Sounds True Presents

The Freedom to Choose Something Different

A Self-Paced Online Course on Breaking Free from Our Habitual Patterns

Once we see how we are “hooked,” we begin to realize the potential for transformation in every moment. Join Pema Chödrön as she helps you liberate yourself from patterns of suffering, rise to life’s challenges, and reawaken the limitless freedom that lies within you.

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Sounds True Presents

The Freedom to Choose Something Different

A Self-Paced Online Course on Breaking Free from Our Habitual Patterns

Once we see how we are “hooked,” we begin to realize the potential for transformation in every moment. Join Pema Chödrön as she helps you liberate yourself from patterns of suffering, rise to life’s challenges, and reawaken the limitless freedom that lies within you.

Featured In

An Invitation to You

There is almost nothing we desire more as human beings than to be free from suffering. If only we can avoid pain and discomfort, we tell ourselves, freedom can be ours. Who wouldn’t want such an existence?

The problem is, we can never truly avoid the inevitable difficulties of life. But rather than resisting them, what if we could welcome them—befriend them, even—as part of the wonderful, imperfect wholeness of our experience?

As Pema Chödrön teaches, one of the most important lessons on the spiritual path is that freedom lies not in the absence of discomfort but in the acceptance of it. When we release ourselves from the grips of our long-held fears, habits, and storylines, then we begin to uncover the wide river of wisdom that flows through us—a river that leads to the naturally free state of our true, fundamental selves.

“This moving away from comfort and security, this stepping out into what is unknown, uncharted, and shaky—that’s called 'liberation.'”

Pema Chödrön

With The Freedom to Choose Something Different, Pema offers the spiritual guidance and practical tools to make lasting change, beginning with this very moment. Here’s a look at what you’ll engage in this collection:
  • Break free from old habitual patterns, and become more attuned to the aliveness and depth of the present
  • Uncover your innate compassion for yourself and others, and open your heart to its fullest capacity
  • Become more comfortable with difficult emotions as they arise
  • Learn to recognize your moment-to-moment choice points, and begin to make wiser decisions
  • Embrace the vast possibilities of the unknown, what Pema calls “positive groundlessness”
In this time of immense transition and reflection . . . are you ready to move forward with a greater sense of freedom, joy, and basic goodness? We hope you will join us in discovering the exciting possibilities of this courageous and liberating path, with one of the world’s most beloved spiritual teachers as your guide.

With you on the journey,

Your friends at Sounds True

About Your Teacher

Pema Chödrön

Pema Chödrön is an American-born Buddhist nun and the author of many modern-day spiritual classics, including The Wisdom of No Escape, Start Where You Are, When Things Fall Apart, The Places That Scare You, No Time to Lose, Practicing Peace in Times of War, How to Meditate, and Living Beautifully. She serves as resident teacher at Gampo Abbey Monastery in Nova Scotia.

When You Enroll in The Freedom to Choose Something Different, You'll Experience:

Knowing When You're Hooked

Learn to recognize when you’re caught in habitual patterns that cause mental suffering.

The Power of Pause

Disrupt your mind’s chain reactions by learning to pause when the “hooked” feeling arises.

Cultivating Self-Kindness

Release yourself from patterns of self-judgment by quieting the critical voice within.

Positive Groundlessness

Open the door to true transformation by stepping away from familiar storylines and biases.

Cover of Pema Chӧdrӧn’s The Freedom to Choose Something Different online course, placed on top of a decorative motif.

Your Journey with The Freedom to Choose Something Different

We all know what it’s like to be triggered: our body tenses up, our mind closes down, and we find ourselves reacting in ways that feel beyond our control. In Tibetan Buddhism, this is known as shenpa—the quality of being “hooked” into habitual patterns that cause us to suffer. Given fuel, these sparks of shenpa can grow into raging fires within us. But there is another way.

In The Freedom to Choose Something Different, Pema shares her liberating practice for disarming reactivity and exploring a fresh alternative. Over six in-depth sessions, Pema will help you transform your habits, addictions, and behaviors by guiding you to greater presence in your moment-to-moment choice points.

What You'll Learn:

What's Included:

7+ hours of video teachings, audience interaction sessions, and guided meditations

Two recorded Q&A sessions with Glenna Olmsted, senior student of Tsoknyi Rinpoche and Pema Chödrön (2 hours)

Practice tips and reflection questions to help you embrace these learnings in your daily life

What Pema's Students Are Saying

Marian C.
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“As always, Pema's words bring me closer to understanding what mindfulness is all about, and how constantly returning to the present moment leads to authenticity.”
Allison F.
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“I love Pema Chödrön and consider her my main 'teacher' although I have never met her nor been able to attend a session in person. Nevertheless, she and her recordings through Sounds True have had a profound and wonderfully positive effect on my life these past years.”
Eva I.
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"Pema is wonderful. She isn't one of these 'high above everyone else' gurus. She goes through the same issues we all go through and presents material in a sweet, loving, yet sometimes funny way."
Marian C.
Read More
“As always, Pema's words bring me closer to understanding what mindfulness is all about, and how constantly returning to the present moment leads to authenticity.”
Allison F.
Read More
“I love Pema Chödrön and consider her my main 'teacher' although I have never met her nor been able to attend a session in person. Nevertheless, she and her recordings through Sounds True have had a profound and wonderfully positive effect on my life these past years.”
Eva I.
Read More
"Pema is wonderful. She isn't one of these 'high above everyone else' gurus. She goes through the same issues we all go through and presents material in a sweet, loving, yet sometimes funny way."

What You’ll Receive When You Enroll

Downloadable Teachings & Practices
Downloadable Teachings & Practices
Learn at your own pace with 9+ hours of video and audio teachings, guided meditations, and audience Q&As that you can download and take with you on the go.
Full Course Transcripts
Full Course Transcripts
Whether you prefer to process new ideas through reading or want to keep learning when you are unable to watch, course transcripts will give you the freedom to engage in the way that works best for you.
Reflection Prompts & Practice Tips
Reflection Prompts & Practice Tips
Guide yourself to a deeper understanding of Pema’s teachings with prompts for journaling and self-reflection, along with practice tips to help bring these learnings into your daily life.
Lifetime Access
Lifetime Access
Receive unlimited access to all learning materials and bonus programs. The Freedom to Choose Something Different is yours to keep forever and you can revisit it anytime you like.

PLUS!
Enroll Now and Receive Two Bonuses to Complement Your Journey

Cover of Pema Chӧdrӧn’s How to Meditate eBook.

How to Meditate: A Practical Guide to Making Friends with Your Mind

How to Meditate

Meditation offers us the means to experience the world with an open, compassionate attentiveness. In this downloadable eBook, Pema Chödrön offers her step-by-step essentials for developing a fulfilling lifelong meditation practice.

Cover of Pema Chӧdrӧn’s Noble Heart audio program.

Noble Heart: A Self-Guided Retreat on Befriending Your Obstacles

Noble Heart

Our fear of vulnerability, Pema explains in this audio program, is like armor we put up around our heart. Through teachings and meditations, she helps us bravely shed this armor and embrace the joy, pain, and freedom of an open heart.

PLUS!
Enroll Now and Receive Two Bonuses to Complement Your Journey

Cover of Pema Chӧdrӧn’s How to Meditate eBook.

How to Meditate: A Practical Guide to Making Friends with Your Mind

Meditation offers us the means to experience the world with an open, compassionate attentiveness. In this downloadable eBook, Pema Chödrön offers her step-by-step essentials for developing a fulfilling lifelong meditation practice.

Cover of Pema Chӧdrӧn’s Noble Heart audio program.

Noble Heart: A Self-Guided Retreat on Befriending Your Obstacles

Our fear of vulnerability, Pema explains in this audio program, is like armor we put up around our heart. Through teachings and meditations, she helps us bravely shed this armor and embrace the joy, pain, and freedom of an open heart.

Begin Your Journey Today

One-Time Payment

$197
$ $129
  •  
Best Offer

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or

or

3 Easy Payments

$45
  •  
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100% Money Back Guarantee

If you are not 100% satisfied for any reason, simply return it for a full refund for up to one year.

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Secure Checkout

All orders are processed on a secure server. If you prefer to order by phone, call 1 (800) 333-9185.

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secure checkout icon

Secure Checkout

All orders are processed on a secure server. If you prefer to order by phone, call 1 (800) 333-9185.

1 year money back guarantee badge

100% Money Back Guarantee

If you are not 100% satisfied for any reason, simply return it for a full refund for up to one year.

secure checkout icon

Secure Checkout

All orders are processed on a secure server. If you prefer to order by phone, call 1 (800) 333-9185.

1 year money back guarantee badge

100% Money Back Guarantee

If you are not 100% satisfied for any reason, simply return it for a full refund for up to one year.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Freedom to Choose Something Different is not intended to be a complete introduction to Buddhist thought, but those new to Buddhism will find this course to be an approachable entry point. Pema Chödrön has a gift for distilling complex theories into easy-to-understand terms, making the path to spiritual freedom accessible to everyone.

While it is helpful to know the basics of meditation, one of the guiding principles of Pema’s practice is to “start where you are.” Through Pema’s expert guidance and warm spirit, everyone from beginners to advanced practitioners will gain new skills and insights from The Freedom to Choose Something Different.

Absolutely! The Freedom to Choose Something Different includes downloadable sessions you can easily fit into your schedule or take with you on the go. You will also have access to full course transcripts for times when reading is more convenient. And purchasing this course gives you lifetime access to all of the material, so you can revisit these teachings and practices whenever you like.

To access your bonuses, log into your Sounds True Digital Library. If you experience any issues accessing your course or bonuses, please contact Customer Service.

The How to Meditate Ebook will be in your digital library. The Noble Heart Meditation will be available inside of the Freedom to Choose course content.

If you experience any issues while viewing this course, please visit our Help Center to find answers to commonly asked questions.

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How The Freedom to Choose Something Different Will Inspire Change Right Now

Make a Fresh Start

Each moment presents us with an opportunity to make wiser choices. Gain tools for recognizing these choice points and initiating positive change.

Simple illustration of two hands coming together in prayer.

Embrace Life’s Challenges

Difficulty, Pema teaches, does not block the path to freedom—it is the path. Learn how accepting the world exactly as it is can set you free.

Simple illustration of a person seated in a meditation position.

Surrender to Uncertainty

We all yearn for control, but life often has other plans for us. Let Pema guide you to greater openness and resiliency, for whatever life hands you.

Simple illustration of a Buddhist figure.

Practice Lovingkindness

Just as we must accept the world as it is, we must love ourselves as we are. Shed self-criticism and give yourself the lovingkindness you deserve.

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

We unconditionally guarantee your satisfaction with all Sounds True products for one year when purchased via our website. However, if you are not 100% satisfied for any reason, simply return it with receipt for a full refund.

Tami Simon, Founder of Sounds True
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“Unhook” Your Heart and Mind with The Freedom to Choose Something Different

One-Time Payment

$197
$ $129
  •  
Best Offer

or

or

or

3 Easy Payments

$45
  •  
1 year money back guarantee badge

100% Money Back Guarantee

If you are not 100% satisfied for any reason, simply return it for a full refund for up to one year.

visa, master card, american express, and discover credit card icons
secure checkout icon

Secure Checkout

All orders are processed on a secure server. If you prefer to order by phone, call 1 (800) 333-9185.

visa, master card, american express, and discover credit card icons
secure checkout icon

Secure Checkout

All orders are processed on a secure server. If you prefer to order by phone, call 1 (800) 333-9185.

1 year money back guarantee badge

100% Money Back Guarantee

If you are not 100% satisfied for any reason, simply return it for a full refund for up to one year.

secure checkout icon

Secure Checkout

All orders are processed on a secure server. If you prefer to order by phone, call 1 (800) 333-9185.

1 year money back guarantee badge

100% Money Back Guarantee

If you are not 100% satisfied for any reason, simply return it for a full refund for up to one year.

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Presence FAQ

Can I participate in an Inquiry discussion group?

The Diamond Approach is offering live, online Inquiry groups to accompany this course at a discounted rate — $100 for eight, 90-minute sessions, where you’ll take turns with other students working one-on-one with an expert teacher. This is completely optional and available after purchasing Presence.

 

How do I purchase Presence: Venture into the Heart of Enlightenment?

You can purchase it here.

 

How do I access Presence: Venture into the Heart of Enlightenment after I have purchased it?

To access your course, you will need to:

  • Log in to your Sounds True account
  • Click on “Digital Library” (located in the maroon navigation bar at the top right of the page)
  • Click on “Online Courses” (located on the left side of the page)
  • Find Presence: Venture into the Heart of Enlightenment
  • Click on “go to course”

 

How do I contact customer service?

You may contact us Monday–Friday, 8 am–5 pm MT.
Email: support@soundstrue.com
Phone: US Customers 1.800.333.9185 #3
Phone: International Customers 1.303.665.3151 #3

 

What browsers do you recommend?

We recommend the most recent version of Safari for Mac users or Google Chrome for PC users (with a second choice of Firefox). We do not recommend using Internet Explorer—but if you must, please use version 11 or higher.

 

How do I access my bonuses?

To access Realization Unfolds: A Conversation between A.H. Almaas and Adyashanti, you will need to:

  • Log in to your Sounds True account
  • Click on “Digital Library” (located in the maroon navigation bar at the top right of the page)
  • Click on “Online Courses” (located on the left side of the page)
  • Find Realization Unfolds: A Conversation between A.H. Almaas and Adyashanti
  • Click on “go to course”

 

I already have the bonus in my library. Can I substitute it for something else?

Unfortunately, it is part of the bundle, and substitutions are not allowed.

 

Can I download the course audio or video content to a computer or mobile device?

You can download the audio/video content onto your computer or Android mobile device. With the exception of eBooks, Apple has restrictions that prevent items from being downloaded directly to iOS devices, unless purchased from iTunes or Apple. Digital items may be downloaded to your computer and then synchronized to your iOS device via iTunes. Courses are also available to stream within the Sounds True App.

 

Can I stream the live sessions from a computer or my mobile device?

Live sessions are viewable on Mac and PC. You can stream them on Android and Apple mobile devices through the browser. If you are not using WiFi, please check with your mobile carrier, as additional data rates may apply.

 

How do I know what time live sessions start if I live abroad or in a different time zone?

All events are Eastern Time unless otherwise noted. Here is the schedule. Please use a time zone converter of your choice or thetimezoneconverter.com.

 

Why is the video player blank, or why can’t I hear it?

Player solutions:

  • The session has not started. Please wait a few minutes.
  • Try refreshing your browser window or clearing your browser’s cache.
  • If the broadcast stops or you see a black screen, try refreshing your browser window.
  • If you are using a Windows PC, we recommend using the Google Chrome web browser.
  • If you are on a Mac, we recommend using the Safari web browser.
  • If you can’t hear anything, check the two places your volume is controlled. One is your video player and the other is your computer.

 

Are the sessions live or prerecorded?

The course videos are prerecorded. Videos noted as “Live” are live.

 

What is your return policy?

Click here for the Sounds True return policy.