SUFFERING IS OPTIONAL

¦ The perfect blend of self-help and spirituality, this book provides
solutions to low self-esteem and unworthiness through the
spiritual teachings of non-separation, inviting readers on a
profound investigation capable of relieving suffering.
¦ Brenner's blog (gailbrenner.com/blog) generates significant
reader engagement, and she has thousands of followers online.

Millions of us feel we're not good enough. We may struggle every day, seeing ourselves as pathetic or damaged and destined to fail. We may convince ourselves we aren't worthy of love or respect, and view ourselves with self-hatred. Sadly, these self-definitions lead to even more pain and suffering: shame, relationship problems, opportunities lost—a life not fully lived.

In Suffering Is Optional, clinical psychologist Gail Brenner offers readers practical ways to discover they're not what their thoughts tell them they are. This book goes straight to the heart of the problem—the mistaken identification of oneself as broken and undeserving—to guide readers out of these limiting thoughts and into an investigation of the nature of reality that ultimately liberates them from suffering. With these exercises, experiments, reflections, practices, and inspiring stories, readers will have a spiritual solution to the personal problem of limitation and self-sabotage.

Using the four guiding principles and five core practices presented in this book—including turning toward direct experience, grounding in aware presence, losing interest in thoughts, welcoming feelings, and the sacred return to presence—readers will be able to shed their false identity and wake up to the inherent peace and happiness that's available in any given moment.

Gail Brenner, PhD, is a clinical psychologist who joyfully helps people discover that suffering is optional. Through investigating her own experience and working with clients for over twenty-five years, she's discovered how to unravel common problems of everyday life to reveal the deepest acceptance and peace. The author of the award-winning The End of Self-Help and At the Core of Every Heart, Brenner resides in Santa Barbara, CA.