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lulo49's review against another edition
5.0
As an optimistic realist I inherently understand that most positive thinking/affirmations do not stick. In fact they can become obstacles to accomplishing their intended purpose since the goal may be inherently unralistic and people can suffer guilt or shame when they don't accomplish or achieve what they've set as their goal, intention, or positive affimation.
The author draws on various approaches to life as he discusses a "negative path," one in which one imagines the worst situation, looks at the current situation (likely not the worst although it could be) and then, rather than putting on a happy face and saying "It's all good" or setting an affirmation to make it all good, takes action to address what is in one's control in the current situation.
In particular, he discusses the Stoics. The Stoics believe that the only thing we can actually control are our judgments, what we believe about our circumstances, and that our judgments are what cause us distress. If we can let go of judgment and rationally accept the truth of our situation we can take appropriate action rather than simply setting an intention or an affirmation to make things different. Action vs. words.
He also discusses the "Buddhist Guide to Not Thinking Positively." The Buddhist concept of non-attachment is not about withdrawing from life; it's "approaching the whole of life -- inner thoughts and emotions, outer events and circumstances -- without clinging or aversion." This necessitates accepting the fullness of the situation, the good and the bad, not clinging (attachment), but letting go and moving forward. After all, it was the Buddha's breaking away from his privileged family to confront life's realities, to see the Four Sights -- an old man, a sick man, a corpse, and a wandering ascetic monk -- that spurred his enlightment under the bodhi tree.
I found the book highly readable with good research and examples. I came away understanding that my realistic approach to situations and life may be how in an unsettled world I remain simultaneously grounded, happy, and hopeful.
The author draws on various approaches to life as he discusses a "negative path," one in which one imagines the worst situation, looks at the current situation (likely not the worst although it could be) and then, rather than putting on a happy face and saying "It's all good" or setting an affirmation to make it all good, takes action to address what is in one's control in the current situation.
In particular, he discusses the Stoics. The Stoics believe that the only thing we can actually control are our judgments, what we believe about our circumstances, and that our judgments are what cause us distress. If we can let go of judgment and rationally accept the truth of our situation we can take appropriate action rather than simply setting an intention or an affirmation to make things different. Action vs. words.
He also discusses the "Buddhist Guide to Not Thinking Positively." The Buddhist concept of non-attachment is not about withdrawing from life; it's "approaching the whole of life -- inner thoughts and emotions, outer events and circumstances -- without clinging or aversion." This necessitates accepting the fullness of the situation, the good and the bad, not clinging (attachment), but letting go and moving forward. After all, it was the Buddha's breaking away from his privileged family to confront life's realities, to see the Four Sights -- an old man, a sick man, a corpse, and a wandering ascetic monk -- that spurred his enlightment under the bodhi tree.
I found the book highly readable with good research and examples. I came away understanding that my realistic approach to situations and life may be how in an unsettled world I remain simultaneously grounded, happy, and hopeful.
sunrays118's review against another edition
3.0
Eh. a couple interesting ideas, a bit long winded, and to be honest I'm taking nothing away.
arly_kylen's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.25