(113 pp., Wisdom Publications, 2007)

In this new book, one can “hear” Joseph Goldstein’s characteristic voice—down-to-earth, good-humored, keenly interested in the play of mind. He examines the connection between how we live our ordinary lives and how we can hold our strong differences of view in a larger societal context. He asks, “In situations of suffering, whether small interpersonal conflicts or huge disasters of violence and destruction . . . what is our most fundamental wish?” He offers practical advice: “As an experiment, the next time you are doing an errand, stuck in traffic or standing on line at the supermarket, instead of being preoccupied with where you’re going or what needs to be done, take a moment to simply send loving wishes to all those around you.” Or when in a hurry: “Learn to pay attention to this feeling of rushing. . . . Then, just for a moment, stop and settle back into the body: feel the foot on the ground, feel the next step.” Through such practices our everyday activities become infused with greater awareness and generosity of heart—and we and the world around us are healed at the same time.

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From the Spring 2008 issue of Inquiring Mind (Vol. 24, No. 2)

© 2008 Daphne Slocombe