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Ordinary Wonder: Zen Life and Practice
Fresh and never-before published talks on the crux of Buddhist practice and how to uncover wonder in your daily life from legendary Zen teacher and bestselling author Charlotte Joko Beck.
"As you embrace the suffering of life, the wonder shows up at the same time. They go together."--Charlotte Joko Beck
In this collection of never-before published teachings by Charlotte Joko Beck, one of the most influential Western-born Zen teachers, she explores our “core beliefs”—the hidden, negative convictions we hold about ourselves that direct our thoughts and behavior and prevent us from experiencing life as it is. Wryly humorous and relatable, Beck uses powerfully clear language to show how our lives present us with daily opportunities to move from thinking to experiencing, from compulsivity to confidence, and from anguish to peace. Whether you are a Zen practitioner or a reader interested in exploring these teachings for the first time, Ordinary Wonder offers the depth and breadth of Beck’s remarkable experience in an accessible guide to practice amidst the struggles of daily life.
"As you embrace the suffering of life, the wonder shows up at the same time. They go together."--Charlotte Joko Beck
In this collection of never-before published teachings by Charlotte Joko Beck, one of the most influential Western-born Zen teachers, she explores our “core beliefs”—the hidden, negative convictions we hold about ourselves that direct our thoughts and behavior and prevent us from experiencing life as it is. Wryly humorous and relatable, Beck uses powerfully clear language to show how our lives present us with daily opportunities to move from thinking to experiencing, from compulsivity to confidence, and from anguish to peace. Whether you are a Zen practitioner or a reader interested in exploring these teachings for the first time, Ordinary Wonder offers the depth and breadth of Beck’s remarkable experience in an accessible guide to practice amidst the struggles of daily life.
240 pages, Paperback
First published June 22, 2021
122 people are currently reading
1517 people want to read
About the author
Charlotte Joko Beck
21 books212 followersCharlotte Joko Beck was an American Zen teacher and the author of the books Everyday Zen: Love and Work and Nothing Special: Living Zen.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 22, 2021
Another great book by Charlotte Joko Beck. She passed away a while ago but her daughter decided to put together a new book with recorded talks... I hope she will create many more books, to keep Joko's wisdom alive. I return to Joko's books almost every year, they have been a big influence in my life and reading her words somehow always calm me down. For me personally, the best zazen books out there.
January 26, 2022
Charlotte Joko Beck is one of my favorite Zen teachers and this posthumous collection of essays and speeches, along with her previous works Everyday Zen and Nothing Special, is essential reading for anyone looking to begin or deepen their Zen practice. She writes with clarity and candor about her years of hard-earned wisdom that avoids some of the flowery platitudes that plague a lot of contemporary Buddhist texts, I've found. I've learned a lot from her.
December 8, 2021
I think Joko gets it and explains it to Americans better than anybody - and it’s already a decade since she died. Each of her books is among the best in the area of Buddhist psychology, but I find this one to be Joko at her clearest, most fully open and relevant. Thank you Brenda and those who assisted you in this inspired undertaking. I cannot imagine any reader not finding this book incredibly wise, relevant and funny.
September 12, 2021
Why do I love Ordinary Wonder so much? Perhaps it is the simplicity of how to feel better, how to sit in meditation, how to see my flaws, my growth, and the absolute wonder of my ordinariness. Beck is among the best of Zen Buddhist writings!
August 8, 2021
Ordinary Wonder makes lots of claims about human psyche and how the world works, but doesn't really offer any data to support these ideas. There's anecdotal stories which is the only form of evidence really given, but besides that it's mainly thoughts on how the world works.
August 23, 2021
What a gift!
As a student of Jokos from the late 1990s, how incredible to hear these new teachings after all these years.
As a student of Jokos from the late 1990s, how incredible to hear these new teachings after all these years.
February 17, 2022
Practical, unpretentious dharma.
I'd recommend her two classic books over this one (this is a collection of posthumous talks put together by her daughter).
I'd recommend her two classic books over this one (this is a collection of posthumous talks put together by her daughter).
August 5, 2022
P23: “I notice in my own practice the one thing that slowly slowly slowly diminishes is any desire to fix anyone else. …they’re just fine being the way they are. …this transforms a person”
P71: “we’re often feeling something in advance of the situation actually happening. This keeps us from being aware or noticing the situation we’re in at this moment. …people won’t be impressed with us. All these feeling arise… and we haven’t even reached the front door.
P72: Aspiration gives us diligence and discipline. It’s different than ambition, which is about trying to get somewhere. ambition is motivated by our core belief that there is something wrong with us that can be fixed if we can get to a certain place. Ambition says “I will open the door, and I know what’s on the other side, and I’ll take it.” Aspiration is more like “when the door opens, I will be there.”
P87: harmony: when we can experience that mess without being ensnared by it.
P89: I was really mad …wanted to say a few cutting words…I was right. …I had no choice. I had to go over and put my arms around her. As opposed to creating a miserable situation we created s wonderful one. The desire to be right is so powerful. Years of sitting does not guarantee happiness but the depth of experience may give you those few seconds … that can in the moment help us make the choice we most want.
P96: we live as if we have a little judge that’s sitting inside of us. Now we’re not living our life; we’re just trying to get it all fixed so it suits the judge. This concoction in our head runs our life”
P99: western thought often proceeds as if the body has no intelligence”.
P100: main thing from effective practices- you get more and more disappointed with all the things you thought were going to make you happy. These things are fine but our attachment to them loosens.
P119: our anger is often about the feeling that something is assaulting some part of the world that I think is mine- my body my world my time.
P120: other people don’t have the types of problems. It’s not fair. Life is neither fair nor unfair. It’s the way it is.
P132. A complaint is a recording of how we feel about the world not suiting us. We dress up our complaints: correcting other people. Agreeing with other complainers. Complaining about complainers.
P153: self confidence comes when you know that after drawing back a few times and trying to avoid it, you’ll settle in. You can digest it. And when you have this resilience it radiates out.
P162: whenever he walked down the hall he did nothing but just feel the soles of his feet. He put his attention on walking with no thoughts of the operation coming up. Practicing like this is more efficient. the most inefficient thing is to be doing one thing while spinning your head about something else.
P187: the biggest error in the world is thinking we ever know what another person is truly like. Very few people know what they’re truly like, themselves.
P71: “we’re often feeling something in advance of the situation actually happening. This keeps us from being aware or noticing the situation we’re in at this moment. …people won’t be impressed with us. All these feeling arise… and we haven’t even reached the front door.
P72: Aspiration gives us diligence and discipline. It’s different than ambition, which is about trying to get somewhere. ambition is motivated by our core belief that there is something wrong with us that can be fixed if we can get to a certain place. Ambition says “I will open the door, and I know what’s on the other side, and I’ll take it.” Aspiration is more like “when the door opens, I will be there.”
P87: harmony: when we can experience that mess without being ensnared by it.
P89: I was really mad …wanted to say a few cutting words…I was right. …I had no choice. I had to go over and put my arms around her. As opposed to creating a miserable situation we created s wonderful one. The desire to be right is so powerful. Years of sitting does not guarantee happiness but the depth of experience may give you those few seconds … that can in the moment help us make the choice we most want.
P96: we live as if we have a little judge that’s sitting inside of us. Now we’re not living our life; we’re just trying to get it all fixed so it suits the judge. This concoction in our head runs our life”
P99: western thought often proceeds as if the body has no intelligence”.
P100: main thing from effective practices- you get more and more disappointed with all the things you thought were going to make you happy. These things are fine but our attachment to them loosens.
P119: our anger is often about the feeling that something is assaulting some part of the world that I think is mine- my body my world my time.
P120: other people don’t have the types of problems. It’s not fair. Life is neither fair nor unfair. It’s the way it is.
P132. A complaint is a recording of how we feel about the world not suiting us. We dress up our complaints: correcting other people. Agreeing with other complainers. Complaining about complainers.
P153: self confidence comes when you know that after drawing back a few times and trying to avoid it, you’ll settle in. You can digest it. And when you have this resilience it radiates out.
P162: whenever he walked down the hall he did nothing but just feel the soles of his feet. He put his attention on walking with no thoughts of the operation coming up. Practicing like this is more efficient. the most inefficient thing is to be doing one thing while spinning your head about something else.
P187: the biggest error in the world is thinking we ever know what another person is truly like. Very few people know what they’re truly like, themselves.
January 7, 2024
I give this book five stars because it made me look at life in a different way. The author explains the reasons for and benefits of Zen practice - long hours of silent sitting. Admittedly, I had to read and re-read much of the content to fully take in her message.
My simple take away is that life is what it is and it's best when we go with the flow, but that is easier said than done because our core belief interferes with our ability to do this. Everyone over the age of three has a core belief. When something is upsetting to us, it's probably due to our core belief, which is not something true and is always negative, such as I'm unworthy or there's something wrong with me. We have all developed a strategy for dealing with our core belief such as making ourselves invisible or assertively sticking up for ourselves. By practicing mindfulness in everyday activities as well as sitting silently, we begin to be aware of how our core belief is driving our lives. With this awareness, we can decide if we want to use our same old strategies, or develop new strategies that better go with the flow, and develop our true self in the process. It takes years to accomplish this but when we can do this we can develop a sense of peace, joy and happiness.
My simple take away is that life is what it is and it's best when we go with the flow, but that is easier said than done because our core belief interferes with our ability to do this. Everyone over the age of three has a core belief. When something is upsetting to us, it's probably due to our core belief, which is not something true and is always negative, such as I'm unworthy or there's something wrong with me. We have all developed a strategy for dealing with our core belief such as making ourselves invisible or assertively sticking up for ourselves. By practicing mindfulness in everyday activities as well as sitting silently, we begin to be aware of how our core belief is driving our lives. With this awareness, we can decide if we want to use our same old strategies, or develop new strategies that better go with the flow, and develop our true self in the process. It takes years to accomplish this but when we can do this we can develop a sense of peace, joy and happiness.
August 8, 2023
Testo che forse risente di una traduzione non perfettamente scorrevole, oppure sono io che sono di coccio. Spesso mi sono trovato a rileggere più volte, senza intendere bene.
Ed è strano perché la JB è piana e consequenziale come il libretto di istruzioni della lavatrice - con la stessa drammaticità, a volte - anche se per onestà qui si passa sovente dalla complessità della lavatrice a quella del generatore di raggi Gamma in temperatura controllata, sottovuoto subacqueo.
Che non esiste, ovviamente.
Questo per dire che le semplici parole del Maestro raggiungono profondità/vette che vanno accolte con cura, lentezza, pazienza, disponibilità, apertura.
Libro che non credo si finisca mai di leggere.
(Se qualcuno lo vuole mi scriva, ce l’ho in formato epub)
Ed è strano perché la JB è piana e consequenziale come il libretto di istruzioni della lavatrice - con la stessa drammaticità, a volte - anche se per onestà qui si passa sovente dalla complessità della lavatrice a quella del generatore di raggi Gamma in temperatura controllata, sottovuoto subacqueo.
Che non esiste, ovviamente.
Questo per dire che le semplici parole del Maestro raggiungono profondità/vette che vanno accolte con cura, lentezza, pazienza, disponibilità, apertura.
Libro che non credo si finisca mai di leggere.
(Se qualcuno lo vuole mi scriva, ce l’ho in formato epub)
October 12, 2023
Sometimes you want to be able to think about things in a different way, whether that is up your alley or not. I guess I expected more out of this book but it was of course what my expectations were, not theirs or yours. I did think about various things while reading this & contemplated some of the terminology they used as well as how could I put these suggestions into practice. I mean what is being? How do you define that? It was like you end up w/ more questions than answers. When you experience a feeling you are that feeling? Is that how it works? So yeah things to keep your mind going & essentially ponder your life & how you live it.
June 1, 2025
I've read other books by Charlotte Joko Beck and liked them a lot for their straightforward approach to Zen ideas, principles, and techniques. This book is a compilation of lessons from her talks, put together posthumously.
As usual, she cuts through the crap and gets right to the point but not in a way that's harsh or off-putting. She's honest about how much work needs to go into Zen practices (sitting) and she's realistic about the "payoff" however you want to call it.
This is a great read for the Zen-curious just getting into things, and for people who want to know how to realistically apply ancient practices to modern life.
As usual, she cuts through the crap and gets right to the point but not in a way that's harsh or off-putting. She's honest about how much work needs to go into Zen practices (sitting) and she's realistic about the "payoff" however you want to call it.
This is a great read for the Zen-curious just getting into things, and for people who want to know how to realistically apply ancient practices to modern life.
January 9, 2022
The Title Says It All
Joko speaks of the importance of identifying your core belief, which is always negative, and sitting daily in meditation in order to gradually, so gradually, replace its dominance and letting your true self emerge into dominance. I enjoyed her emphasis that the process is quiet and gentle and takes a lifetime. I’m also grateful that she says the “enlightenment is not a thing” to be acquired.
Joko speaks of the importance of identifying your core belief, which is always negative, and sitting daily in meditation in order to gradually, so gradually, replace its dominance and letting your true self emerge into dominance. I enjoyed her emphasis that the process is quiet and gentle and takes a lifetime. I’m also grateful that she says the “enlightenment is not a thing” to be acquired.
May 21, 2024
An authentic description of a Buddhist path
I read her two previous books years ago. This new book shares many of the same themes but is perhaps more of a “master class” in the same subject matter. I also watched on a short biography on her on YouTube which I found helpful. I believe she speaks from the heart and from her own experience. I don’t think you need to be a meditator to appreciate her books but reading them will encourage you to practice.
I read her two previous books years ago. This new book shares many of the same themes but is perhaps more of a “master class” in the same subject matter. I also watched on a short biography on her on YouTube which I found helpful. I believe she speaks from the heart and from her own experience. I don’t think you need to be a meditator to appreciate her books but reading them will encourage you to practice.
March 16, 2025
Great read. Grounded and direct advice from someone who has been immersed in Zen for a long time. Perhaps my favorite of the Buddhist books I have read (except for Siddharta, unsure if a true Buddhist book though). Some of her thinking seems shaped around her more troublesome life (compared to mine at least) which left me feeling that her statements about "all people" sometimes missed the mark. Anyway a highly recommended read which filled up my notebook with thoughts.
September 21, 2021
Charlotte Joko Beck on (tai oli) minun Zen-suosikki. Täsmällistä, terävää, tärkeää, ilman turhaa kaapuilevaa hämärämystiikkaa. Tämän teoksen kokosi hänen tyttärensä äitinsä vanhoista puheista ja opetuksista. Ehkä siitä johtuen kirjassa oli aika paljon toistoa ja se verotti lukukokemusta jonkun verran. Silti teki hyvää palata vielä kerran Joko Beckin virkistävien sanojen maailmaan.
May 7, 2022
Ik vind boeken over religie ( omgaan met anderen en jezelf) en spiritualiteit ( omgaan met jezelf en anderen ) en het besef dat het een en hetzelfde is altijd mooi en ze geven steun , ..... hoewel het moeilijk blijft , ik ervaar de woede , ik kom de woede , of liefde enz ,
En ook de relatie en verband tot de bijhorende hersen processen ,
Mooi boek !
En ook de relatie en verband tot de bijhorende hersen processen ,
Mooi boek !
June 14, 2022
This book would get 5 stars just for the quality of the discussions about it with a book group over the last few months. Adds so much to the text. So yes I enjoyed the book immensely, and the book group added a lot to that enjoyment. Hard to separate the text and the discussions about the text. So I suggest the book and a book group you enjoy!
August 22, 2024
"Alcune persone rimangono sposate per cinquant’anni solo a colpi di civiltà.Sotto la superficie c’è un cimitero con un sacco di ossa che scricchiolano. Spesso non guardiamo nei posti dolorosi perché abbiamo paura di smuovere le acque. Non vogliamo che le cose cambino o finiscano, anche se non funzionano. "
December 15, 2024
Charlotte has done it again! And she didn't even try, I guess, since this was released posthumously.
If you like her other books, guess this is a no-brainer. She just feels so more relatable than other Zen/Buddhist/Mindfulness teachers out there.
Not sure what else to really say. Um... hope they release more?!
If you like her other books, guess this is a no-brainer. She just feels so more relatable than other Zen/Buddhist/Mindfulness teachers out there.
Not sure what else to really say. Um... hope they release more?!
April 25, 2022
Although I am not likely to do a whole lot of Zen meditation in my life, this book had some excellent advice about how to live fully and let go of habits that hold you back from being truly yourself. Beautifully clear writing and a humorous slant.
May 1, 2022
I love reading Charlotte Joko Beck's writings on Zen. She does such a great job cutting through the bullshit. It's a shame she only wrote three books in her lifetime. They're well worth it if you're interested in Zen as a concept but you don't want to learn about it from a guy with a long beard.
March 13, 2023
This was the most down-to-earth and relatable book about Zen practice that I have ever read. This book made me want to sit down, face my life, and practice. I would love to find a teacher like her in real life. I'm certain that I will return to this book many times and highly appreciate it.
August 27, 2023
I love Everyday Zen and have read it many times. Ordinary Wonder feels like Zen with just a pinch of western psychology added to elucidate some of the ideas using more familiar language. It was very thought provoking and I may need to reread it to help absorb the lessons.
June 6, 2022
A book to which I’ll return often for guidance along the way.
November 14, 2022
Straightforward, simple, and insightful. I love her other books as well and highly recommend. It struck me how skillful she was in expressing the dharma without coded or tribal language.
September 27, 2023
For us fans of Joko Beck, here we have more of the same. And it's never enough!
December 15, 2023
Great book. An easily understood introduction to Zen philosophy. Certainly can help troubled souls. The author is one of the most pragmatic spiritualists I've read.
May 12, 2024
I like her straightforward approach to life and Zen.
July 15, 2025
this is such a beautiful book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews