Every time I see a new Pema Chodron book, I buy it and take it home. In some nonchalant moment, I pick it up and open to a random page. I read a paragraph and think, yes, she is so right on. Then I set the book down and cover it with something--a pillow, a newspaper, a letter I don't know how to answer.

Later when cleaning the house I slip the book into a bookcase. I like to have her books nearby. When I come across one later, I skim around a little. "Hm, still not ready," I admit, and hide it from myself again.

Last week in a favorite bookstore I picked up "Living Beautifully" before I noticed the rest of the title in small print, "with Uncertainty and Change." Of course I bought it. And took it home. So far I still know where it is.