How to Thrive in Hard Times

This is a uniquely practical, accessible and inspiring guide to living according to Buddhist principles, written by a well-known spiritual teacher and long-time Palestine–Israel peace leader. It is needed more than ever in these dark times.

"This illuminating book helps us remember the deepest truths and capacities of who we are, and invites us to inhabit our full aliveness, awareness and heart." – Tara Brach

“Deeply nurturing and illuminating” – Jon Kabat-Zinn

“Filled with all the wisdom and compassion Stephen has gleaned from years of teaching, healing and peace work in Israel and Palestine.” – Jack Kornfield

This book is a guide to thriving in our current violent, divisive and deeply uncertain times. It shows us a way to fulfilment through living according to Buddhist practical teachings, and reveals exactly how radical, exciting and life-changing the Buddhist wisdom of compassion, joy, detachment and liberation can be. Written in simple, straightforward language, the book contains 50 essays covering every aspect of modern life, ranging from the mundane to the spiritual. Topics include:

choosing peace instead of war stepping off the treadmill of the daily grind having a healthy relationship with money the true meaning of being authentic how to age wisely being friends with your own body shifting our difficult thoughts, emotions and memories exploring the deeper teachings of awakening, enlightenment and equanimity. 

First published What’s Beyond Mindfulness, this book is reissued now to make a plea for a better way of living among all the horrors of our current age. It seeks to shift our experience of the world, to imbue our lives with a child-like sense of wonder and to allow us to put down the burdens of anxiety, joylessness and anger.