BOOK OF THE MONTH: JUNE 2018

ABOUT THE BOOK

"Our world is an overwhelming place. Each day’s commitments to career and family take everything we’ve got, and we struggle to focus on our health, relationships, and purpose in life. Technology brings endless information to our fingertips, but the one thing we really want – a sense of satisfaction and contentment – remains out of reach. This book is here to change all of that. With practice, you can stop time, refuel, and focus on the things that really matter, even among the chaos, and this no-nonsense life mastery programme brings together clear tools to elevate your existence so that you can step up and live your life to the fullest."

Warning: this is not a fluffy self-help book. Author Shojai hates TV, caffeine, commuting and expensive handbags and expects you to do the same by the time you finish this book. The thing is, you just might (!) thanks to his persuasive arguments for keeping life simple and getting back to nature to improve happiness.

WHY I CHOSE THIS AS BOOK OF THE MONTH FOR SHELF HELP

I love the format, which includes a case study, an analysis of a problem and a combination of solutions for most modern issues, including not enough time, energy, sleep or money, low self-esteem, high stress levels and being stuck in a rut. And the book includes LOADS of brilliant, usable tips that are based in the East but translated for those of us just trying to do our best and sometimes watch less Kardashians in the West.

THE BEST BITS?

Shojai doesn’t pull any punches and loves a call to action (and a swear word or two) but ultimately his advice is brilliantly simple. These are some of my favourite quotes:

💫 “Grow or die.”

💫 “We used to eat plants. Now we eat crap that’s made in plants.”

💫 “The Urban Monk doesn’t buy bullshit he doesn’t need.”

💫 “Your ‘later’ will always look the same if your ‘now’ is chaotic.”

💫 “Do not stay up late on a Sunday night. This is suicide.”

💫 “An Urban Monk doesn’t worry about status; therefore, she is free.”

💫 “Eat like a sick person once a week.”

💫 “You have permission to chill”

💫 “Garbage in = Garbage out.”

💫 “Killing time is killing life.”

ABOUT AUTHOR PEDRAM SHOjAI

Pedram Shojai, OMD, is the New York Times bestselling author of The Urban Monk and The Art of Stopping Time, the founder of Well.org, editor of BeMore! magazine, producer of the movies Vitality and Origins, and the cohost of The Health Bridge podcast. An ordained priest of the Yellow Dragon Monastery in China, he is an acclaimed Qigong master, master herbalist, and Doctor of Oriental Medicine. Shojai conducts seminars and retreats around the world and is the founder of the Taoist Path School of Alchemy. He lives in Irvine, CA, with his family.

Shojai says: ""I’ve done a lot and I’ve also sat on my ass meditating for years. I was a Taoist monk for four years and decided my place was back here in the real world where I feel I can make a bigger impact. I’m not a guru. Don’t follow me. Take some tips and step into your own greatness. The world needs YOU- not more gurus. We need more leaders and not followers. I’m here to help you step into that. I’ve got your back. Now its time to learn some skills and commit to being awesome."

Find out more at the urbanmonk.com where you can sign up for LOADS of great content and also access The Urban Monk podcast and video interviews.

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