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How to Wake Up: A Buddhist-Inspired Guide to Navigating Joy and Sorrow Kindle Edition

by Toni Bernhard (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 209 ratings
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Intimately and without jargon, How to Wake Up: A Buddhist-Inspired Guide to Navigating Joy and Sorrow describes the path to peace amid all of life's ups and downs. Using step by step instructions, the author illustrates how to be fully present in the moment without clinging to joy or resisting sorrow. This opens the door to a kind of wellness that goes beyond circumstances. Actively engaging life as it is in this fashion holds the potential for awakening to a peace and well-being that are not dependent on whether a particular experience is joyful or sorrowful. This is a practical book, containing dozens of exercises and practices, all of which are illustrated with easy-to-relate to personal stories from the author's experience.
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  1. Print length
    242 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publisher
    Wisdom Publications
  5. Publication date
    August 19, 2013
  6. File size
    762 KB
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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Drawing inspiration from the Buddha's awakening, Bernhard addresses this ancient tradition's core ideas in a wise, gentle guide to reducing suffering. Her previous book (How to Be Sick) described her efforts to adapt skillfully to a chronic, life-changing illness. Here she explores Buddhism's heart to show how we have the potential to awaken to a peace and well-being that are not dependent on whether a particular experience is joyful or sorrowful. With assurance the author blends clear explanations, examples, and easy practices (such as the tracing exercise to identify the source of dissatisfaction) from her circumscribed life to explore how wisdom, mindfulness, and open-heartedness can improve well-being. The relevance of classic topics such as the three marks of existence (impermanence, no fixed self, and suffering) is deftly investigated. Her discussion of tanha (desire) teases out the difference between wholesome aspirations and harmful craving, a sometimes thorny topic for students of Buddhism. While the market is saturated with good introductions to Buddhism, Bernhard excels at demonstrating from personal knowledge that the Buddha's promises to ease suffering aren't just empty words. (Sept.)

From Booklist

Expanding on the lessons of mindfulness and meditation found in her well-received How to Be Sick (2010), Bernhard switches gears to focus on the venerable and often intimidating idea of “awakening.” The author begins with the core idea that life is a string of experiences engendered by and producing suffering. From here Bernhard walks her readers through the concepts used in Buddhism to accept and engage this state of being and, in doing so, hopefully become more “awake” to the reality of life. The book is organized around three fundamental tenets of the Buddha’s teachings—wisdom, mindfulness, and open-mindedness—with each section broken into chapters that examine these ideas and offer practices that help incorporate them into daily life. Bernhard presents all of this in an easy, straightforward manner that will reassure readers who are less familiar with Buddhist tradition. While this is an ideal book for people beginning to explore Buddhism or alternative methods to handling life’s difficulties, this is also a useful book for the more experienced Buddhist or spiritual practitioner looking to revisit fundamental concepts of their practice. --Taina Lagodzinski

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00EGWFMA6
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Wisdom Publications (August 19, 2013)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 19, 2013
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 762 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 242 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 209 ratings

About the author

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Toni Bernhard

Toni Bernhard

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I'm the author of four books. Three are intended to help people find a measure of peace and joy despite the many challenges posed by chronic pain and illness; the third focuses on the Buddha's path to awakening in this very life, even in the most difficult of circumstances. I write in a conversational style, with the intention of helping everyone learn to live with compassion, joy, and purpose. To this end, all of my books include easy-to-learn exercises and practices that come alive through the use of personal stories. I've been a practicing Buddhist for over 25 years. I was also a law professor at the University of California—Davis for 22 years, serving as the dean of students for six years. I live in Davis, California with my husband and our endearing, if goofy, gray lab Scout. I hope you'll visit my website at www.tonibernhard.com.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
209 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

AK
5.0 out of 5 stars To read and reread and reread
Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2024
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Whenever I have a question about anything related to moving through the world, I consult this book. I've read it countless times and have recommended it to multiple people--all who feel it to be an indispensable part of their lives, to read and re-read. Much wisdom in these pages. Accessible to all!
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Susan Wolterstorff
5.0 out of 5 stars I Love This Book
Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2013
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After reading How to Wake Up by award winning author and teacher, Toni Bernhard, I felt as if I had just returned from a very special mindfulness retreat, where I was nourished by Toni's words of wisdom and the ancient writings and teachings of the Buddha. I especially appreciated the way in which Toni presented the Buddhist concepts with such clarity and warmth, followed by a personal story of how she applied the teachings to her own life , as well as her gentle encouragement for readers to try the exercises and practices, which she presented so well.

How to Wake Up supported me to look deeply into my own life and to more fully embrace daily living with its many joys, along with its deep sorrows and losses. It was also extremely helpful to learn the process of how to be more awake and aware of my mental states and stresses: by recognizing them, labeling them, investigating them, and allowing them to be just as they are, without judgment or aversion.

How to Wake Up gave me the feeling of being held in the arms of a true Bodhisattva. As I read Toni's teachings on compassion, lovingkindness, joyful acceptance and equanimity, I was deeply touched by her ability to embody and convey these sublime states throughout her entire book. As Toni skillfully taught and wove the Buddhist concepts into each chapter, she also gave me a felt sense and clearer understanding of the teachings, which in turn guided me on the path of finding a greater sense of inner peace and well-being.

In closing, I want to express my deep gratitude to Toni Bernhard for writing How to Wake Up. This book is a true gift to humanity and is a very compassionate resource about impermanence and change. If you are open to looking at new ways to alleviate all types of suffering and finding more joy and contentment in your life, regardless of your circumstances, you will certainly want to buy How to Wake Up and read it over and over again.
34 people found this helpful
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David Geegoo
4.0 out of 5 stars How to Wake Up: A Buddhist-Inspired Guide to Navigating Joy and Sorrow
Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2013
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I haven't read the whole book to date , just a third , but being familiar with Buddhism ,I found the book is appropriately written from a Buddhist perspective but not in a manner to covert readers to Buddhism but just highlighting principles from that faith winch could be helpful to any intelligent open minded individual looking to improve their outlook on life in general, which make the book UNIVERSALLY appealing , minus perhaps tunnel vision fanatics within specific religions. I would recommend this book highly.
4 people found this helpful
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Celeste Cooper
5.0 out of 5 stars A brilliant writer does it again. A journey toward enlightenment
Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2014
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Toni’s stories are relevant for overcoming obstacles to our journey in life.I was unsure how she could ever add to her brilliant book “How to Be Sick,” but she has. She is a truly gifted writer.

Toni relates Buddha’s terms and teachings in a way that is easy to understand. This is especially helpful for a non-Buddhist person, such as myself. She teaches us how not to become fixed in our person or our way of thinking. I think when we receive this information without judgment; we can see that every day, every moment, offers opportunity for enlightenment.

As an educator, I easily see Toni’s own experiences as teacher/professor by the way each chapter builds on the previous. This is important to readers, such as me, who are not familiar with many of the terms. Regardless of how we resist change, change is inevitable as is suffering, peace, and desire. We are challenged to live in the present and acknowledge challenges for what they are and appreciate joy. If I had to pick only one Buddhist teaching that I apply to myself, it would be the story telling of Dukka. Of course, I have more, but I will not reveal what’s in the book. I will leave that to you.

“We must embrace pain and burn it as fuel for our journey.” Kenji Miyazawa. (One of my favorite quotes in the book.)
5 people found this helpful
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Lynn G
5.0 out of 5 stars Best introduction to Buddhism I've read
Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2013
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I loved Toni Bernhard's first book so much that I lectured myself not to expect too much from this one, feeling that my expectations might be too high. But she's done it again -- given readers a wise and gentle guide to navigating life on life's terms, with all its normal joys and sorrows.

"How to Wake Up" offers clear, easily understood explanations of the Buddha's core teachings on wisdom, mindfulness, and open-heartedness, along with practical suggestions for putting them to use. This is is no trendy, "Buddhism Lite" how-to book. The language may be unpretentious, but it's clearly anchored in deep knowledge and understanding. An experienced teacher, Bernhard illustrates each concept with common-sense examples from her own life, examples that anyone can relate to. Each chapter includes gentle, practical suggestions for how the reader can experiment with using these ideas in everyday life.

Although not a newcomer to Buddhism, I found myself enthusiastically highlighting phrases and paragraphs I want to refer back to, and I enjoyed practicing each of the suggested exercises from chapter to chapter. They were easy to do, and gave me fresh perspective on meeting life's daily bumps and challenges with equanimity. This book will join the small number of favorites I keep on my nightstand for easy reference. It's easily the best introduction to Buddhist principles I've ever read.
12 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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ed matthews
5.0 out of 5 stars A simple to read and understand self-help book from a ...
Reviewed in Canada on February 25, 2015
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A simple to read and understand self-help book from a Buddhist perspective that will benefit not only those seeking Buddhist spirituality but for all those in need of spiritual direction and uplifting guidance.
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S.B
5.0 out of 5 stars A superb book for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 21, 2013
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Following the amazingly helpful  How to be Sick , Bernhard now turns her attention to the needs of everyone, not just those with chronic illness. The result is a superb book for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. There is only a slight overlap with her previous book, so if you enjoyed that you'll probably enjoy this one too. I find her writing style to be very clear and easy to read, though she does use some Buddhist terminology that you might need to get used to. It is all explained in the text so don't worry too much about that.

This book could serve as a good introduction to Buddhism, but as it covers certain specific areas it is good to read alongside other popular titles such as  Buddhism: Tools for Living Your Life  and  Sailing the Worldly Winds . So what does this book cover? It begins with the three marks of existence: impermanence, no-fixed-self, and suffering. Then she talks about the role of desire in causing suffering/dissatisfaction. Moving on to the five hinderances, mindfulness practices, and practices for developing loving-kindness, compassion, appreciative joy, and equanimity. All of that is plenty to be getting on with. However of notable absence are things like the five precepts which form the basis of Buddhist ethics, and the eight worldly conditions (worldly winds) - I recommend the books above to fill in these gaps. They aren't really gaps as Bernhard's book isn't advertised as an introduction to Buddhism in the first place - I just think her style is good for those of us who don't know so much about the subject.

Of course, you might not be interested in Buddhism at all. This book can stand alone as a guide to improving your quality of life. Who hasn't experienced the impermanence of things we love, and the pain of wishing it wasn't so? Or do you feel you're almost sleep-walking through life? Mindfulness can help you here. You don't have to be religious at all to benefit from these common sense teachings. Just open your mind and take what you need and leave what you don't need.

What I especially like about Bernhard's books is how she gives us practical exercises to practise. Reading is all very well, but it's the practice that matters. Her practices are a mixture of traditional Buddhist practices (she draws from a variety of schools of Buddhism), as well as ones she has invented herself. In this book I especially liked the chapters on the five hinderances as I hadn't studied the subject before. In a later chapter she talks about how wanting to be perfect affected her work, and how her friend offered some wise words. I'm so glad she shared them with us too.

This is one of those books that once you've read it from start to finish you'll want to go back and re-read sections, dipping in and out when it suits you. I only finished reading it the other day, but already I am noticing new gems each time I pick up the book.
8 people found this helpful
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Nivvie
5.0 out of 5 stars She is inspiring and honest (especially about what it's like to live with chronic/illness and pain)
Reviewed in Australia on January 27, 2016
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I adore this book and all the others Toni Bernard has written. She is inspiring and honest (especially about what it's like to
live with chronic/illness and pain). I would love all people and their caregivers dealing with such issues to read.
It has been a great comfort to me.
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Amazonカスタマー
5.0 out of 5 stars 人生で大切なものを失った悲嘆や苦悩へのブッダの教え
Reviewed in Japan on December 10, 2015
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人生で遭遇するであろう幾多の悲しみや苦しみを、
どのように受け容れ、消滅させたらよいのかを
ブッダの教えに従って、平易な言葉で教えてくれる本です。

誰にでもありそうな日常的なエピソードを例に挙げて、
瞑想会に参加するといった特別なことでなく、
ごく普通の生活をしながら、ブッダの教えを如何に実践するかを語ります。
例えば「怒り」の背後には、自己の渇望があり、
この渇望がかなえられないことが根本の原因であることを、
著者の経験を例に挙げて解き明かします。
著者の数々の失敗談も率直に書かれていて、親しみが持てます。

著者は四十代半ばで病気のため退職を余儀なくされ、
そのことによる精神的な苦しみを超えてきた人です。
欧米の読者向けに書かれた本ですが、大切なものを失う苦しみや悩みは、
失職に限らず、親しい人や、健康や、人生の目標を失えば、
洋の東西を問わず老若男女ともに同じですから、日本の多くの読者にも、
自己の心の指針・コーチ役として役立つと思います。
とくに定年や病気のために退職を余儀なくされた人には、
著者の前著 "How to Be Sick" とともに、おすすめします。

英語表現は会話スタイルで、文章構成が巧みなので、たいへん読みやすいです。
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Jen
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
Reviewed in Australia on November 29, 2018
Verified Purchase
Toni Bernhardt books provide excellent strategies for dealing with life changing illnesses
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