Sunday 31 July 2011

Book Review of NOW Embracing the Present Moment by Richard A Singer.


In 2007 I began to train for the London Marathon. I am not a natural athlete so the training was hard. As I started to run longer and longer distances I found myself breaking them up into manageable chunks in my mind and I focussed on NOW. All I allowed myself to think about was the NOW – if I am feeling ok right NOW then I am doing alright.

If only I had read Richard A Singer’s little book at that time it would have confirmed in my mind that this was not only a way of training well for a marathon, it was a way in which to live my whole life well.
The book is split into two sections. The first is a group of 99 quotations from various writers and philosophers, intended to be dipped into daily. Singer adds a post script to each quote to explain how to adapt its message to your life. The second section is a collection of essays, each focussed, again, on how to live one’s life in the moment.



As Paul Coelho is quoted as saying, “No matter how long you wait, it will never be tomorrow. The only time to be happy, peaceful or joyous is Now; this present moment is all that will ever be.”

The philosophy of the book is so simple and yet stunningly meaningful. The only thing we really have control over in life is ourselves. If we live every moment as if it were our last, give our full attention to the people and things around us then will we be truly happy.

Thinking, living in the moment seems to slow everything down. I have been trying to live my life this way since Singer’s book arrived on my doormat and I have to say that I have experienced some beautiful moments. Stopping in the hubbub of the day to sit in the sunshine and listen to a little girl read, really listening to my son as he talks about his worries, breathing in the fragrance of the buddleia tree in my garden …

Richard A Singer’s NOW Embracing the Present Moment is a book of simple thoughts that touch deeply. It is easy to read, enjoyable to read and it is a precious addition to my library.


Article first published as Book Review: NOW: Embracing the Present Moment by Richard A. Singer on Blogcritics. 

4 comments:

Caz said...

Sounds right up my alley - I'm going to check it out.

rick said...

thanks so much for the great review. im releasing a third edition of my first book that won several awards in december, i would love for you to review it as well. send me an email at ras9999@aol.com if interested and i will send you the pdf.

thanks again and im so glad you enjoyed the book. please share it with everyone.

Inkling said...

Hey my friend across the pond....

I've got some good friends here from the UK and they told me what's happening in your neck of the woods right now. Are you guys okay? Is your area impacted by the violence? I so hope you are okay and am so sad that your country is dealing with such a tragic and scary chain of events.

I know we don't share the same faith, but I can't help but say a prayer for you and your family that you guys are okay, safe, and protected from the sad craziness that is happening. Please do keep us posted when you are able.

xoxo

sarah at secret housewife said...

Hello Caz, Rick and Inkling! So sorry not to have replied to you sooner, but I have been in France for a couple of weeks.

Caz I am so glad you like the sound of this book - I loved it and I am sure you will too. x

Rick I am so pleased you liked my review. What a thrill to have you come to my blog! I shall certainly email you in a moment or two as I would be honoured to review your new edition.Thank you so much for coming by and thinking of me.

Inkling my friend, I am absolutely fine and very touched that you were concerned for me.The riots were well away from where we live, although talking to my neighbours it sounds as though the time was one of shock and fear for many people, even around here. Thank you for your prayers and thoughts for us. I feel very fortunate to have your friendship. x

Sarah x