Emotions are a hallmark of being human—and difficult emotions have been vexing humans and causing problems for all of human history. I want this, I don’t want that, I’m jealous, I’m angry, and on and on.

In this first lesson of the retreat, Pema introduces us to the kleshas, the intense and challenging emotions that we each encounter in our lives. She also talks about how we might begin to get some space from our habitual emotional reactivity using three fundamental steps: refrain, reframe, and relax.

This lesson will help you . . .

• Identify the kleshas
• Summarize how each klesha manifests in your life
• Describe what makes kleshas challenging