How Not to Be Afraid of Your Own Life: Opening Your Heart to Confidence, Intimacy, and Joy

"I read half of this book in the bookstore before ordering it. It is a gentle introduction to meditation or rather, an invitation to meditation as a response to the challenge of being human. Piver recounts her own stories where fears we all have (but so nice to see someone else articulately explore and share them!) could mark an end point but instead, were a beginning. It's almost as if fear is a bomb and Piver, via her anecdotes and frankness, finds ways to diffuse the 'fear bomb' both for herself and for us, the reader. The book is well written, light, funny, tender and smart. It will also convince anyone to meditate or get back to meditation; all roads to healing include meditation (and as Piver says - do it anyway, for any length of time you can but just do it) and Piver champions the practise in a non-pushy fashion that makes meditation both appealing and accessible. One can almost experience the benefits just in reading about it in this book. All in all, I don't know what it is but something in this book will make anyone feel better just in reading it. The book offers a calm and self acceptance that encourages the same."
~ Written on 2010-07-15

"A bit too touch-feeley/New Agey for my taste on Buddhism. But a fair intro to meditation to those who want to dip their toes in the Buddhist waters."
~ Written on 2010-04-10

"Susan's book was both heart-softening and heart-strengthening....her honesty when sharing her own inner world, made me feel not so alone in my own struggles. Her suggestions about antidotes for common challenges in our lives are still with me...now when I am feeling afraid of something-anything...I think of a way to bring myself gentleness. It works beautifully! Her outline of a meditation retreat inspired me to plan one for myself, and in the meantime, I am doing a little bit of "retreat" more often..daily finding small bits of time...and weekly a half day of my own to sense what is going on inside of myself. Her sense of humor and candid tone make this a very enjoyable book to read and keep nearby."
~ Written on 2010-03-11

"Susan Piver's book is a very good place to start if you want to get familiar with the basics of a beginning Buddhist meditation practice. Her easy, honest, straight forward style takes the woo-woo factor of spiritual jargon down to a real life level...which is where a spiritual practice starts and ends, anyway. I find I return to this book as a refresher when I have read pithier texts and I just want my spiritual big sis to translate for me. It is also a handy book to share with curious friends who want to know what this Buddhism thing is all about. I agree with other reviewers who are a little off-put by the title...it sounds like one of those magic bullet self help books, but don't let that put you off. For a beginner, it is a lovely introduction to what can be a lifelong practice."
~ Written on 2009-01-05

"How Not to Be Afraid of Your Own Life by Susan Piver is for anyone actively seeking to make a change. Based on years of study on meditation and Buddhism - and her own experiences - Piver helps make meditation an easy tool to integrate into day-to-day living. Part self-help book, part self-discovery mentor, and part Buddhist guide, this book is 100% valuable, applicable, and relevant. Piver goes far beyond the "big picture" of meditation as she delves into the everyday aspects of Buddhism and healthy living. She provides the tools that can make a life centered on meditation and Buddhist teachings possible.

How Not to Be Afraid of Your Own Life contains everything a person needs to improve their state of mind and well-being, and to accept the aspects of their lives and themselves that they can't change. Piver argues that no one need wait for the "right time" to make a positive change in their life. As a result, this book is an extremely accessible guide for almost anyone ready to embark on an inner journey of incorporating meditation and Buddhist living into everyday life.

The most valuable feature of How Not to Be Afraid of Your Own Life is the "Try This" tips scattered throughout the book. These are practical, relevant, and easy tips that aim to integrate mediation into everyday situations. The book culminates with Piver's detailed guide to creating a personal meditation retreat - no expensive classes or exotic destinations are required. The reader is empowered in making an immediate and profound change through the power of self-reflection and self-discovery. Everything thing you need is within yourself, and Piver shows you how to access your own personal wealth of knowledge. Piver's sense of humor is refreshing and revitalizing. Not only is this book an invaluable tool for teaching and reference, it's also an absolute joy to read."
~ Written on 2008-09-22