A brand-new edition of the best-selling classic with added and updated practices. In 2001, Toni Bernhard got sick and, to her and her partner’s bewilderment, stayed that way. As they faced the confusion, frustration, and despair of a life with sudden limitations—a life that was vastly different from the one they’d thought they’d have together—Toni had to learn how to be sick. In spite of her many physical and energetic restrictions (and sometimes, because of them), Toni learned how to live a life of equanimity, compassion, and joy. This book reminds us that our own inner freedom is limitless, regardless of our external circumstances. Updated with new insights and practices hard-won from Toni’s own ongoing life experience, this is a must-read for anyone who is—or who might one day be—sick or in pain. "Beautiful, heartfelt, and immensely courageous. Truly worth reading." -- Sharon Salzberg, author of Lovingkindness "Full of hopefulness and promise…this book is a perfect blend of inspiration and encouragement. Toni's engaging teaching style shares traditional Buddhist wisdom in a format that is accessible to all readers." -- The Huffington Post “An invitation to gently set aside the fear and the fight in order to truly live.” -- Psychology Today "An inspiring work." -- Joseph Goldstein, author of A Heart Full of Peace “This is a book for all of us.” -- Sylvia Boorstein, author of Happiness Is an Inside Job “An immensely wise book. Health psychology has been poisoned by the view that the best way to approach illness is through a muscular, militant resistance. Toni Bernhard reveals how letting go, surrendering, and putting the ego aside yield insights and fulfillment even in the presence of illness. A major contribution.” -- Larry Dossey, MD, author of The Power of Premonitions and Healing Words “Everyone should read this book—anyone who is sick, anyone who loves someone who is sick, and anyone who has ever experienced things being other than they’d hoped they would be. Toni Bernhard open- heartedly shares the deep pain and equally deep joy of her experience in a way that allows us to validate the pain of our own circumstances, and still find joy and contentment within any context. She offers simple, deeply wise practices that reduce the suffering associated with grasping for things to be other than they are by allowing us to accept and enjoy things exactly as they are, including our own desire for something else. Her willingness to step fully into her life after it’s been dramatically narrowed by illness, and to share this process with us, inspires us each to live our own lives more fully, accepting the challenges that arise, and finding the joys inherent in each moment. Toni’s writing feels like a good friend, helping us cultivate compassion for ourselves and those around us, as we make our way through whatever life presents to us. Her honesty in sharing her struggles and setbacks helps us be kinder to ourselves as we experience our own. I plan to buy a copy for everyone I love.” -- Elizabeth Roemer, PHD, co- author of The Mindful Way through Anxiety “A profound, compassionate, and intimate guide for living wisely.” -- Gil Fronsdal, author of The Dhammapada: A New Translation of a Buddhist Classic “When we lose our physical health, it can seem like we’ve lost our life. Toni Bernhard, with unflinching realness and deep insight, shows us how the fires of loss can clear the way for a new and profound capacity for appreciation, love, and understanding. This book can bring you more fully alive by healing your spirit.” -- Tara Brach, author of Radical Acceptance “Told with relentless honesty and clarity.” -- Stephen Batchelor, author of Confession of a Buddhist Atheist “An encouraging book that treats sickness as something to welcome because, when you are sick, that is the obstacle that has to be your gate. This book is full of compassion about how to sit sweetly with your difficulties—which means not making yourself wrong for having difficulties.” -- John Tarrant, author of Bring Me the Rhinoceros and Other Zen Koans That Will Save Your Life “Toni Bernhard offers a lifeline to those whose lives have been devastated by illness, and shows us all how to transform suffering into peace and even joy.” -- Lynn Royster, Director of the Chronic Illness Initiative at DePaul University “A roadmap to finding grace and balance amid affliction.” -- Christina Feldman, author of Woman Awake “Practical, wise, and full of heart.” -- James Baraz, author of Awakening Joy “This warm and engaging book can help with even the most difficult situation.” -- Thomas Bien, PhD, author of Mindful Therapy “How to Be Sick is a good friend to keep close by so that illness doesn’t become the enemy.” -- Ed & Deb Shapiro, authors of Be the Change “Don’t pass up this book—and don’t be misled by the title. This book isn’t about being sick as much as it as about living right now. This practical yet exceedingly graceful book is a l