Donald Altman

Well, I won this book through the goodreads first-reads program.

The Joy Compass is a pocketsized book, a short easy guide towards creating a more relaxing and optimistic day to day life. The teachings are essentially an introduction to Buddhism, but the book does manage to not be overly spiritual in its presentation. The tidbits, while simple, are also rather helpful quick fixes towards easily relaxing and approaching life in a more together manner.

So, while not life-changing, this book is a good reminder to sit back every now and then and breathe. I can think of several people in my life who would benefit from slowing down once in a while. The diaphragmatic breathing method mentioned here is also something I could use more of in general.

In essence: decreasing stress is nearly always a good thing. ;)… (mais)

Read from April 21 to 24, 2016
Format Paperback (edit)
Review Clearing Emotional Clutter

"Awareness simply observes without an agenda, other than to let you be aware, present, and at rest." (Donald Altman)

The author speaks with simplicity in defining emotional clutter and translating concepts such as a mindful pathway.
He presents a series of lifestyle tools that I think could provide results that are both achievable and realistic.
Would one reading suffice?
I think you will return to investigate particulars that might benefit you.
D. Altman uses the term "mindful lifestyle reboot"-"a way of clearing out old habitual methods of living and thinking that keep us stuck in emotional clutter to the point that we can't imagine a way out."

Sit quietly, read and expand your horizons.
Then, implement.… (mais)

I like this very helpfull book so much that after returning it to the library I may just buy my own copy. I have about 20 sticky notes in it to mark those special quotes and guided mediation pearls I liked and suppose I could just copy them all down into my reading notebook/journal thing but it would be so much easier to highlight my own copy. I think this would even be a book I would refer back to again and again. It's not at all metaphysical or silly or annoying. It's full of helpful ideas for those of us who worry our own selves to distraction with our own minds.… (mais)

The author's study of the food traditions of 4 major religions and the use as a path to a more spirtual life.
A lot of good points were made, and there were exercises to do at the end of every chapter. A good reference at the back of the book. Mostly he preaches the gift of sharing a meal and savouring every bite. Sounds obvious, but how many of us do this?
The idea behind the diets is sound but keeping a lot of fresh food around the house would be too time consuming for most people.
Some great points to take away with you.… (mais)