Bernhard - How to Live Well with Chronic Pain and Illness

More Praise for How to Live Well with Chronic Pain and Illness

Theres a difference between pain and suffering. For some, pain is almost constant, but how it affects us how we respond to it makes all the difference. Toni shows us that difference, and she shows us what it can mean for how we live: that our lives can still be joyful.

David R. Loy, author of A New Buddhist Path

This book is an inside report from the often invisible community around us who suffer from chronic illness and pain. It is deeply human, refreshingly candid, and uncommonly wise.

Christopher Germer, PhD, clinical instructor, Harvard Medical School

The overarching message for those with chronic illness and for all the rest of us as well is that self-compassion is the most reliable refuge. Toni has been chronically ill for a long time, but her illness has not affected her perfect pitch.

Sylvia Boorstein, author of Happiness Is an Inside Job

The words between these covers will relieve so much pain in the world.

Therese J. Borchard, author of Beyond Blue

Through Tonis words you will find a wise friend to turn to during both the rough and the smoother times.

Deb Shapiro, author of Your Body Speaks Your Mind

Everyone with chronic illness, and those who love them, should have this book on their shelf to refer to over and over.

Dorothy Wall, author of Encounters with the Invisible

No other author I know has written as accurately and insightfully about living with chronic illness as Toni Bernhard.

Alex Lickerman, MD, author of The Undefeated Mind

As a psychotherapist, I wish this book had been written years ago. This is an invaluable guide for anyone touched by these challenges.

Arnie Kozak, author of Mindfulness A to Z

If you or someone close to you is coping with chronic difficulties, this book is not to be missed.

Phillip Moffitt, author of Emotional Chaos to Clarity

Toni Bernhard shows how limitation can open onto limitlessness how suffering can open onto well-being.

Thomas Bien, author of Mindful Therapy

If you have chronic illness, this is the book to keep within arms reach at all times.

Danea Horn, author of Chronic Resilience

This excellent guidebook is an absolute must-read for every person facing these difficult circumstances.

James Baraz, author of Awakening Joy

Toni Bernhard shares her own powerful experience of how mindfulness practice can deeply support anyone with chronic illness.

Sharon Salzberg, author of Real Happiness

Warm, stunningly comprehensive, wise, and practical.

Carlin Flora, author of Friendfluence

Practical and inspiring teachings both for those who have chronic illness and for everyone who suffers and struggles in their lives.

Mary Grace Orr, teacher at Spirit Rock Meditation Center

Written with generosity of spirit and mind, How to Live Well offers life-saving, soul-nourishing, helpful help. Each chapter provides practical techniques not only for surviving chronic illness, but for becoming a more compassionate person along the way.

Joslyne Decker, author of Fight Like a Mother

Whether youre navigating challenges with your partner, physician, or friends, dealing with rampant emotions, or simply learning to accept and value the life that you have, this is the book for you.

Joy Selak, author of You Dont LOOK Sick

Chock-full of practical wisdom that will bring light and direction to anyone lost in the darkness of chronic pain and illness.

Susan Bauer-Wu, author of Leaves Falling Gently

Toni Bernhard speaks honestly and humbly, leading to a wonderfully balanced series of suggestions presented with compassion and a deep understanding of the complexities of living well while sick. I will recommend this book to friends, family members, students, therapists, and clients.

Lizabeth Roemer, author of The Mindful Way through Anxiety

To read Toni Bernhard is to engage with a friend of uncommon wisdom. I cant imagine anyone (even those who are well) who would not benefit from this splendid volume.

Alida Brill, author of Dancing at the Rivers Edge

This wise and profound book will help transform your experience into one of great compassion, equanimity, and joy.

Kristin Neff, PhD, author of Self-Compassion

A superb and wise application of mindfulness practice during times of illness, the lessons of this book are for everyone, whether ill or not.

Gil Fronsdal, guiding teacher of the Insight Meditation Center

This seminal book could truly be a life-saver.

Diana Winston, director of Mindfulness Education at UCLAs Mindful Awareness Research Center

Toni Bernhard never disappoints in her ability to share insightful knowledge with a dose of humor. Read this book and garner knowledge and strategies on how to live the best life possible.

Lori Hartwell, president and founder of Renal Support Network

Sometimes when were sick, all we want is that flash of recognition the look that says I know what it feels like to be tired, the touch that says I understand what it feels like to be in pain. Toni Bernhard gives us more; she teaches us how to provide this comfort to ourselves. Self-acceptance is the greatest healer.

Susan Milstrey Wells, author of A Delicate Balance

Toni Bernhards wonderfully insightful guidance can help anyone live well. How To Live Well is a gift that offers ways to live fully and deeply with what each day brings.

Oriah Mountain Dreamer, author of The Invitation

This guide lives up to its name. It goes way beyond highfalutin hand-waving and provides useable, time-tested guidance for how to live a full life within pain and difficulty.

Barry Boyce, editor-in-chief of Mindful

How to Live Well with Chronic Pain and Illness

IMMENSELY PRACTICAL AND INFUSED WITH WARMTH, WISDOM, AND UNFLINCHING HONESTY.

Dr. Alice Boyes, author of The Anxiety Toolkit

LET TONI BERNHARD BE YOUR GUIDE IN THIS LIFE-CHANGING JOURNEY.

Larry Dossey, MD, author of One Mind

CHRONIC PAIN AND ILLNESS CREATE many challenges, from career crises and relationship issues to struggles with self-blame and isolation. Beloved author Toni Bernhard addresses these challenges and many more, using practical examples to illustrate how mindfulness, equanimity, and compassion can help readers make peace with a life turned upside down.

Drawing on her own awakening-through-illness, Toni Bernhard guides us in navigating the physical and emotional rough waters of chronic illness. Youll feel accompanied, understood, and guided by the heart wisdom of a trustworthy friend.

TARA BRACH, PHD, AUTHOR OF RADICAL ACCEPTANCE

A must-have guide for anyone suffering from chronic pain or illness.

DR. GUY WINCH, AUTHOR OF EMOTIONAL FIRST AID

TONI BERNHARD is the author of the award-winning How to Be Sick and How to Wake Up. Her blog, Turning Straw Into Gold, is hosted on the website of Psychology Today.

For my children Jamal and Mara

Generous Kind-hearted Honest Dependable.
You can count on me.
I can count on you.
You have made this a good life indeed.