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3.81 AVERAGE
3.81 AVERAGE
Lately, I have been reading exactly the book that I need to be reading at exactly the right time, and this was especially true for this book. It is perfect, interestingly written, and literally life changing. I knew I had to let go of certain things, but this really explained how to and gave a kind of rationale and explanation that made it so much easier... I will never be the same person after reading this.
“Every little trifle, for some reason, does seem incalculably important today, and when you say of a thing that 'nothing hangs on it,' it sounds like blasphemy. There's never any knowing—(how am I to put it?)—which of our actions, which of our idlenesses won't have things hanging on it for ever.”
― E.M. Forster
What is it about even the idea of letting go that causes so much resistance?
Even with Hawkins introductory warning, that the ideas require an open mind, even with a mind wide open the ideas give us pause.
After all, it implies giving up control, and control is seen as the prime objective. As Hawkins points out, though, all this perceived control is often an illusion, often generating the very outcome we think we are avoiding.
This often leads to misunderstanding the text; Hawkins does posit that a certain attitude of letting go and surrender will lead us to more happiness and success, but he does not resort to any spooky knowledge or mysticism, but rather builds his argument by relying on common sense.
We want success at work so we focus intently on it; we imagine everything possible thing that could go wrong; these possible catastrophes become real to us; and our focus on them somehow leads them to happen. Or, we fail to enjoy the journey, our worry and obsession becomes obvious, and it overshadows are true selves.
Or, we let go, surrender, make a goal but let go of it, and things somehow fall into place.
Dawkins also importantly dispels myths like, some guilt is good, staying in a place of anger is motivating, and that it is inevitable we live in this seesaw emotional space of judging others and then being envious.
This book will not be for everyone; but if you are ready for the wisdom, it will resonate and be life changing. It can lead to a more peaceful, happy existence.
A+
― E.M. Forster
What is it about even the idea of letting go that causes so much resistance?
Even with Hawkins introductory warning, that the ideas require an open mind, even with a mind wide open the ideas give us pause.
After all, it implies giving up control, and control is seen as the prime objective. As Hawkins points out, though, all this perceived control is often an illusion, often generating the very outcome we think we are avoiding.
This often leads to misunderstanding the text; Hawkins does posit that a certain attitude of letting go and surrender will lead us to more happiness and success, but he does not resort to any spooky knowledge or mysticism, but rather builds his argument by relying on common sense.
We want success at work so we focus intently on it; we imagine everything possible thing that could go wrong; these possible catastrophes become real to us; and our focus on them somehow leads them to happen. Or, we fail to enjoy the journey, our worry and obsession becomes obvious, and it overshadows are true selves.
Or, we let go, surrender, make a goal but let go of it, and things somehow fall into place.
Dawkins also importantly dispels myths like, some guilt is good, staying in a place of anger is motivating, and that it is inevitable we live in this seesaw emotional space of judging others and then being envious.
This book will not be for everyone; but if you are ready for the wisdom, it will resonate and be life changing. It can lead to a more peaceful, happy existence.
A+
Giving this the highest rating because it covers soooo many of the concepts I've been learning about. I'm so fascinated by the levels of emotions and most found this so interesting. Definitely one to return to (even though some of the writing seemed so flippant and made me laugh).
informative
reflective
slow-paced
This book really helped in hard times. One can read it again and again when in pain.
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
While there were tidbits of good information in this book, I kept waiting for the information on letting go. The how to and tips and tricks but that never came.
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Very woo but I loved it. Not so sure about the miraculous health claims though.
informative
reflective
slow-paced
Onc you've read the first couple of chapters, you've pretty much learned everything this book has to offer.