This book will help and inspire those who must live with the challenges posed by any chronic illnesses,
and their caregivers: the relentlessness of symptoms; coming to terms with a life of comparative
isolation; weathering fear about the future; facing the judgment of others; dealing with the health care
system; and, for a spouse, partner, or other caregiver, adapting to so many unexpected and sometimes
sudden life changes.
The book begins with the tale of how Toni Berhard got sick and, to her and her partner's bewilderment,
stayed sick-detailing all the changes and losses that Toni had to experience as a result of her illness.
Toni then goes on to describe how the teachings of the Buddha have taught her the spiritual practice of
"how to be sick", meaning how to live a life of equanimity and joy despite her physical and energetic
limitations. The chapters in Part Two offer simple practices, ranging from those that are traditionally
Buddhist, to others Toni devised after she fell ill, as well as a chapter on the work of Byron Katie, whom
Toni has found particularly helpful. The reader need not be a Buddhist to benefit from these practices, or
from Toni's inspiring story.
