Ordinary Wonder

Zen Life and Practice

By: Charlotte Joko Beck, Brenda Beck Hess

Narrated by: Barbara Barnes

“As you embrace the suffering of life, the wonder shows up at the same time. They go together.” - Charlotte Joko Beck

In this collection of never-before-published teachings by Charlotte Joko Beck, one of the most influential Western-born Zen teachers, she explores our “core beliefs” - the hidden, negative convictions we hold about ourselves that direct our thoughts and behavior and prevent us from experiencing life as it is. Wryly humorous and relatable, Beck uses powerfully clear language to show how our lives present us with daily opportunities to move from thinking to experiencing, from compulsivity to confidence, and from anguish to peace. Whether you are a Zen practitioner or just interested in exploring these teachings for the first time, Ordinary Wonder offers the depth and breadth of Beck’s remarkable experience in an accessible guide to practice amidst the struggles of daily life.

"For heaven’s sake, practice what Joko Beck recommends, what she spent 40 years doing and teaching: sitting silent and still, for long periods of time, experiencing everything that is happening in what you call your body, your thoughts, and your emotions. If you persist, you will find, as Joko did, an ease and a simple happiness in all that life presents you." - From the foreword by Jan Chozen Bays

©2021 Brenda Hess (P)2021 Shambhala Publications

Absolutely wonderful book for anyone.

This book has wonderful, practical, life advice for anyone, whether you're a Buddhist or not. It has easily made it into my top 10 that I'm going to listen to/read again as-well-as recommend to others. Joko's insights cut to the core issues and provide practical no-nonsense advice for tackling lifes big and little "problems."

Extraordinary teaching

Joko Beck is a teacher for anyone who wants to practice deeply and open the mind to their true self.
I appreciate her explanation of what a “core belief” is and how this aspect of who we are determines how we think and behave in every area of our lives.

Best Zen Book & Audible Reader

To date, this is the best book on Zen I have read (heard). Every chapter has insights into the human condition and how to apply these insights into day to day living. Loved it! Plus, the Audible reader is now my favorite reader. Audible, please invite her to read as many books as she is willing!

Thank you

First you have to come as a child to really understand. Open your heart and read this book no matter what religion you are or aren’t.

The Teaching and Practice of Zen in Realtime

Charlotte Joko Beck never fails to bring the dharma to life. She again as left her imprint on the Buddhist teachings in the way she brings the practice to life.

This has become one of my all time favorites and I will continue to refer back to it as I practice. I am so grateful that her sangha is continuing to share her work with the world. Gassho.