we are not engaged indistracting, addictive behaviors. If we simply cultivate our ability to payattention and focus on what is here in this moment, our experience can beauthentic, awake, honest, and joyful.

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