Book Review - The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down

Now more than ever

As I write this it is my son’s eighth birthday and while we are celebrating I can’t help but think time is flying. In that regard, slowing down is something we can all strive to achieve in this modern 24-hour world. Haemin Sunim new book is extremely popular in his native South Korea and has now made its way to the States. The full title is The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down: How to Be Calm and Mindful in a Fast-Paced World and ask us “Is it the world that’s busy, or is it my mind?”

Haemin Sunim is prominent Buddhist meditation teacher who was born in Korea, but educated in America and deals with a subject most people only talk about but never seem to achieve, a balance in their lives. Additionally, the book features amazing nature illustrations by Youngcheol Lee to remind us to even slow down when we are reading the book.  The central narrative deals with actually seeing what the author calls ‘lovely moments’ including the smile of a child.

Another of the book’s themes urges us to form meaningful connections with people. This is a topic that we try and re-enforce with our clients. It is better to connect with people than it is with stuff. While the book deals with ancient teachings it never feels like fortune cookie wisdom rather a turning of Buddhist philosophy into relatable concepts.

Book Review - The Little Book of Hygge

Yes, the Happiness Research Institute is a real thing.

While we usually don't like jumping on bandwagons for this one we feel all right with our decision. Since Denmark is often ranked among the happiest nations on Earth the new book, The Little Book of Hygge should not be a source for just another self-help wishful thinking bathroom reading material. The book's author, Meik Wiking is CEO of the Happiness Research Institute, research associate for Denmark at the World Database of Happiness, and founding member of the Latin American Network for Wellbeing and Quality of Life Policies. While that may be a mouthful it is probably safe to say he is an expert on happiness. The book explores ways we can embrace Hygge (pronounced hoo-ga) to become happier through adopting the Danish philosophy of comfort, togetherness, and well-being. One of the central themes of the book deals with how we feel and those feelings have a lot do with comfort and loved ones. It probably won't come as a surprise to know you should turn off your phones and the lights and switch to candles and conversation.

Another one of the book's themes focuses on the simple pleasures of life. The core concept of living simply helps explain the book's length. As organizers we want you to be able to find what you are looking for and a lot of complicated organizing gadgets and systems is usually not the answer.  As a dreary winter dredges along bring a little light into your life.