The Art of Stillness: Adventures in Going Nowhere (TED Books)

The ability to consume a book in a brief time is in and of itself a special and rare experience. One easily could have made it much longer, but would it have been any better for the added pages? It is a pearl that resonates and challenges the reader to consider his/her choices and direction. This is an important and valuable book. I find myself often thinking about the glut of information and data we face. I am currently assisting my son in getting his new phone up and running and in the process of converting thousands of his songs on his computer so they can transfer to the new phone. This level of digital consumption was simply not possible for the vast history of our species and is he or we any better for it? In generations past, one did not have to make the choice to do nothing, or be still; that was the state of being for many, much of the time. We lived and died within 30 miles of our birth. Travel abroad was a one way trip or the stuff of adventurers. Today, we are awash in stuff and choices. We as a society face a real challenge in organizing our lives in the face of infinite choices and consumptive options that are so brilliantly marketed and instantly available. This in contrast to the fact that we have not and will not eliminate the essential limits of our consumptive capacity and our finite lives. This book reminds the reader that we exercise choices in our daily norms. Recently on a flight I elected to do as one of the Iyer's fellow passengers did as described in the book - sit quietly and do nothing, . but only for a brief time. I experienced a brief portion of the ride without reading, listening or external engagement. It was remarkable in its novelty for me. Iyer's book has a number of examples of stillness in practice. Many readers may give it a try themselves. There is an inherent challenge in this book that devotes pages discussing some celebrities and celebrated people who have to a degree commoditized their stillness. There is benefit in this as in the cases of Merton or Dickenson; who wrote brilliantly of their experiences. The challenge for most is to find a personal path that is not subsequently commoditized for others, which to a degree defeats the purpose of inner stillness by public declaration. And can there be anything less still than TED conferences (TED published this book) and the acolytes who attend? But at least there is a level of awareness by many attendees and the organizers of their inherent contradictions in actions vs. ideas, and some as Iyer points out are trying to figure out how to reconcile them. An added treat are the interspersed photographs in this lovely book.

It's short, perhaps too short, as if in its brevity it is emulating the stillness that Pico Iyer feels we are missing out on in our lives. And we probably are missing out. But I find, like I do most books that cover similar topics, that it is more geared toward philosophical and time management techniques that only those who have the means and luxury to kick back can afford to do so. His cavalier response to the woman caller with kids trying to start a business and get on with life was cavalier beyond belief. No Pico, we all don't have two hours to sit around and contempt our belly buttons. While philosophical I agree with him, for I do enjoy doing nothing on occasion, just watching the world go by, perhaps his next book will address something more practical for the working stiffs in life who are not at Google or Aetna or executives who shut down for four hours per week and feel that they have saved their company from making horrible business adventures, and then reward themselves with bigger bonuses. That's great, and no, I'm not being sarcastic, because the execs do need that pause that refreshes. But would you dare to shut down the production line for four hours a week so that your $7.25-12 per hour employees can feel good about theirselves? For what it is, this is a good read and written very well, deserving four stars.

I just finished reading the Art of Stillness; Adventures in Going Nowhere by Pico Iyer. What a stimulating yet calming and thoughtful book. The book is filled with insights both philosophical and scientific regarding the wisdom of taking time to slow down and celebrate one’s own Sabbath. Iyer offers beautifully that not only will it be good for us but also we the reader will get more done, and done well, if we make time for stillness. The Book is filled with great characters and quotes. Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz offers: “ If I ever go looking for my heart's desire again, I won’t look any further than my own backyard. Because if it isn’t there, I never really lost it to begin with.” And the musician Leonard Cohen “ Sitting still as a way of falling in love with the world and everything in it” … And Iyer himself say’s “… talking about stillness is really a way of talking about clarity and sanity and the joys that endure. “ Accompanying this book and as a supplement to it is a Ted Talk , Here is link to Iyer’s 15 minute Ted Talk http://www.ted.com/talks/pico_iyer_the_art_of_stillness?language=en I heartily recommend feasting on this book about stillness, and unexpected pleasures … and enjoy the advice of a travel writer who provides an invitation to the adventure of going nowhere. In an age of distraction, nothing can feel more luxurious than paying attention. And in an age of constant movement, nothing is more urgent than sitting still. I give it 5 Stars… And heartily recommend it as a simple pleasure.

I love books that I can read in one or two sittings, and so when I found Pico’s book and realized I could read about stillness in just an hour or two, I was thrilled. This book was exactly what I needed to read as I’ve been feeling restless because of the pandemic. I can’t wait to travel someday again! But reading Pico’s book helped me realize that I don’t need to travel to remove my restlessness and gain peace and serenity. I can do that now, from the comfort of my home. Then, when I can travel again, I can do so with a clearer mind and more peaceful spirit.

Libro que me ha sacado en más de un apuro por regalar algo que sea verdaderamente útil. Particularmente, para quienes pueden aprovechar el tiempo de una convalecencia en leer algo constructivo, o en general, para quienes no se han dado la oportunidad de detenerse en el tiempo para reflexionar sobre su vida, como le sucedió al inolvidable cantautor canadiense Leonard Cohen, según se menciona en el libro.

The book gave me better words and phrases to describe what I valued most - and why - on my el Camino trek. The silence, the stillness, the lack of distractions on the Meseta were so calming. This book has inspired me to fit more opportunities for contemplation in my life.

Compre este libro por un video de ted.com que hizo el escritor, me pareció interesante el hecho de que se retirase a un monasterio para encontrarse alejado del ruido y buscar la paz. Recomiendo este libro para aquellas personas que deseen encontrar su yo interior y alejarse de él.

This book was just what I needed. Finding my life as a carer for my partially sighted husband and with health issues of my own I have been losing my grip on day to day life. Becoming too concerned with housework and appointments and finding no time to spend on my art led me into depression and anxiety. Feeling that my life would be over before I am ready to let go I found this book just in the nick of time. My house is cluttered - as is my head and I know that I need some help to clear both but didn't know what to do or where to look. The only place I have ever found peace is wrapped in the words and music of Leonard Cohen, so when Pico Iyer spoke of his friendship with and guidance from the Master himself I knew that this book was for me.

Short but nevertheless delish read! Makes you want to seek out that silent place of clarity as soon as you put the book down.