In this fast-paced, often frantic society, we are wired in more ways than one – constantly chasing the next best thing and getting caught up in other people’s lives.
The following books are what you need to slow down and live in the present. They aim to help you relax, recharge, and ultimately, enjoy the littlest things in life.
- Top pick: The Power of Now
- Runner up: You Are Here
- Also great: The Book of Awakening
“The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment” is a handy manual on living a happy, peaceful life.
Some of the topics discussed include past traumas, problematic relationships, the anxiety of the future, and parental hiccups.
You will learn to be more conscious of your thoughts and emotions, keep your ego in check, and develop a deeper connection with your inner self.
Tolle's guide allows you to live your life fully in the now, without the distractions of your past and future needs.
His methods are easy to understand and follow. Even the most complex concepts are explained clearly and straightforwardly.
The book is written in a question-answer format. Tolle uses relatable examples to expound on his insights.
“The Power of Now” illustrates how the mind is your biggest enemy and how focusing too much on it will get you nowhere.
It is the ultimate guide on starting living in the present and avoiding getting caught up in your past and future.
Thich Nhat Hanh is a world-renowned meditation master, Zen monk, and author. His Buddhist practices are distilled in this transformational book.
He talked about the power of mindfulness and its ability to change your life.
The book explains how mindfulness is not a form of escape but being in the present, living a free and thriving life.
You will learn a variety of techniques on cultivating mindfulness, using it to transcend your busy schedule and daily life concerns.
These methods include deep listening, awareness of walking and breathing, and skillful speech.
Thich Nhat Hanh clarified that the energy of mindfulness is one and the same as the energy of Buddha.
It is as easy as breathing and can be generated by anyone.
Through mindfulness, you can transform your woes into peace and compassion.
“You Are Here” is a valuable book on being present and engaging in life consciously without the need to run away from your responsibilities.
“The Book of Awakening: Having the Life You Want by Being Present to the Life You Have” offers precious insights on life and death, joy and suffering, based on Nepo’s own soul journey.
A cancer survivor, Nepo talked about taking each day one at a time and savoring life’s beauty as it unfolds.
You will learn to regain your zest for living and liberate yourself from those who pull you down.
It is a calendar book. Entries are accompanied by optional exercises that stimulate your mind and body.
You have a choice whether you read the day's entry or read it in any order you prefer.
There are more than 400 pages, each page filled with wisdom from Nepo’s journey.
He spoke of courage, imploring you to stay in love with life amidst all the hardships and sufferings.
Well written and accessible, “The Book of Awakening” is the perfect read for anyone who feels losing purpose and focus.
If you are looking for a book that will inspire you to start living in the now, this is a great place to start.
Ruiz depicted how past fears can foster beliefs that prevent us from achieving success, whether in life or career.
These self-limiting beliefs are those negative perceptions that live in your conscious and subconscious, usually rooted in incidents in the past.
The book emphasizes how important being mindful about your self-limiting beliefs is, suggesting four agreements that you need to abide by to succeed.
These contracts include being faultless with your words, not taking anything personally, not making assumptions, and always doing your best.
You will learn how to accomplish all these and eliminate those ideas that rob you of joy, leading to pointless suffering.
Packed with great life lessons, “The Four Agreements” is based on ancient Toltec wisdom. For years, it has offered a complete code of conduct that transformed many lives.
It is a helpful book that allows you to get rid of unhealthy, habitual reactions and damaging thoughts.
This presents a roadmap to true happiness, freedom, and enlightenment.
“Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life” talks about the benefits of making the most of every moment in your life.
The book is based on the authors’ interview with the residents of one of the world’s Blue Zones – regions with a higher than the usual number of people who live longer than the average life span.
The residents of this Japanese village had the highest number of 100-year-olds.
García and Miralles investigated these centenarians’ secret to longevity and happiness, examining how they eat, work, and collaborate as a community.
Most importantly, they probed the villagers’ ikigai or reason for living.
In the book, you will find stories of the Japanese’s way of living and beliefs that allow them to live such long and happy lives.
There are scientific findings included to back up the authors' conclusions.
The second half of “Ikigai” contains illustrations of movement practices that the centenarians use that you can utilize on your own without difficulty.
Simple and accessible, this book will help you find your own ikigai and live a purposeful life.
The book is about Loechner’s own experience when she felt that her life was hurtling toward fame. At 30, she was already considered an Internet celebrity.
With millions of fans supporting her and bigwig clients keeping her bank account full, Loechner questioned why she felt so lost.
The HGTV star then shared how her life improved when she took a step back and slowed down to enjoy one day at a time.
She spoke about how living in the moment allows you to see the beauty around you, revel in the smiles and eye contact with other people, and ultimately learn more about humanity.
You will learn how to make small changes in your routine and refresh your perspective.
This way, you will renew your priorities and shift your center to what matters the most.
“Chasing Slow” discloses what Loechner to upgrade her life by downsizing on almost all aspects – properties, trinkets, obligations, and fears.
It is an excellent reminder that true happiness lies in the splendor of slow and present.
For years, “The Present: The Gift for Changing Times” has inspired readers worldwide with its profound stories of challenges during times of change.
The book presents the tale of a young lad who went on a long journey to find a unique gift that a wise old man spoke to him about.
According to him, this gift was the most valuable present anyone can receive because it remains constant amidst changing times.
The young man searched long and hard through the years but could not find the said present.
When he grew disillusioned about his life and work, he went back to the old man to ask for advice to find the elusive present.
It is only after the man has all but given up on his fruitless search that he realizes what the present is and all the possibilities it offers.
Engaging and profound, “The Present” reveals the secret to your personal happiness and enduring success.
It teaches you to plant seeds today and relish their fruits for the rest of your life.
The book narrates Kuykendall’s experiment to rekindle her passion for the ordinary.
A mother of four and a writer/blogger, she often felt drained and overwhelmed, wishing she could change her circumstances.
During the nine-month trial, she kept her calendar free, focused on only one aspect of her life, and looked for means to make her mundane season exciting.
By deliberately adding something that would motivate her, Kuykendall presented a workable challenge that you can easily copy into your plot.
You will find plenty of personal stories with just the right blend of humor and poignancy to increase self-awareness.
“Loving My Actual Life” demonstrates what a few tiny changes in your routine can improve your enjoyment of life.
It will teach you how to slow down, come to terms with reality, and be grateful for what you have.
Above all, the book will make you realize the significance of the smaller moments that make up your life.
The book chronicles Niequist’s personal journey to finding peace and simplicity through prayer and connection to those who matter the most.
It urges you to rethink your life’s landscape and consider what happens if you leave all the pressure behind.
This life-changing practice involves being present, settling down, and enjoying the ordinary and the messy.
Niequist will guide you through re-embracing your old life and essential self before you get caught up with the rat race and the constant burden to be perfect.
“Present Over Perfect” is about decluttering your daily life and concentrating on what is truly important.
You will find a series of essays on how to overcome stress and feelings of inadequacy, learn to say no, and stop caring about other people’s opinions.
While Niequist quoted the Scripture, this was done sparingly and only to emphasize her points.
Light and conversational, this book will resonate with people of all faiths.
