Slowing Down to the Speed of Life: How To Create A More Peaceful, Simpler Life From the Inside Out

Ironically, perhaps, I read through this book very quickly.

I really like the basic idea---that through mindfulness and in-the-moment living, we can bring back the balance between our analytical and non-analytical thought processes, thereby derailing the circuitous train of thought that often leads us in a circle of stress, confusion, and overwhelm. The chapter on parenting was an especially good reminder for me, particularly the section about having compassion for our children's moods, even when they're really crappy moods. It's much easier for me to recognize when other people aren't doing this than it is when I'm not doing it. It's also much easier for me to have compassion with my children's sour moods when they're not acting out in show more the grocery store. I didn't see any specific suggestions here for cultivating compassion when you have an audience of disgruntled onlookers.

While there was some very good advice in here, I found the book rather repetitive and unpleasantly peppered with self-help language, like the heading "Unleashing Innate Human Potential." I'm suspicious of any author who uses the term "unleash" non-ironically. And for me, at least, there wasn't much in the way of new ideas here, which I could see as a sign that I've got all of the tools I need already at my disposal and it's just a matter of putting them into play (or putting them into play more consistently).

So, good reminders, hokey language, quick read. show less

Live in the moment and maintain perspective for a calmer life and less stress.
The book is good for introducing this to people that aren't aware they control they're reaction to something, but it's very repetitive and droll for those that get it in the first chapter.
There are chapters for dealing with children and work which some people may want to skip to if they just need a refresher or reminder on this.

This work is co-authored by bestselling author, Richard Carlson, who wrote Don't Sweat the Small Stuff, You Can Feel Good Again and You Can Be Happy No Matter What. Joseph Bailey is this book's other author. He holds an M.A. and is a licensed psychologist and president of Health Realization Consultants. He performs psychotherapy, seminars and consultations nationally and internationally. He is the author of The Serenity Principle.From the dust jacket: "Ever notice that the faster you go, the 'behinder' you get? Ever feel like while your life is full--maybe too full--of things to do, you aren't enjoying life nearly enough? Want a way off the treadmill of anxiety, worry, and pressure and out into real happiness? Carlson and Bailey help us show more recognize rushed thought processes and access healthy, relaxed feelings, and, using the popular 'psychology of mind' approach, they teach us to gain new-found abilities to stay focused on the task at hand and enhance our creativity and achievement. Illustrated with useful exercises, charts, and diagrams, as well as inspiring personal reflections, [this book] shows us there is plenty of time to build meaningful relationships, master seemingly hectic schedules, and maintain a healthy calm in the midst of life's storm." show less

test added okay 7/4/15