The Art of Uncertainty: How to Live in the Mystery of Life and Love It

by Dennis Merritt Jones

What if we could learn to accept I don't know and embrace the possibility that the future is full of mystery, excitement, and unlimited opportunity?

The Art of Uncertainty is an invitation to the reader to consider its essential learning to love the unknown by staying present in the moment. If the difficulties of recent years have taught us anything--particularly those who "did everything right" and still saw it all fall apart--it's that none of us has as much control over our lives as we believe. The only thing we can control is our next thought.

What if we could learn how to be at peace with uncertainty and embrace the possibility that the future is full of mystery, excitement, and unlimited opportunity? What if we discovered that a new paradigm can be more fulfilling, more rewarding, and more peaceful than what we have known? Living in the I don't know and loving it is an art form we can all master and The Art of Uncertainty is the perfect guidebook.

Genres: Self Help, Spirituality, Psychology, Nonfiction, Personal Development

304 pages, Paperback

First published June 9, 2011

Reviews

[Mehrdad · Rating 2 out of 5]

این کتاب در عین حال هم خیلی خوبه و هم خیلی بد! قسمت خوبش اینه که خیلی از تئوری های مثبتی که پایه و اساس مشخصی دارن رو معرفی میکنه و برای هرکدون هم انتهای بخش یه سری تمرین داره. مهمترین اون تئوری ها هم قسمتیه که آدمو یاد "تئوری انتخاب" از دکتر گلاسر میندازه. اما بخش بد کتاب اینه که حتی تفکراتی که پایه و اساس خاص روانشناسی یا فلسفی یا تجربی ای ندارن هم مطرح شدن.. چیزی شبیه به "راز" و اینکه همه قراره خوشبخت شن و کائنات در راستای اراده مان کااملا! و خب چنین دیدی کاملا شعارگونه و حتی مسخره ست.. درست مثل دید برعکسش که همگی صددرصد محکوم به بدبختی هستیم! و قسمت آزار دهنده ی دیگه اینه که برای تایید و گواه حرف هاش نویسنده از جملات قصار افراد معروف استفاده کرده که خیلیاشون حتی روانشناس یا فیلسوف هم نبودن..و خب اگه حرفی توسط یک آدم معروف زده بشه لزوماً به معنی این نیست که درسته.. در کل کتاب نمره 2.5/5 رو میگیره از من!

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

So many books, so little time. I got about half way and realized there would be no further message. Unfortunately the book just continues to repeat itself: find the spiritual joy in not knowing what life will hand you, tragedy and all. I buy it to a point, but it was too optimistic; there are circumstances that require a longer time to process pain, grief, or anger (i.e. rape, incest, murderer, death) . The religious component was also a bit too evangelical (and changing the word God to Nature or Life didn't disguise the agenda). All in all chapter one was fine, but after that the author became irritating.

[Roux Stellarsphyr · Rating 1 out of 5]

Pseudo-profound statements and buzzwords with popular psychology-derived platitudes masquerading as advice. You could compare this to the journal article by Pennycook et al. here (journal.sjdm.org/15/15923a/jdm15923a....)

The most one can get out of this are from the quotes that Jones relies very heavily upon. It would be best to just read the source material. That and Chödrön's Uncomfortable with Uncertainty--a much more useful and accessible tome.

And dear god avoid this audiobook. You can actually feel the pretension and hollowness of ideas.

[Gamal Hennessy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I stopped reading this book about 20% of the way through because it gave me no inspiration to continue. The book felt less about a graceful method of dealing with the basic mystery of life and more a string of vague platitudes saying little and going nowhere. I feel his basic premise is vital to being human and thank him for writing this book, but I found more insight in Alan Watts, Pema Chadron and Takuan Soto.

[Sean Goh · Rating 2 out of 5]

While being mindful, practicing detachment and trusting that everything will work out (realistic optimism) are laudable principles, DMJ degenerates into new-agey 'you can be as God' psychobabble which is a total turn off. There are still nice quotes contained within though.

Realisation without application is hallucination.

All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another. -Anatole France

The energy that drives most negative habits and addictions is the need to avoid dealing with how we really feel about ourselves and life in the present moment. Dead-end living is safe and comfortable living in the security of conditions that don't demand change, growth, or risk in the present moment.

The most difficult thing to do is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. The fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do. You can act to change and control your life; and the procedure, the process is its own reward.

Making mistakes is not a bad thing, if in the process you learn from the mistake and it moves you off the sidelines into the game. Once in motion one can choose to reset their compass if necessary. What is more important is to not allow the fear of making mistakes from keeping one from stepping into the mystery of the unknown, which new creation takes place.

Pay attention to sources of extreme discomfort or extreme excitement.

[Kiersten · Rating 2 out of 5]

While Jones addressed ways to settle into feelings of uncertainty (live in the moment, be patient, trust that the journey will work out), the book mostly addressed how to be brave and initiate change in one's life (which obviously may bring about uncertainty). Since I love change and I am generally living life intentionally and following through on my visions of the future, I didn't find the book to be incredibly helpful. I am also less god-oriented than the author and couldn't connect with the idea of trusting God to deliver if we just connect with him and are open to His spirit. I think the book would be great for those who aren't happy with their current life situations but don't feel empowered to change it or perhaps are afraid to move forward with change.

[Jacqui · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. There were many parts which I will take guidance from, in particular the mindfulness practices and the parts about being conscious of repeating stories which will come to define you.
However, I found that there was repetition in the content and messaging, and also at times, the writing was "preachy" and profuse.
I also believe this book does not acknowledge that the mindset which the author encourages us to adopt is a privilege to be able to cultivate and sustain in a modern day society marked by competing priorities, mental health, inequality in structures etc.

[Burcu Altintas · Rating 5 out of 5]

For someone who lives an emotionally unstable/ unsure life.. this book will be your haven. This book helped me time after time when i found myself struggling to find hope. As a mentor, I recommend this book to everyone i meet. Whether it be someone who is struggling with panic disorder or a heart severing break up... this book will turn into your bible, as it has to me.

[Natasya Pawanteh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was exactly what a control freak like me needed. Provided good tips on how to let go of things I can't control while still living 'consciously'.

[Amy Gorman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect book for those who are worried about their future. You ca't control the outcome of everything.

[Kristen Freiburger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly what I was supposed to read right now. Glad our paths crossed!

[Nataliia L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides some valuable insights into several puzzle pieces of the mosaic of ‘uncertainty’. It is a well-structured and easy read integrating relevant ideas from other sources. However, it tends to fervently favor ideas from the author’s friends (Zary Zukav and Deepak Chopra in particular), which is not a bad writing strategy per se. Still, such integration does give a feel of cross-promotion at times (something that doesn’t go in hand with quality writing). The art of uncertainty also tends to over-explain some ideas by providing excessive cause/effect details, leaving no room for creative interpretation (which again, is not necessarily indicative of a poor writing capacity, but such a writing tactic limits the appeal of the book as an open-source, applicable, and non-prescriptive compilation of ideas).

Despite the above, the book is worth checking out as it identifies several guiding principles towards how to be ok with uncertainty by bringing attention to the anatomy of fear and the value of letting go of what doesn’t serve you, the significance of intentionality as a compass towards the unknown, ‘possibilitarian’ worldview (seeing life as a bundle of possibilities unattached to time or place but can be located in both darkness and light), commitment to a vision/mission, and attitude/choice as a bi-stratal definitive force that shapes how we see ourselves and others when we 'don’t know’ what’s next to create a life worth living where […] every moment is an entry point into the mystery of uncertainty” (p. 262).

[Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

At first, the book sounded very preachy and describing spiritual/faith-based concepts of trusting in a higher being, so I was a bit turned off, since I was not interested in that. It was a blend of fate/destiny vs God's hand/control and telling me how to live my life, stating very obvious things like you can't control change and you need to embrace change and things like that. The author ends each chapter with telling you how to be mindful and intentional in your thoughts, it was a bit more encouraging. I wasn't expecting a book about directly telling me how to live or such a stereotypical self-help book, so I would've given it 1-2 stars at the beginning. As I continued reading, it became a bit more applicable with examples, so it gets 3 stars. This could've been an interesting book, but it was too much of telling the reader how to live as opposed to describing examples of how to live, so the reader can learn through example and determine on their own how to live. Not recommended except to those that truly don't realize that change is inevitable and to learn to cope with it. Many good reminders, though.

[Char’ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book! It served as a great reminder to be in the present moment and to live life from there. In this book, the author has mindfulness exercises at the end of each chapter to help "solidify" what was discussed as well and points to ponder. For me these served as journal prompts to help me see where I was "stuck" in not living in the moment. The principles in this book (once applied) has allowed me to be present and only focus on what I have going on or am doing in the moment. Our lives are and will be full of uncertainty and there's nothing we can do about that, so living life mindfully is all we can do. To be honest, this book has helped to ease my anxiety.

[Mona Yazdanpanah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Art of Uncertainty by Dennis Merritt Jones is a refreshing exploration of embracing life's uncertainties with courage and curiosity. Jones skillfully dismantles the fear surrounding uncertainty and offers practical tools and insights to navigate it gracefully. Through a blend of philosophical wisdom and practical exercises, readers are encouraged to embrace uncertainty as a catalyst for personal growth and transformation. This book is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to find peace and empowerment in the midst of life's unpredictable twists and turns.

[Skye · Rating 3 out of 5]

Points to take away:
-circulation
-how big is your bucket
-"Often times, your intuition will reveal the guidance you have asked for through a dream, or in a certain passage of a book you may be reading, or perhaps in a conversation you may be having with another person. When you are open to it , the information you seek will find its way to you."

A good reminder! My second book by this author- the first being "Art of Being". I trust this author!

[A.K. White · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful little book chock-full of inspirational quotes and helpful hints for living with the certainty that life is always uncertain. I'd recommend this little beauty to anyone interested in wanting to live a calmer, more balanced life in a hectic world. Oh, and by the way, buy it, don't borrow it - you'll want to re-read it over the years.

[Kris B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an absolutely amazing book--so quotable and exactly what I needed. Every time I picked the book up I felt inspired to really embrace the day. Coming from a person who is in a place where absolutely NOTHING is certain, this book was truly beautiful! I have already recommended it to my mom and several friends. Definitely worth the read!

[Aszifa Aris · Rating 4 out of 5]

UNCERTAINTY = OK when we have FAITH.

List your uncertainties in your life situations :
1)
2)
3)
.
.
.
n)

.:Uncertainty = infinite.

Thus, forget uncertainty.
Focus on FAITH.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will be buying this book. Will be teaching from this book. Amazing, informative, clear, positive, uplifting, just all round great book for everyone esp those working in wellness/health. Love, love that he is a believer in God!!!

[RevCC Coltrain · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm enjoying this book a lot - there are lots of tips on finding new ways to think about this mystery we call life! I enjoy Dennis's style and clarity.

[Angelica Taggart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Am reading this book in my spiritual book circle -- one chapter at a time -- creates lots of discussion! Personally I've gotten a lot of insights from it!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was an easy read with very practical ways to apply the lessons. The material isn't new but I appreciate all these lessons being in one little book in a super accessible format.

[PJ Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book Full of Insight


I just finished a 7 week class where we read through the book and completed the exercises. Very well written.

[Elise H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was well laid out. Had a strong message and was quite accessible.

[Liz Lem · Rating 2 out of 5]

I finished this book so I had to give it at least 2 stars. I read it as part of a book study at Center for Spiritual Living. I learned what it must feel like to want to ban a book. I say this because I felt very angry about the way he described living the life you want. I suppose this must be kind anger people who want to ban books feel. It does show me that much of the anger is in my head. I could have just thought, “Huh, I don’t agree with how he sees it.” and let it go. But I was kind of stuck because I didn’t want to quit the book study and I didn’t want to agree with his point of view. No, I wanted to punish the writer for being so simplistic and blind of his privilege.
I finished the book study and I am relieved it’s over. I got a lot out of the conversations we had as a group about living our personal best life. The other people loved the book and were smiling ear to ear upon finishing it. I’d say that was the benefit of reading it with others. I see different perspectives. I learned a couple of tips so that’s good but I won’t recommend it to anyone.

[Megan French · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I picked this up, I thought it might be a helpful guide for my extreme fear of uncertainty with some wisdom about how to navigate it. That’s not really what this book was. I found a few parts helpful, but overall the book seemed disjointed to me. Each chapter felt kind of random and there were some that I couldn’t connect back to the original premise at all. Not only that, but there were some points he made that seemed to completely contradict others he had made in previous chapters. I also found the writing hard to read and understand. Really, it seems like Jones’s solution for dealing with uncertainty is to just stay positive regardless of your circumstances and go with the flow, but make things happen, but also let the Universe do it’s thing. See? Confusing. Finally, the author mixes a lot of spiritual jargon and while that helps it be widely relatable, it makes it incredibly hard to follow. I’m sure this resource helped people, but I am not one of them.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book grew on me gradually, but not quite enough to give it 3 stars. It merits maybe 2.5 in my head.

It’s fluffy, mumbo-jumbo-y, and extremely repetitive. Also, far more religious than I anticipated. The author loves to quote his other book throughout this book, which is eyeroll-inducing too.

A lot of this is common sense, or at least common themes that you’ve probably heard of lately. Practice gratitude and mindfulness. Put one foot in front of the other. Yada, yada.

It did get me thinking, as books like this often do, so that counts for something. The book should be called “a The Art of Facing Change,” though, as it’s far more about change than uncertainty.

[Kara Marziali · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dennis Merritt Jones invites the reader to be comfortable with uncertainty, be at peace with inconsistency, and embrace change. As someone who is always looking for the "five-year plan" I need reminders such as "this too shall pass," "let go," and "patience is a virtue." These may seem like trite platitudes, but there is much, much more. Chapters include mindful practices and summaries. I appreciate the wisdom contained in this book.

[Danielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some good concepts which were really overshadowed by way way way too many quotes from other people. This was particularly jarring in audiobook form as the narrator would say something interesting, pause and then name the person who'd said his last statement. This really broke up my reading experience. Some redeeming concepts but overall felt like a collection of other people's thoughts smashed together. Would recommend finding another book covering a similar topic if you're interested.