Charlotte Kasl's perennial favorites If the Buddha Dated and If the Buddha Married have inspired readers with their empowering blend of spiritual and psychological insights. Her third "If the Buddha" book, If the Buddha Got Stuck, is a wise yet lighthearted book that will speak to anyone who's ever experienced being stuck in life and wanted to break free. With her signature clarity, wisdom, and warm heart, Kasl presents readers with seven steps that tap into life's bigger picture: Notice Where You're Stuck; Show Up; Pay Attention; Live in Reality; Connect with Others; Move from Thought to Action; and Let Go. Full of insight from Buddhist and other teachings that emphasize the joy that comes with letting go of attachments to events and things, If the Buddha Got Stuck is an inspirational and practical roadmap to a more joyful, peaceful, and fulfilling life.
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"A friend gave lent me this book over the summer - per her suggestion, I've been reading it in the mornings, before I head off to work. It replaced my many failed meditation attempts, and helped me re-center myself before going out into the world. While no one can accuse me of being afraid of seeking out change - change seems to be more my norm than staying in one place - the idea of feeling stuck deeply resonated with me - and I found many of Kasl's perspectives thought-provoking (and sometimes hokey). Not a life changing read, but a helpful guide for living a life of honesty (primarily with oneself), compassion, and an appreciation for life itself."
— Shikha (4 out of 5 stars)
“Kasl’s approach is compelling: her discussions are simple but never simplistic; her tone is warmly inviting but not obsequious; and her insights are both penetrating and accessible.”
— Publishers Weekly“If the Buddha Got Stuck provides a roadmap to freedom and greater possibilities…Encouraging, practical, beautifully written.”
— Laura Davis, author of I Thought We’d Never Speak Again and coauthor of The Courage to Heal“Charlotte Kasl’s new book overflows with insight, humor and eminently practical suggestions.”
— Anita Doyle, former Director of the Jeannette Rankin Peace Center, Missoula, MT“If previous attempts to work with your life from a western philosophical or psychological perspective encountered gaps…[consider this] your bridge.”
— Rowan Conrad, PhD, Director, Open Way Mindfulness CenterIf the Buddha Got Stuck provides a roadmap to freedom and greater possibilities.... Encouraging, practical, beautifully written.
— Laura Davis, author of I Thought We'd Never Speak Again" I really enjoyed Charlotte Kasl's outlook on how our thoughts are the only thing that holds us back. "
— Kelly, 2/20/2014" Much like Rilke's Hours and my Sufi handbook, I go to this little tome again and again to remind myself how far I've come to get unstuck. Kasl uses personal anecdotes, hers and others, to illustrate actions. She isn't condescending - ever. Notice where your're stuck. Show up. Pay attention. Live in reality. Connect with others, connect with life. Move from thought to action. Let go. "
— Teresa, 2/17/2014" priceless...a study guide for life. highly readable. "
— Karen, 2/13/2014" This was a great book that I will keep on hand and re-read sections almost daily. It is really a reminder of how easy it is to get 'stuck' and how you are the only person who can do anything to change that. The author writes in an easy to read style but really gives important advice. I am going to get the other books in this series as well. "
— Anna, 1/22/2014" This book had some great advice and it explained things in a way which was easy to understand. Some of it (the last few parts) were kind of hokey, but I agree with the overall themes. I would definitely recommend this! "
— Jess, 1/11/2014" Good refresher book and/or intro book to Buddhist principles. If you enjoyed other books in her series you will enjoy this one too. A good quick read and easy to follow. "
— Roberta, 1/8/2014" Hard audiobook, the exercises parts ask you to reflect upon something of your life and a minute later you realize you stopped listening. "
— WhiteKanye, 1/4/2014" This really was an excellent book, full of thoughtful observations. Its not really so much about the spiritual path persay, but about trying to live life itself. I was impressed. (and felt better too!) "
— Gloriavirtutisumbra, 12/12/2013" This is a simple book by a local Missoula author; nothing earth-shattering here, but I liked its simple message about how to make big and small changes in your life when you're feeling frustrated or directionless. "
— Dana, 12/9/2013" My friend got this for me for my birthday, and it was really interesting... it definitely helped me see more clearly and identify patterns taht I need to focus on addressing. "
— Colleen, 12/3/2013" Lovely, straightforward writing about buddhist ideas brought to a white middle class level. It was more self help-y than I liked with lots "you shoulds," so I abandoned it half way through. For what its worth. "
— Angela, 11/7/2013" Haven't read it yet, can't wait to. "
— Nina, 10/20/2013" I enjoyed this book for the same reasons that I liked "if the Buddha Married." It's written in a clear and succinct style that lends itself to reading a chapter or two every couple of days. It's a good reference work too, when you're feeling stuck in your journey. "
— Karen, 10/15/2013" this is an excellent guide to finding balance in your life, and how to let go of stress and anger. "
— Bad, 10/14/2013" Trying to get unstuck isn't as easy as it looks. I like the style of writing. It is similar to Pema Chrodon's approach. Her points are a little weak at times but she asks the good questions to get you thinking and refocused. "
— Michelle, 6/18/2013" I don't know what it says about me or the book but I got stuck reading it. It took about 4 months to drag myself through it. "
— Todd, 3/26/2013" Practical and clear. A helpful book for getting 'unstuck'. "
— Renate, 2/18/2013" Great book. Highly recommend it if you're stuck in your life. It provides some focus questions to mediate on. It would probably behoove the reader to have a good understanding of Buddhism. "
— Raj, 1/30/2013" still reading this book, and really enjoying it. It has a smooth flow to it and makes sense easily. "
— Tahniat, 1/21/2013" The name pinned how I felt, STUCK! It was a fun read, that not only gave me inspiration, but Paul as well. (Paul is not the yoga, budha, vegaterian type, but he picked it up and got inspired) "
— Deborah, 12/28/2012" Some very good suggestions and insights... "
— Kathy, 11/16/2012" Can't read religious books. I guess I'm not that deep:( "
— Jenae, 9/23/2012" This is a good reference book. It's a look at life through the Buddhist perspective as well as traditional psychoanalysis. Was interesting and helpful to read. "
— Pilar, 9/7/2012" Buddhism for middle class white people. A little more "should" tone than the first two IF BUDDHAs. I. Just do not feel any less stuck, "
— Barbra, 8/30/2012" This is the perfect book to pick up when you need it - seeking guidance or wisdom. Haven't actually read it cover to cover, but no doubt will have at some point. "
— Sally, 1/30/2012" Another amazing book! It gives great insight and ideas for really moving your life forward and creating space to make things happen. "
— Anne, 1/6/2012" I really liked this book. It really helped to explain some of the aspects of Buddhism in a much simpler and easier to follow in this day of age. It's amazing how well she describes how childhood traumas can continue to haunt us into our adult years, and ways to put an end to it! "
— Stephanie, 10/15/2011" this is the third book i read in the if the buddha series and it was also great. her books are like self help books for the anti self help crowd. they are less about advice giving and more about self reflection. "
— flybrarian, 7/15/2011" This book offered a lot of insight into what may be holding me back in life. It gave me a fresh perspective on how to let things go and cleanse myself of negative energy in my life. :) "
— *t*r*a*c*y*, 7/10/2011" Buddhism for middle class white people. A little more "should" tone than the first two IF BUDDHAs. I. Just do not feel any less stuck, "
— Barbra, 6/25/2011" Good refresher book and/or intro book to Buddhist principles. If you enjoyed other books in her series you will enjoy this one too. A good quick read and easy to follow. "
— Roberta, 2/27/2011" The name pinned how I felt, STUCK! It was a fun read, that not only gave me inspiration, but Paul as well. (Paul is not the yoga, budha, vegaterian type, but he picked it up and got inspired) "
— Deborah, 3/15/2010" This is the perfect book to pick up when you need it - seeking guidance or wisdom. Haven't actually read it cover to cover, but no doubt will have at some point. "
— Sally, 2/6/2010" I enjoyed this book for the same reasons that I liked "if the Buddha Married." It's written in a clear and succinct style that lends itself to reading a chapter or two every couple of days. It's a good reference work too, when you're feeling stuck in your journey. "
— Karen, 2/2/2010" Great book. Highly recommend it if you're stuck in your life. It provides some focus questions to mediate on. It would probably behoove the reader to have a good understanding of Buddhism. <br/> <br/> "
— Raj, 5/11/2009" I really liked this book. It really helped to explain some of the aspects of Buddhism in a much simpler and easier to follow in this day of age. It's amazing how well she describes how childhood traumas can continue to haunt us into our adult years, and ways to put an end to it! <br/> <br/> <br/> "
— Stephanie, 1/5/2009" still reading this book, and really enjoying it. It has a smooth flow to it and makes sense easily. "
— Tahniat, 12/20/2008" This book offered a lot of insight into what may be holding me back in life. It gave me a fresh perspective on how to let things go and cleanse myself of negative energy in my life. :) "
— *t*r*a*c*y*, 11/2/2008" Trying to get unstuck isn't as easy as it looks. I like the style of writing. It is similar to Pema Chrodon's approach. Her points are a little weak at times but she asks the good questions to get you thinking and refocused. "
— Michelle, 10/15/2008" Haven't read it yet, can't wait to. "
— Nina, 9/23/2008" This really was an excellent book, full of thoughtful observations. Its not really so much about the spiritual path persay, but about trying to live life itself. I was impressed. (and felt better too!) "
— Gloriavirtutisumbra, 9/17/2008" This is a good reference book. It's a look at life through the Buddhist perspective as well as traditional psychoanalysis. Was interesting and helpful to read. "
— Pilar, 8/17/2008Charlotte Kasl, PhD, a practicing therapist and nationally recognized workshop leader for more than twenty years, has had lifelong connections to feminism, Buddhism, Quaker practice, and Reiki healing. The author of several books, including Finding Joy, she lives in Lolo, Montana.
Renée Raudman is an actor and Earphones Award–winning audiobook narrator. She has performed on film, television, radio, and on stage and can also be heard in several video games and hundreds of television and radio voice-overs.