Think Like a Monk The secret of how to harness the power of positivity and be happy now

helps you to understand yourself better

Bewertung am 11.11.2024
Bewertungsnummer: 2338973
Bewertet: Buch (Taschenbuch)

What I like about this book its that it takes old wisdom and reminds you of them and shows you how to implement them. I think very often, the best advice you could get insnt something you have never heard before, but somethings you somehow already know but arent actually following trough with. For example, Jey talks about breathing exercises to calm oneselves down: most people know this would be good, but the fewest of them actually practise this. However, just know that if you have read a lot about self improvement or psychology, don’t expect to hear completely new and never heard ideas from this book. I spotted many similarities from this book with things I learned about at uni. For example, Jey explains how to overcome negative tought patterns by first identifying them, pausing for a moment and ovserving ones own reaction, and then replacing them with another tought. This is a technique that is also present in cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a form of psychotherapy. I think its important not to pathologize having a negative tought here and then, because this is completely normal. But for negative tought patterns that frequently reoccur in similar ways, this technique has been proven to be helpful. On the other hand, related to this, I wonder if there can be too much self awareness. A big part of this book is about self reflection, but Jay also empazises that we must observe ourselves with self compassion, which is very important not to forget. Otherwise we have too high expectations towards ourselfes about “thinking perfectly” and acting in harmony with your values all the time. Also, there are people with problems that cant be solved just by reading self help books and self refelction, and they should get professional psychological help. I also spotted some similarities to things I myself learned from real monks. A few months ago, I was travelling alone trough Thailand and spent a while at a place where you could live with monks and learn about meditation from them. In return, you would help with stuff like cleaning. This time was very valuable and I noticed some similarities to the book. For example, the monks there talked to me about the importance of beeing grateful for the most tiny daily pleasures, like hearing a bird, drinking water or feeling how soft and warm your bed is. Again, this is not something you have never heard before, but I myself noticed how much more conent I beacame when I acutally did it and started paying attention to things like that. The monks there also did vocal excercises (chants), and I didn’t really understand this, but after reading this book I can see how it can be a calming practice. Overall, this book mentions many diffent topics and exercises, from not trying to multitask to strengthening your self worth. You can pick and choose what resonates with you. Im sure most people will find not all but many topics helpful for them. This book can be very valuable, especially for people who notice that they constantly try to get approval and validation from others, feel overly dependant on others and/ or often feel stressed in daily life. This book can help you understand your ego, practise humility, and become more "grounded” and less reactive to everything that is happening around you.

Book Review

Bewertung am 05.11.2023
Bewertungsnummer: 2061982
Bewertet: Buch (Taschenbuch)

"Think Like a Monk" by Jay Shetty is a transformative book that combines ancient wisdom of monks with a kind of modern philosophy. It’s a guide to living a more purposeful and mindful life. Drawing on Shetty's personal experiences as a former monk, his book is a journey into self-discovery, mindfulness, and meaningful living, filtering out the dust of society’s expectations. The book is divided into three main sections, each designed to help to cultivate a monk-like mindset. The first section, "Let Go," emphasizes the importance of releasing attachments and detaching from the distractions and negative influences that often hold us back. Shetty shares personal experiences and the wisdom he gained during his time as a monk, illustrating the power of letting go to achieve greater peace and focus in our lives. He encourages readers to clear up their minds and make space for what truly matters. The second section, "Grow," is about the cultivation of values, and self-awareness. Shetty discusses the significance of building a strong basis building on principles such as gratitude, compassion, and authenticity. There are also practical exercises and reflective prompts to help readers develop these qualities and increase their personal growth. The third section, "Give," focuses on the importance of contributing to the well-being of others and the world. Shetty discusses the concept of "servant leadership," which is central to the monk's way of life. He shares his experiences working with organizations and individuals committed to making a positive impact on society and emphasizes the satisfaction and fulfillment that come from serving others selflessly. One of the strengths of the book is that Shetty can break down complex spiritual and philosophical concepts into easily digestible, relatable, and actionable advice. He draws on a wide range of sources, from ancient scriptures to modern psychology. Shetty's personal experiences as a monk add a unique dimension to the book. He describes his struggles, triumphs, and moments of enlightenment during his time in the ashram, allowing readers to connect with his narrative on a deep level. His honesty and vulnerability in sharing these experiences make the book both relatable and inspiring. The book also contains practical exercises, journal prompts, and meditation techniques that help readers apply the book's teachings to their own lives. By encouraging active engagement, Shetty empowers readers to take ownership of their personal growth journey. In conclusion, "Think Like a Monk" by Jay Shetty is a valuable resource for individuals seeking to lead more purposeful, mindful lives. Shetty's personal experiences, combined with his in-depth knowledge of spiritual and philosophical traditions, provide a guide to transformation and self-discovery. The book's practical exercises, relatable anecdotes, and accessible language make it a compelling read for a wide range of readers, from those new to self-improvement literature to those on a continuous journey of personal growth. "Think Like a Monk" is an invitation to embark on a transformative journey, helping readers let go of their past, grow into the best version of themselves, and give back to the world with a servant's heart. - Nina Schmidt