Traditional & Secular Mindfulness in the Modern West

A middle-aged man with white hair and a beard practicing secular mindfulness meditation on a rock by a river

Is mindfulness meditation just for monks and spiritual seekers? Can everyday people benefit from this ancient practice? In Altered Traits, Daniel Goleman and Richard Davidson explain how mindfulness has evolved from its traditional roots to become a popular tool for self-improvement. Today, people approach meditation through various paths, ranging from deep spiritual practices to casual stress relief techniques. Keep reading to understand traditional and secular mindfulness approaches in the West.

Rest Is Resistance: Book Overview & Takeaways (Tricia Hersey)

A woman wearing glasses and blue jeans reading a book while lying in a hammock in the summertime with trees in the background

Is rest truly a form of resistance? Can taking a break actually lead to social change? Rest Is Resistance, a book by Tricia Hersey (the “Nap Bishop”), challenges our society’s obsession with productivity. The book offers both inspiration and practical advice for reclaiming our lives from exhaustion and burnout. Keep reading for an overview of the book and to discover how rest can be a radical act of self-care and societal transformation.

Principles for Dealing With the Changing World Order by Ray Dalio

A bearded man wearing glasses and a denim jacket reading a book in a cafe by a window with shelves of dishes behind him

How does history unfold in cycles? What can we learn from studying these patterns? Principles for Dealing with the Changing World Order by Ray Dalio explores the cyclical nature of history and its impact on global powers. Dalio examines how empires rise and fall, economies expand and contract, and societies experience periods of harmony and discord. Keep reading for our overview of this book, and discover Dalio’s insights on navigating an uncertain future in a changing world.

Aware: Book Overview & Key Takeaways (Daniel J. Siegel)

A woman with long hair wearing a bluish sweater holding an open hardcover book

How can you expand your consciousness and improve your overall well-being? What benefits might you experience from strengthening your awareness? Aware, a book by Daniel J. Siegel, introduces a meditation tool called the Wheel of Awareness. This practice aims to enhance your focus, emotional health, and cognitive abilities. It also claims to offer physical benefits such as improved immune function and heart health. Read on for an overview of Siegel’s book.

Brain Energy: Book Overview (Christopher M. Palmer)

A man reading a book at a table in a cafe next to a window and in front of a brick wall

What if the key to understanding and treating mental illness isn’t in the brain itself, but in how the brain gets its energy? Could improving your metabolic health alleviate symptoms of mental illness? Christopher M. Palmer’s book Brain Energy explores the connection between mental health and metabolism. He proposes that mental disorders stem from metabolic issues affecting brain function and offers insights into how lifestyle changes can boost metabolic efficiency and potentially improve mental health. Continue reading for our Brain Energy book overview.

The Benefits of Awareness: Dan Siegel on Living in the Moment

A close-up of a smiling woman looking out the window where the sun is shining illustrates the benefits of awareness

How can living in the present moment enhance your life? What physical benefits might you experience from expanding your awareness? In his book Aware, Dan Siegel discusses the transformative power of awareness in your daily life. From deepening connections to improving mental flexibility, the benefits of awareness extend far beyond the mind. Read on to unlock the secrets of a more conscious and fulfilling life.

The Live-to-Work Mentality: 3 Myths of Grind Culture

Coworkers with a live-to-work mentality working at computers in an open workspace in the evening

Is your work-life balance out of whack? Have you forgotten how to truly rest and enjoy leisure time? The live-to-work mentality has become deeply ingrained in our society, warping our relationship with rest and leisure. Many people find themselves unable to stop working, either because they’ve forgotten how to relax or believe they don’t deserve a break. Keep reading to explore three myths behind this toxic belief system that Tricia Hersey identifies in her book Rest Is Resistance.

The Love Prescription: Book Overview (John & Julie Gottman)

A woman with a ponytail and sweater sitting in a chair at home reading a book with plants and shelves in the background

Is the spark in your relationship still alive? What small changes could make a big difference in your love life? The Love Prescription, a book by relationship experts and married couple Julie Schwartz Gottman and John Gottman, reveals how daily acts of kindness and connection can transform your partnership. Their seven-day plan offers practical tips to help couples thrive. Continue reading to learn the Gottmans’ advice for lasting love.

Do Rich People Have Friends? Guarding Yourself & Your Money

Two men and two women chatting at a swanky cocktail party illustrates the question, "Do rich people have friends?"

Do rich people have friends? How do wealthy individuals navigate their relationships? Wealth can complicate friendships and social connections. In his insights on this topic, millionaire Felix Dennis emphasizes the importance of maintaining old friendships and being cautious with new acquaintances. He also offers advice on giving money to loved ones and managing personal security. Keep reading to discover how the rich can cultivate genuine relationships while protecting themselves from those with ulterior motives.

Ray Dalio: China & the US Are Key to Understanding the Future

Chinese and American flags illustrate Ray Dalio's China and US analysis

Is China poised to become the world’s next superpower? What factors are shaping the future of US-China relations? According to Ray Dalio, China and the US are the ones to watch. In his book Principles for Dealing With the Changing World Order, he examines key concepts such as human inventiveness, economic cycles, and geopolitical tensions to paint a picture of China’s rising influence and the challenges facing the US. Read on to discover Dalio’s thought-provoking analysis of these two global giants and their potential trajectories in the coming years.