The One Who Is Not Busy: Connecting with Work in a Deeply Satisfying Way

by Darlene Cohen

Do
*Ever feel like you consistently take on more that you have time to do?
*Ever wish you could not only get things done, but also enjoy doing them?
*Feel like you're barely making it through one ragged week to the next?
*Live only for weekends and a chance to put your feet up and close your eyes?
"Busyness" is the problem. Knowing how to manage it is the solution.

Genres: Buddhism, Nonfiction, Self Help, Psychology, Spirituality

144 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I head into one of the busiest months, I catch myself thinking back to suggestions from "The One Who Is Not Busy, Connecting with Work in a Deeply Satisfying Way". The author has expanded on the theme from "Bird by Bird" by Anne Lamott. Anne's brother put off writing a report about birds while on his vacation. As he began to panic about getting it done, his dad reminded him to just do it bird by bird. When life is too crazy, this book will teach you how to focus "bird by bird". My favorite exercise is a walking meditation focusing on bones and muscles.

[Rachel Knox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast read. So great, I use the tools in this book everyday.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really interesting book about using concentration and mindfulness to control our work flow and our stress level. To be both busy and not busy at the same time.
pg. 119 "After we have learned to hold our deepest values constantly before us while being aware of the minutiae of our daily activities, we are ready to evaluate every act we do in terms of how we want to spend time, what we want to be accomplishing, how we want to be living, and what aspects of ourselves we want to strengthen or diminish. People's lives take on an added dimension of satisfaction when they begin to tailor their activities to reflect their deepest sensibilities. Being present to both our values and our immediate experience, we don't get bogged down in wondering whether this job is worth the money or whether we should either adjust to a less-than-perfect situation or leave all together. The information is right there, in our feelings, in our body sensations, every moment of our workday. We may decide the money is worth the discomfort for a time, but it will never be a question of our not registering the discomfort involved. We won't waste time going over our deadline nor bemoaning our helplessness."

[Adam Zuwerink · Rating 5 out of 5]

I randomly found this book at my local library and was sad to find out that Ms. Cohen has passed away. It is a quick, but profound, introduction to bringing Zen concepts into our busy work and personal lives. I look forward to the practice of being both "busy" and "not busy" at the same time.

[A Ter · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a little disappointing. Maybe the material was novel when written, but I think it's out of date at this point.

[Kristine · Rating 3 out of 5]

At first this seemed wonderful, inspiring, and perfectly timed, since I was in the middle of trying to write most of a book in a month. Some nice, if vague, thoughts in the beginning about being completely focused on the task at hand and then switching to big-picture thoughts – sort of a sophisticated argument against multitasking. By chapter 4 there were Exercises to do, clench your right toes while relaxing your left fingers, and I started to just read through them instead of doing them, and then I quit reading.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read & valuable, if you are willing to reap the benefits of becoming the one who is not busy. (I am.) I glossed over the zen-speak and "narrowed my mind" with specific techniques she recommended to change my focus. They worked. I'm a convert.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short, sweet little book about finding the joy - and the Zen - in the process of work, not necessarily the product. Definitely helps you remember your priorities.

[Meisiska Vemilia · Rating 3 out of 5]

belajar bagaimana caranya berkonsentrasi. hmm.

[Vivera Siregar · Rating 3 out of 5]

belajar fokus pada masa kini, tidak terjebak masa lalu, sehingga lebih berkonsentrasi pada apa yang sedang dilakukan

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will use a few of her suggestions that I had not heard before.

[Rob Cantrall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just read through it once, now need to try the exercises to see how effective the method is overall. Definitely seems solid.

[Ira · Rating 3 out of 5]

Impressive book about practising zen at work, and relaxing our soul! www.iralennon.blogspot.com