Emotions bring color and meaning to our lives, but they can also put us on an exhausting roller-coaster ride that takes us to blissful peak states, the depths of delusion and despair, and everything in between. It is only by learning to relate to our emotions skillfully that we benefit from their richness and glean wisdom rather than letting them control us.

In this book, renowned Buddhist teacher Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche leads us through the three steps of his Emotional Rescue Plan. First, Mindful Gap is the practice of creating a safe distance between you and your emotions, which gives you the psychological space to work with their energy. Clear Seeing involves recognizing the bigger picture. Finally, Letting Go is the practice of releasing stressful physical and emotional energy through physical exercise, relaxation, and awareness. With each step, you become increasingly familiar with the inner workings of your emotions, seeing straight to the heart of your anger, passion, jealousy, and pride; even ignorance and fear become transparent. With time and practice, anxiety and doubt give way to trust and confidence.