Will I all of a sudden be calmer, less stressed, more able to see the things that matter in the world? Probably not. A cool addition to what is already a nice reading experience. Usually I sort of glance over such illustrations, but they are interesting and a bit fantastical and calming as anything. The book also includes some lovely illustrations. Couldn’t relate, can’t relate, or just disagree. Some words rung true and are things I already incorporate into how I live my life others were new and things I wanted to try to take on.

Reading this book gave me more of a feeling than an intellectual reaction, if that makes sense. It feels almost like poetry, but it isn’t, at least not in the traditional sense. It’s not so much a book of inspirational quotes it’s more like a collection of somewhat related thoughts that the author wants to share with the reader. They are a bit all over the place, but not in a bad way. And it is.Īs I mentioned above, the book is split into eight sections, and each section includes a couple of short essays, and then some quotes or brief reflections / statements. But I’d rather enjoy what I can than stress about what I cannot change, and I’m always looking for fresh (or reliable) takes on how to do that.Ī book on slowing down that actively makes the reader feel calm? Sounds like a good book. “When you make a mistake, simply ask yourself what you were meant to learn from it.” “Unless we recognize the still point beneath the surface of our changing emotions, we will feel we are hostage to their whims.”

Anyone who doesn’t, but still wants some suggestions for how to slow down and calm down.īuddhist monk and professor Sunim offers reflections on ways to more deeply experience different aspects of life: rest, mindfulness, passion, relationships, love, life, the future, and spirituality. Anyone who feels a bit overwhelmed by life.

Haemin sunim the things