I Wanna Be Well: How a Punk Found Peace and You Can Too

Teenage Bottlerocket is a band that's been in constant rotation in my world for the last ten years or so. Miguel's book has found its way into constant rotation in my life over the last couple of months, albeit for very different reasons. There are a lot of people both inside and outside the punk rock world that have struggled with deaths, drugs, anxiety, depression, and a host of other issues, and Miguel was no different.However, over the years, he learned that there was a better way; a way to look inside yourself to find a sense of balance, and to maintain a sense of peace and positivity that's palpable to other people. With "I Wanna Be Well," he gives clear, concise and powerful stories and lessons that are easy to incorporate into your own life. He doesn't write from a "know-it-all" perspective; instead, he writes from the point of view of a guy who's doing his best and wants you to do the same. It's a breeze to read straight through, but it's real value comes in the way you can revert back to certain lessons or practices for quick reference to keep yourself pointed in the right direction. I enjoy the hell out of this book.

Just finished I Wanna Be Well by Miguel Chen. This book is absolutely life changing in so many ways. If you have ever felt lost, alone, angry, suffering pain either emotionally or physically or just plain want to live a better life one day at a time, start here. Miguel lays out his own experiences and in detail explains how he found peace and wellness through the practices shared within these pages. With each turn of the page you will be left with advice and practices you can put into your daily life to live more in the moment, forgive others and yourself, stop suffering and live your best life. If you are looking for a way to heal yourself and live your best life each and every day, this book is what you are looking for. Buy it, read it and start to find your peace.

This book was such a breath of fresh air. Just the bit of positivity that I needed in my busy life. It reads very concise, inspiring, and knowledgeable. It’s the perfect amount of spiritual and punk. Great read!

I know this is punk but I listen to scene music ( I'm a scene kid(no judging)) And I have a feeling this is gonna be a great book and I cant wait to read it. Have a rawring 2020 i wuv this book and this kindle.

Such a great book! Miguel makes meditation (at least for this beginner) a lot less intimidating. It's also funny and sad and I think can help us know we're not alone.

Miguel's writing is fun to read, kind, and hard to put down. A lot of wonderful insight.

Nice Work Miguel!

Love this book! Incorporate spirituality into your life easily, by following the guidance of Miguel! Thanks for the great book!

An absolutely wonderful book. Easy and enjoyable to read. Miguel explains techniques from both buddhist meditation and yoga that can be used in every day life to find a little more peace and happiness. This is all done in a very approachable and funny way, that really makes it a fun book to read. Enjoy this with an open mind and an open heart; you will certainly find some wisdom that you can integrate into your own life.

I couldn't fault the approach of this book. As a punk rocker of a similar vintage with a few similar life experiences, I felt an immediate affinity for where Miguel is coming from. The best part for me was that he kinda says pick what works for you (or as the book says "Do your best and f the rest"!) Although he goes in for a lot more of the spiritual elements, I didn't feel pressured to do so at all and as such have actually taken away a huge amount from this book. There are a number of parallels the philosophy of Stoicism (which I try and practice as a novice) - I assume the basics of most philosophies cover the same ground but Miguel articulates some points here in a very accessible way that marry with what I already try to do, but looking at them from a different angle, which is always helpful. Highly recommend this book as anyone open to trying to make their daily grind a bit easier will find many things to help here.

Miguel writes in a relatable way and makes important teachings accessible to us punks. This book is an indication of how punk rock is evolving, and is a great starting point for punk rock fans to learn about themselves and how to lead more balanced, healthy lives. Cheers, Miggy.

Really well written and thoughtful book from a very switched on guy. Plenty to use daily to really live and make the most of what life chucks at you

I loved this book, it’s short but it helped me and still helps me have better days/better mental health

Great book with sound advice. Pulls no punches but equally doesn't ram BS down your throat.

This book. It is so great. If I could give a copy to every person beginning to understand and explore their spirituality and the world, I would. It caught my attention as I am a holistic practitioner and a punk rock fan. This book gives such a fantastic perspective of how our everyday lives and our spiritual journey are not mutually exclusive and offers fantastic ways to incorporate meditation and yoga into your daily routine.

Bernardo a long time fan of Teenage Bottlerocket, André decides to try this book, since I had nothing better to read. Found out that now I wanna be well.... And this book really changed my mind! Have to practice all the great lessons in this book!

Great read from a familiar perspective. Miguel is a great human and I’ve personally seen him work super hard to get where he is today, this book is legit!

Absolut ehrlich geschrieben. Ich habe es in einem Zug verschlungen. Bringt die eigenen Gedanken mal wieder in die richtige Richtung

I'm only about 1/4 through this book and it's already probably the best book I've read on the Buddhist path and finding peace. There have already been multiple lines that have stood out and stopped me in my tracks as exactly what I needed to hear to change my perception on a situation. I'm not new to Buddhism or any of the concepts, but his delivery is spot on. He's direct and relatable for real life journeys and he makes Buddhism more accessible. You don't have to wear robes or denounce everything you own to learn from the Buddhist path. I'm looking forward to the rest of the book (though it might be a while, I'm a very slow reader and usually have multiple books going at once).

I absolutely loved reading this book. Each chapter offered a practical way to deepen a meditation practice or explore a connection with ourselves. Miguel shares his own experiences with humor and humility and offers his experience and knowledge as a guide to the reader. I loved that the practices are accessible for any of us, no matter where we are on our journey. F---ing love this book!

I LOVED this book, I read it in two days and felt as if I was chatting in person rather than reading a book because his down to earth approach. It made me laugh and kept my attention which I find hard to do when reading. I love that this book gives insight on how much something as wonderful as meditation and yoga helped to change someone's life. Miguel gives simple, easy to follow guides on how to begin mindfulness and easy daily meditative practices.

I have spent many years trying to find happiness. At first you tend to think stuff equates to happiness. However all that we own possesses us. True happiness begins from within, not from our environment. Miguel does a great job at explaining some really basic concepts that someone can apply and work towards the goal of happiness, acceptance, and contentment. This is a great read and I am confident that this will not be the last time I read through it.

Miguel took some very in depth Buddhist concepts and turned them into something everyone that everyone can practice. The conversational style and casual language was a breath of fresh air that set this book apart from other self help books.

Miguel's voice is one of authenticity, humility ,compassion and humor: essential ingredients if you ask me. His colorful choice of language is one that I can pallette and relate to, and made this book an insightful read. Personal experiences of love, loss, pain and punk rock are shared and interwoven with insight on how one can live fully and let go of suffering. A great "gateway" book with a good dose of suggested readings to jump into once you're done!

Insightful, and give you example of how to change. Gave it to a Punk-rocker with substance abuse problems , it was well taken, and made a difference.

I ordered this book because I am a big fan of Miguel's band, "Teenage Bottle Rocket". After reading it, I must say, I am an even bigger fan! Miguel's honest and straight forward insight twords mindfulness has really helped me understand the basic theories on how to be "well". I recommend this book to punk rockers, yogis, and anyone who might be feeling lost!!

A quick read with simple, applicable practices. Helpful and humble approach to wellness.

As someone who has struggled with how to incorporate an element of the spiritual in my life despite being vehemently non-religious, Miguel's book offers an incredibly accessible guide to mindfulness and meditation that has honestly made a huge difference in my day-to-day life. I couldn't recommend this book more highly.

I'm only about 1/4 through this book and it's already probably the best book I've read on the Buddhist path and finding peace. There have already been multiple lines that have stood out and stopped me in my tracks as exactly what I needed to hear to change my perception on a situation. I'm not new to Buddhism or any of the concepts, but his delivery is spot on. He's direct and relatable for real life journeys and he makes Buddhism more accessible. You don't have to wear robes or denounce everything you own to learn from the Buddhist path. I'm looking forward to the rest of the book (though it might be a while, I'm a very slow reader and usually have multiple books going at once).

I absolutely loved reading this book. Each chapter offered a practical way to deepen a meditation practice or explore a connection with ourselves. Miguel shares his own experiences with humor and humility and offers his experience and knowledge as a guide to the reader. I loved that the practices are accessible for any of us, no matter where we are on our journey. F---ing love this book!

I LOVED this book, I read it in two days and felt as if I was chatting in person rather than reading a book because his down to earth approach. It made me laugh and kept my attention which I find hard to do when reading. I love that this book gives insight on how much something as wonderful as meditation and yoga helped to change someone's life. Miguel gives simple, easy to follow guides on how to begin mindfulness and easy daily meditative practices.

I have spent many years trying to find happiness. At first you tend to think stuff equates to happiness. However all that we own possesses us. True happiness begins from within, not from our environment. Miguel does a great job at explaining some really basic concepts that someone can apply and work towards the goal of happiness, acceptance, and contentment. This is a great read and I am confident that this will not be the last time I read through it.

Miguel took some very in depth Buddhist concepts and turned them into something everyone that everyone can practice. The conversational style and casual language was a breath of fresh air that set this book apart from other self help books.

Miguel's voice is one of authenticity, humility ,compassion and humor: essential ingredients if you ask me. His colorful choice of language is one that I can pallette and relate to, and made this book an insightful read. Personal experiences of love, loss, pain and punk rock are shared and interwoven with insight on how one can live fully and let go of suffering. A great "gateway" book with a good dose of suggested readings to jump into once you're done!

Insightful, and give you example of how to change. Gave it to a Punk-rocker with substance abuse problems , it was well taken, and made a difference.

I ordered this book because I am a big fan of Miguel's band, "Teenage Bottle Rocket". After reading it, I must say, I am an even bigger fan! Miguel's honest and straight forward insight twords mindfulness has really helped me understand the basic theories on how to be "well". I recommend this book to punk rockers, yogis, and anyone who might be feeling lost!!

A quick read with simple, applicable practices. Helpful and humble approach to wellness.

As someone who has struggled with how to incorporate an element of the spiritual in my life despite being vehemently non-religious, Miguel's book offers an incredibly accessible guide to mindfulness and meditation that has honestly made a huge difference in my day-to-day life. I couldn't recommend this book more highly.

An amazing book. It really helped open my eyes and gave me a great new perspective on life. I also bought two other copies to handout to people. Thank you Miguel!

The book and subject matter was and is amazing - very well written and inspiring - wanted to say This book has truly helped me in my day to day to let go and be present - highly recommend this for anyone looking to improve their outlook or to just try and better themselves - thanks Miguel