Making a Change for Good

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-disciplinethe will to take positive steps in lifeis 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. For more information on the author, Cheri Huber, visit her website at www.cherihuber.com.

Cheri Huber is a Zen teacher and the author of more than a dozen books. She is the founder of two Zen centers in northern California: A Center for the Practice of Zen Buddhist Meditation and the Monastery Retreat Center. She is also the founder of the nonprofit organization Living Compassion. She lives in Murphys, California.