A Gentle  Practice for Tough Times: Contemplations for Dying and Living

These contemplations repeated on a regular basis incline the mind to positive curiosity about our own negative thoughts (known or unknown). Some we are aware of, and others need a little gentle probing before we wake up to them. Many of our negative thoughts are so self-identifying we no longer notice their terrible impact on us, such as “I’ve f….. up again”, “I’m so stupid,” or “Why didn’t I think of that.”

 What if the first or near first words or thoughts out of your mouth were that this would be a good time for self-compassion, non-judgment, acceptance, ease, inner calm, healing, or kindness to self and others. This kind of transformation can easily be achieved.

This book gives you a source of contemplations to choose from that, with a little time, can relieve you of painful self-suffering thoughts. These ponderings are easy and thought-provoking. This practice is like a light shower to our mind and its predilection to think negative thoughts about ourselves. This resource is easy to read about and reference.

You will find this practice gentle, easy, profound, and self-soothing when facing tough times. These words can be used by those who are dying, caring for the dying, grieving, or just facing challenging situations.

This book can change lives. It is versatile for all kinds of readers who are suffering or who are caregiving those who are. We also struggle daily with feelings of dangers and threats.

How do we live in and accept this ever changing world with compassion, an open heart, equanimity, peacefulness and wellbeing?

This book is for any of us that are seeking relief from tough times such as grieving, trauma, being overwhelmed, or facing aging and death. Relief is found in the repetition of simple yet profound contemplations that one does privately. Caregiving professionals, families, and friends can also use these in caring for themselves or others. It’s simple, easy to use, and honest.

  • “A Gentle Practice for Tough Times” is an essential companion for Chaplains seeking to navigate for themselves and others the complexities of dangers and threats of life. This book is a beacon of light in darkness, offering comfort, guidance, and inspiration to all who turn its pages. Ellen’s experience and wisdom are a gift in creating sacred spaces for healing.”

    Reverend Shawn Mai, M.Div., (ACPE) Accredited Clinical Pastoral Educator, and former past Chair of the national organization.

  • “Knowing Ellen personally through the many years of her Buddhist practice, I am so pleased that she is sharing her deep compassion and wisdom through her skillful guidance in this book. I was riveted by the stories Ellen told with such humility and honesty about her own personal learning experiences. The guidance in this book is structured so clearly in a comforting, easeful way, with many depthful nuances that can open unexpected peaceful acceptance of our lives as human beings. I know from experience that these contemplations as a simple daily practice can be a deep healing balm for everyone’s heart, especially for those who are going through difficult times.”

    Kamala Masters, Co-Founder and Guiding International Teacher, Vipassana Metta Foundation

  • “Ellen Hufschmidt’s book, A Gentle Practice for Tough Times: Contemplations for Dying and Living is grounded in earthy and universal wisdom and love that is soothing medicine for all of us at all times. Ellen structures her offerings around the Buddhist teachings on the Five Remembrances and Lovingkindness Meditations, but the book is also infused with Ellen’s wise and kind heart arising out of her many decades of work supporting her clients as they navigate life’s many transitions and challenges. I highly recommend this gentle and practical book. It will be a useful guide for folks wishing to support their own deepest healing, and to be a wise and kind support for others.”

    Mark Nunberg, Co-Guiding Teacher, and National Teacher from Common Ground Meditation Center

  • “For me this is a handbook for those who want to live fully into their dying and to be present for those they love who are dying. We are all on our way to death. This little treasure of a book can help each of us be present for this often difficult journey toward our departure. The contemplations invite us to harvest the beauty along with the inevitability of being ill, dying or experiencing loss. I find Ellen’s personal tone and approach a lamp in the dark.”

    Julie Tallard Johnson, MSW, LCSW,  author of The Clue of the Red Thread: Discovering Fearlessness and Compassion in Uncertain Times.