The Five Things We Cannot Change: And the Happiness We Find by Embracing Them

By David Richo

Book Overview

"A lucid, thought-provoking, and illuminating" guide to finding fulfillment and "fluid acceptance of life as it is" (Martha Beck, life coach and New York Times-bestselling author)

Why is it that, despite our best efforts, many of us remain fundamentally unhappy and unfulfilled in our lives? In this provocative and inspiring book, David Richo distills thirty years of experience as a therapist to explain the underlying roots of unhappiness--and the surprising secret to finding freedom and fulfillment.

There are certain facts of life that we cannot change--the unavoidable "givens" of human existence: (1) everything changes and ends, (2) things do not always go according to plan, (3) life is not always fair, (4) pain is a part of life, and (5) people are not loving and loyal all the time. Richo shows us that by dropping our deep-seated resistance to these givens, we can find liberation and discover the true richness that life has to offer.

Blending Western psychology and Eastern spirituality, and including practical exercises, Richo shows us how to open up to our lives--including what is frightening, painful, or disappointing--and discover our greatest gifts.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1590303083
• ISBN13: 9781590303085
• Release Date: June 2006
• Publisher: Shambhala
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.64 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

SO wonderful, the title doesn't do it justice !

I've been on a path of personal self-discovery & healing for many years, and like many, also have a full bookcase to attest to the journey. Without exaggeration, this book rests at the top 5 of that (very) substantial number ! There are passages and practices presented by Richo that are astonishing in their beauty and ability to touch at the deepest level. Similar to Brother David's praise on the back cover, I found that I've "dog-eared" virtually every page of this wonderful book and have also bought copies for friends of all stripe and age. A genuine gift to be read again & again.

Most People Learn These Lessons the Hard Way

This isn't a feel-good self help book. It is a realistic look at certain "givens" in life that must be addressed by anyone who wants to live a REAL life. Many people don't want to accept ideas like, "Life isn't always fair." When I was younger, I didn't want to accept this type of thinking myself, but over time, I have learned that each of the 5 things the author mentions are true. I appreciated the candor with which the author delivered these truths and the solutions that were offered to help accept the positive and the negative aspects of existence. This is not a main stream, positive thinking piece, but I think it helped me to develop a more healthy attitude about the aspects of life that are difficult, if not impossible to change.

Most helpful book ever read

I have read one to many self-improvement books and thought I could not possibly discover anything new. This is absolutely the most insightful book I've read so far. Once I finished it, I immediately began to read it again; there is so much to digest. I was especially touched by the fact he uses quotes from poets since I am a poet myself. It leaves you with the feeling of acceptance and guidance. I recommend this book to everyone and am buying each of my 3 children a copy. Such a gem!

Richo writes another winner

This book is so helpful. If you are like me -- caught in the web of fear and mad as hell that the world doesn't go the way I want it to -- this book points the way to liberation! Richo blends buddhism, wisdom teachings, and Jungian psychology together with poetry, literature and humor to get the point across. Lots of charts and bullet suggestions help the info sink in. I'm going to have to read it again because there is so much in it. Richo makes it easy to understand and take action.