Byron Katie was severely depressed in her early thirties. For almost a decade, she spiraled down into rage and self-loathing, battling constant thoughts of suicide. Then one morning in February 1986, she experienced a life-changing realization: "I discovered that when I believed my thoughts, I suffered, but that when I didn't believe them, I didn't suffer. Freedom is as simple as that. I found that suffering is optional."

In this episode, Katie and Voices of Esalen host Sam Stern discuss The Work, the philosophy and process of self-inquiry that Byron Katie has brought to millions of people across the world, as well as her new book A Mind at Home with Itself, written with her husband Stephen Mitchell.

Please enjoy this remarkable and revelatory conversation.

Look for upcoming workshops with Byron Katie.