The Work of Byron Katie with Rena Ray

What is the Work?

The Work is a simple yet powerful process of inquiry that teaches you to identify and question the thoughts that cause all the suffering in the world. It’s a way to understand what’s hurting you, and to address the cause of your problems with clarity. In its most basic form, The Work consists of fours questions and the turnarounds.

“I discovered that when I believed my thoughts, I suffered, but that when I didn’t believe them, I didn’t suffer, and that this is true for every human being. Freedom is as simple as that. I found that suffering is optional. I found a joy within me that has never disappeared, not for a single moment. That joy is in everyone, always.”
—Byron Katie

People who do The Work as an ongoing practice commonly report:

• Alleviation of depression: Find resolution, even happiness, in situations that were once debilitating.
• Decreased stress: Live with less anxiety or fear.
• Improved relationships: Experience deeper connection and intimacy with your partner, your parents, your children, your friends, and yourself.
• Reduced anger: Understand what makes you angry and resentful and become reactive less often, with less intensity.
• Increased mental clarity: Live and work more intelligently and effectively, with integrity.
• More energy: Experience a new sense of ongoing vigor and well-being.
• More peace: Discover how to become “a lover of what is.”