What if moments of great difficulty are, in fact, opportunities for growth and self-discovery? What if they can serve as stepping stones to greater things in life?

Modern life doesn't always go our way. Loss, rejection, uncertainty and loneliness are unavoidable parts of the human experience -- but there is solace to be found.

In When Things Don't Go Your Way, Zen Buddhist teacher Haemin Sunim provides simple but powerful wisdom for navigating life's challenges. Through his trademark combination of beautiful illustrations, insightful stories, and contemplative aphorisms, Sunim helps us reframe our mindsets and develop emotional agility.

Whether you're in the midst of a crisis or simply seeking to improve your mental and emotional wellbeing, When Things Don't Go Your Way is a soothing balm that helps us all find courage and comfort when we need it most.

The world moves fast, but that doesn't mean we have to. In this timely guide to mindfulness, Haemin Sunim, a Buddhist monk born in Korea and educated in the United States, offers advice on everything from handling setbacks to dealing with rest and relationships, in a beautiful book combining his teachings with calming full-colour illustrations. Haemin Sunim's simple messages - which he first wrote when he responded to requests for advice on social media - speak directly to the anxieties that have become part of modern life and remind us of the strength and joy that come from slowing down.

Hugely popular in Korea, Haemin Sunim is a Zen meditation teacher whose teachings transcend religion, borders and ages. With insight and compassion drawn from a life full of change, the bestselling monk succeeds at encouraging all of us to notice that when you slow down, the world slows down with you.

Sunday Times Bestseller From the author of the phenomenal multi-million copy bestseller The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down "Hearing the words 'be good to yourself first, then to others' was like being struck by lightning." Many of us respond to the pressures of life by turning inwards and ignoring problems, sometimes resulting in anxiety or depression. Others react by working harder at work, at school or at home, hoping that this will make ourselves and the people we love happier. But what if being yourself is enough? Just as we are advised on airplanes to take our own oxygen first before helping others, we must first be at peace with ourselves before we can be at peace with the world around us. In this beautiful follow-up to his international bestseller The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down, Buddhist monk Haemin Sunim turns his trademark wisdom and kindness to self-care, arguing that only by accepting yourself - and the flaws which make you who you are - can you have compassionate and fulfilling relationships with your partner, family and friends. "Even products labelled 'limited edition' are made on a production line with hundreds that are exactly the same. But there is only one you in the world." *** "Haemin writes beautifully and simply... these vital life lessons resonate deeply and easily" Miranda Hart "The world could surely use a little more love, a little more compassion, and a little more wisdom. In Love for Imperfect Things, Haemin Sunim shows us how to cultivate all three, and to find beauty in the most imperfect of things-including your very own self" Susan Cain, New York Times bestselling author of Quiet "Heartwarming, calming and simple. But also filled with wisdom and powerful truths that will teach us to love ourselves first in order to transform our relationships with our loved ones" Hector Garcia, author of IKIGAI - The Japanese secret to a long and happy life "A wonderful book to accompany The Things You Can See... page by page, he shows you how to reclaim your freedom and your life" Professor Mark Williams, author of the bestselling Mindfulness "A real treasure. It teaches us that compassion is at the heart of healing . . . starting with ourselves. I highly recommend this book" Christiane Northrup, MD, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom "You can be the most amazing human being in the world and everyone sees rays of light, love, and genius when they look at you, but if you yourself don't know it, all of that external admiration doesn't matter one bit. Haemin Sunim teaches you ways to love yourself first, instead of loving the idea of other people loving you. It makes a world of difference" Marc and Angel Chernoff, New York Times bestselling authors of Getting Back to Happy

The Sunday Times Top 10 Bestseller From the author of the phenomenal multi-million copy bestseller The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down "Hearing the words 'be good to yourself first, then to others' was like being struck by lightning." Many of us respond to the pressures of life by turning inwards and ignoring problems, sometimes resulting in anxiety or depression. Others react by working harder at work, at school or at home, hoping that this will make ourselves and the people we love happier. But what if being yourself is enough? Just as we are advised on airplanes to take our own oxygen first before helping others, we must first be at peace with ourselves before we can be at peace with the world around us. In this beautiful follow-up to his international bestseller The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down, Buddhist monk Haemin Sunim turns his trademark wisdom and kindness to self-care, arguing that only by accepting yourself - and the flaws which make you who you are - can you have compassionate and fulfilling relationships with your partner, family and friends. "Even products labelled 'limited edition' are made on a production line with hundreds that are exactly the same. But there is only one you in the world." *** "Haemin writes beautifully and simply... these vital life lessons resonate deeply and easily" Miranda Hart "The world could surely use a little more love, a little more compassion, and a little more wisdom. In Love for Imperfect Things, Haemin Sunim shows us how to cultivate all three, and to find beauty in the most imperfect of things-including your very own self" Susan Cain, New York Times bestselling author of Quiet "Heartwarming, calming and simple. But also filled with wisdom and powerful truths that will teach us to love ourselves first in order to transform our relationships with our loved ones" Hector Garcia, author of IKIGAI - The Japanese secret to a long and happy life "A wonderful book to accompany The Things You Can See... page by page, he shows you how to reclaim your freedom and your life" Professor Mark Williams, author of the bestselling Mindfulness "A real treasure. It teaches us that compassion is at the heart of healing . . . starting with ourselves. I highly recommend this book" Christiane Northrup, MD, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom "You can be the most amazing human being in the world and everyone sees rays of light, love, and genius when they look at you, but if you yourself don't know it, all of that external admiration doesn't matter one bit. Haemin Sunim teaches you ways to love yourself first, instead of loving the idea of other people loving you. It makes a world of difference" Marc and Angel Chernoff, New York Times bestselling authors of Getting Back to Happy