Reviews: Spirit

December 28, 2003

The Art of Living - Epictetus / Lebell

Happiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding of one principle: Some things are within our control, and some things are not. It is only after you have faced up to this fundamental rule and learned to distinguish between what you can and can't control that inner tranquility and outer effectiveness become possible.
Within our control are our own opinions, aspirations, desires, and the things that repel us. These areas are quite rightly our concern, because they are directly subject to our influence. We always have a choice about the contents and character of our inner lives.
Outside our control, however, are such things as what kind of body we have, whether we're born into wealth or strike it rich, how we are regarded by others, and our status in society. We must remember that those things are externals and are therefore not our concern. Trying to control or to change what we cannot only results in torment.

Continue reading "The Art of Living - Epictetus / Lebell"

Posted by elise at 2:05 PM | Permalink | Email to a friend

July 30, 2003

Learning to Fall - Philip Simmons

Philip Simmons at age 35 was diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease, a terminal disease in which you gradually lose all motor capability. In Learning to Fall: The Blessings of an Imperfect Life, Philip presents a series of essays - thoughtful, gentle observations on being human. Philip reminds us that life is terminal and that it never turns out as we expect it to. Loved ones die, careers crash, health fails. We are always falling down. And it is in the very falling that we discover the preciousness of life.

Given that in the last two years my company went bankrupt, my roommate and dear friend passed away from brain cancer, I got sick and wasn't able to work for a year, I can relate to things falling down. Sometimes it's overwhelming, but the flip side is that priorities become pretty clear - living life with a loving and open heart, staying healthy, being available to those I love.

This is a good book, especially if you are facing fundamental life uncertainty. It is reassuring to see that the uncertainty is what really underlies everything and that one can learn to live fully and well with it.

Posted by elise at 10:40 AM | Permalink | Email to a friend