We are all imprisoned by the projections of our minds, and we all have the power to free ourselves. To gain this freedom, we must do three things: know that we are imprisoned, investigate how we entrap ourselves, and discover how to overcome our habitual patterns. The discipline of the sitting practice of meditation can lead us through such a process. Meditation doesn't have to be heavy or ambitious. We don't have to cultivate the self-image of being "spiritual" people. Rather, by forming a simple, direct, and honest relationship with ourselves and our world, we discover a rich and full path, no matter what our life situation. Cultivating decency and gentleness is always possible. And doing so makes a genuine life.

Living Life Fully: Finding Sanity and Goodness in the Unpredictable, Bill Karelis, Snow Lion, Paperback, 204 pages, $14.95

Bill Karelis teaches meditation and conducts intensive programs and retreats in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and South Africa. He is founder of the Shambhala Prison Community, which propagates education in criminal justice systems.

Contents: Living Life Fully: Finding Sanity and Goodness in the Unpredictable by Bill Karelis
Homage	vii
Foreword	ix
Introduction	3
SECTION I: Coming Down to Earth	9
1. On the Edge of Nowhere	11
2. Life Journey	15
3. Taking Our Time Properly	21
4. The Three Wheels of Discipline	27
5. Gentleness	33
6. Renunciation	39
7. Humbleness	47
SECTION II: Finding Our Direction	51
8. Insight, the Compass	53
9. Regret	59
10. Prison of Habitual Patterns	63
11. Traversing the Six Realms	69
12. Freedom of the Mind	77
13. Awakened Heart	83
14. Working Out Our Karma	87
SECTION III: Tasting Life	93
15. Meeting Fear	95
16. Going beyond Hope	101
17. A Sense of Celebration	107
18. The Lonely Road	113
19. Artistry in Everyday Life	117
20. Generosity	123
21. Path to Freedom	129
SECTION IV: Moving Forward	133
22. Using Every Resource	135
23. Opportunity for Practicing Dharma	141
24. Finding a Teacher	145
25. Taking Refuge in the Three Jewels	151
26. Bridge to the World	157
27. Broken Heart	163
28. Meditation in Action	169
Appendix I: Meditation Instruction	175
Appendix II: Verses	179
Notes	191
Acknowledgments	197
Index	199