Given all of the aggression and fear in the air right now as we head to the polls, this free recording could be helpful in working with such feelings. Check it out soon because I don’t know how long it will last.

The wonderful folks at Shambhala Publications and Sounds True sent the link out as a free gift a few days ago – the recording of Pema Chodron’s talks published in her book Practicing Peace in Times of War.

I love Pema’s work but never purchased the book because I had an aversion to the idea of reading about war.

What a surprise to find that this book is about the personal war inside of each of us, as we go through life trying so hard to find peace and comfort!

I really enjoyed this recording. The voice is so gentle and calming, and she tells it like it is in real, gritty terms, not fluffy spiritual stuff. In this recording, she tells you exactly how to work with the energy of aversion and aggression.

I think my favorite part is when she talks about why it feels so awful, like sitting in the middle of a fire, to just stay with it without the story when we’re hooked by something that triggers aggression or aversion. It feels so hot and awful when we stop and just be with the energy of aggression or fear or aversion, we’re burning up the seeds of aggression instead of watering them. What a wonderful image to inspire us to practice!

I hope you enjoy listening to this as much as I did!