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What is her approach to dealing with difficult emotions?

Pema Chödrön is well-known for her teachings on dealing with difficult emotions. As a Tibetan Buddhist nun and teacher, she has dedicated her life to helping others navigate through their own emotional struggles. Her approach to dealing with difficult emotions is rooted in the principles of mindfulness, compassion, and acceptance.

The first step in Pema Chödrön's approach is to be mindful of our emotions. This means acknowledging and being aware of what we are feeling, without judgment or suppression. Often, when we experience difficult emotions, our instinct is to push them away or distract ourselves from them. However, Pema Chödrön encourages us to sit with our emotions and observe them with curiosity and openness.

Next, she emphasizes the importance of compassion towards ourselves. It is common for us to be hard on ourselves when we are struggling with difficult emotions, but Pema Chödrön reminds us that we are all human and it is natural to experience a range of emotions. Instead of beating ourselves up, she encourages us to offer kindness and understanding to ourselves, just as we would to a friend in need.

Pema Chödrön also teaches the power of acceptance when dealing with difficult emotions. This does not mean giving up or resigning ourselves to our struggles, but rather accepting that these emotions are a part of our human experience. By accepting our emotions, we can let go of resistance and find peace in the present moment.

In addition to these principles, Pema Chödrön also emphasizes the importance of self-care and self-compassion. She encourages us to take care of ourselves physically, mentally, and emotionally, especially during times of difficulty. This may include practices such as meditation, exercise, or seeking support from loved ones.

Furthermore, Pema Chödrön teaches that difficult emotions can be our greatest teachers. By facing and working through our struggles, we can gain valuable insights and grow as individuals. She reminds us that we have the strength and resilience to overcome our difficulties and emerge stronger and wiser.

In summary, Pema Chödrön's approach to dealing with difficult emotions is centered around mindfulness, compassion, and acceptance. By practicing these principles, we can learn to navigate our emotions with grace and find peace and growth in the midst of our struggles. As she often says, "You are the sky. Everything else is just the weather."