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The brilliant book of calm: Down to Earth Ideas for Finding Inner Peace in a Chaotic World
For most of us, trying to find a moment of peace in our hectic schedule is like searching for a needle in a haystack. When faced with a crisis it's more likely that we'll fly into a panic than calmly assess the situation and formulate a plan to deal with the problem. With the help of The brilliant book of calm you can take charge of your life like never before, so that when push comes to shove and the proverbial hits the fan, all you need to do is take a deep breath before you deal with whatever life has thrown at you. Packed with advice on how to slow down, calm down and find your inner Zen master, The brilliant book of calm will help you find and maintain a balanced perspective on life, so that you can deal with anything. Whether you're permanently stressed-out or just in need of a bit of a push in a calmer direction, Tania Ahsan's road-tested advice will enable you to live a calmer, richer and happier life. Simply brilliant.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2008
79 people are currently reading
295 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 13, 2018
52 brilliant ideas? Hmmm, some of them are, some of them not so much. While there is good advice contained in this book, there's also a middling dependence on mysticism: coincidences, synchronicity, aromatherapy etc.
It's a pleasant read, but if you approach this book with the knowledge that the aim of any self-help guide is to make its author money, then you can't go wrong. There are exceptions to this, at least in my thinking - and a quick glance over at my reviewed books will back this up, but in the end, that's the motivation behind these guides. At least I think so.
It's a pleasant read, but if you approach this book with the knowledge that the aim of any self-help guide is to make its author money, then you can't go wrong. There are exceptions to this, at least in my thinking - and a quick glance over at my reviewed books will back this up, but in the end, that's the motivation behind these guides. At least I think so.
September 9, 2017
This book really gives you a lot to think about ways you can make your life a happier place to be in. Short chapters you can just dip into for an idea are really useful, and the questions and answers she gives at the end of those chapters show different ways you can incorporate the idea in the chapter into your own life are a brilliant idea.
January 17, 2012
Usually I steer clear of books that start with adjectives extolling the virtues or excellence of the contents within. Maybe I should have kept to my usual practice. I didn't find the book outstandingly talented or for that matter intelligent in its content. However it was a showy little number that is worthy of a read; if for nothing else other than some of the motivational quotes sandwiched between the real detail and the problem page Q&A section at the end of each chapter.
Having said all that there is a good presentational approach which allows the reader to dip in and out of the book as one would do at a picnic. There are 52 chapters, each headed up with quirky but relevant headings. The chapters are not too long which allows for short sharp bursts of motivation to be digested in bite size chunks. Each of these short chapters is sliced up into four sections:
1) the meat of the subject or the how to motivate oneself. There is some good advice in these short pieces and it is written in a jaunty fashion that is easy to follow along. The way this is written lends itself well to the pick up and put down approach of the coffee break reader.
2) The 'here's an idea for you' or exercise for the reader to test the resolve. It would not be a motivational book if there was no follow up exercises and one must expect to be doing as well as reading.
3) The 'defining idea' or the quote of the chapter that one can scribble down and nibble on for a while. I found these useful for self-reflection and even wrote a couple of them down to 'post-it note' it above my desk. A little reminder for the day.
4) And lastly the 'how did it go' section which reads more like a magazine problem page. This is the part I gave up on because I am just not into other people's questions and answers from the expert.
In total there are 52 chapters and maybe it is written as such that it can be read, practised and reflected upon over a year using one chapter a week. I am not sure I could keep to that pace; I might fall asleep before the end of the year. I did give out on the Q&A sections before the half-way mark so that cut down my reading time. Towards the end I noticed the chapters were getting less meaty so maybe even the author was slowing down too. However, it is worth a read and does have some good tips, ideas and quotes. On the whole it is just another motivational book that sparkles a little above others but nothing to sing home about. I feel this book lies somewhere between a 3 and a 4 star rating. The reason I rate it 3 stars is because I felt inclined to skip the Q&A sections after a while. Good little book though for dipping in and out off and easy to read.
Having said all that there is a good presentational approach which allows the reader to dip in and out of the book as one would do at a picnic. There are 52 chapters, each headed up with quirky but relevant headings. The chapters are not too long which allows for short sharp bursts of motivation to be digested in bite size chunks. Each of these short chapters is sliced up into four sections:
1) the meat of the subject or the how to motivate oneself. There is some good advice in these short pieces and it is written in a jaunty fashion that is easy to follow along. The way this is written lends itself well to the pick up and put down approach of the coffee break reader.
2) The 'here's an idea for you' or exercise for the reader to test the resolve. It would not be a motivational book if there was no follow up exercises and one must expect to be doing as well as reading.
3) The 'defining idea' or the quote of the chapter that one can scribble down and nibble on for a while. I found these useful for self-reflection and even wrote a couple of them down to 'post-it note' it above my desk. A little reminder for the day.
4) And lastly the 'how did it go' section which reads more like a magazine problem page. This is the part I gave up on because I am just not into other people's questions and answers from the expert.
In total there are 52 chapters and maybe it is written as such that it can be read, practised and reflected upon over a year using one chapter a week. I am not sure I could keep to that pace; I might fall asleep before the end of the year. I did give out on the Q&A sections before the half-way mark so that cut down my reading time. Towards the end I noticed the chapters were getting less meaty so maybe even the author was slowing down too. However, it is worth a read and does have some good tips, ideas and quotes. On the whole it is just another motivational book that sparkles a little above others but nothing to sing home about. I feel this book lies somewhere between a 3 and a 4 star rating. The reason I rate it 3 stars is because I felt inclined to skip the Q&A sections after a while. Good little book though for dipping in and out off and easy to read.
January 5, 2013
I love self help books, but I have to admit that I rarely follow up on the advice that they give. The moment I started reading this I actually began to jot down a few of her ideas.
What I really loved about this book is the way the author does not take herself too seriously. I often read self help books and feel as though some of the authors are talking at you rather than giving you tips on how to manage your life. Tania Ahsan made everything sound such fun and easy to do that I felt compelled to try her tips and ideas out immediately. I did not feel like a naughty child being scolded, the book came across like a conversation with a good friend, and for me that is the type of self help bok that will kick me into action.
After each tip Tania follows up with "Here's an idea for you" which is a way to bring that tip into being for yourself. This in turn is followed up by a "defining idea" which is a quote that a famous person has said, and then finally, that is followed up by a question and answer relating to that particular tip; where people have struggled to follow her advice and she gives a different viewpoint on the tip, or on how the person has tried to go about incorporating that tip.
The entire book is so laid back and relaxed you almost forget it is self help. It feels friendly and approachable and is free on kindle right now, so what more could you ask for? This is one self help book I have thoroughly enjoyed and am having no problem with the ideas and tips on how to improve my life. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading it and cannot recommend it enough.
A must read!
What I really loved about this book is the way the author does not take herself too seriously. I often read self help books and feel as though some of the authors are talking at you rather than giving you tips on how to manage your life. Tania Ahsan made everything sound such fun and easy to do that I felt compelled to try her tips and ideas out immediately. I did not feel like a naughty child being scolded, the book came across like a conversation with a good friend, and for me that is the type of self help bok that will kick me into action.
After each tip Tania follows up with "Here's an idea for you" which is a way to bring that tip into being for yourself. This in turn is followed up by a "defining idea" which is a quote that a famous person has said, and then finally, that is followed up by a question and answer relating to that particular tip; where people have struggled to follow her advice and she gives a different viewpoint on the tip, or on how the person has tried to go about incorporating that tip.
The entire book is so laid back and relaxed you almost forget it is self help. It feels friendly and approachable and is free on kindle right now, so what more could you ask for? This is one self help book I have thoroughly enjoyed and am having no problem with the ideas and tips on how to improve my life. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading it and cannot recommend it enough.
A must read!
November 3, 2014
The Brilliant Book of Calm by Tania Alhan is a quick read and a simply self-help book. I don't usually read this type of book but was attracted to the cover.
The author discusses 52 ideas of how to have a calmer life. Many of them I had already thought of myself. Don't think there is anything new here. But she presents them with an easy reading style and a great sense of humor.
After each discussion of an idea, she has an assignment for her readers, and then asked if it went OK. That was followed by a set of questions by readers who had trouble or couldn't start the challenge. Then she answers those with either something funny or something serious depending on the circumstance.
It was a pleasant read and it reminds me of a feel tricks that I had forgotten. She also spiced the chapters up with quotes. The one that I liked the most was from Ann Landers, "No person who can read is ever good at cleaning out an attic".
I think I would recommend this e-book to anyone who feels they need to slow down and relax a bit.
The author discusses 52 ideas of how to have a calmer life. Many of them I had already thought of myself. Don't think there is anything new here. But she presents them with an easy reading style and a great sense of humor.
After each discussion of an idea, she has an assignment for her readers, and then asked if it went OK. That was followed by a set of questions by readers who had trouble or couldn't start the challenge. Then she answers those with either something funny or something serious depending on the circumstance.
It was a pleasant read and it reminds me of a feel tricks that I had forgotten. She also spiced the chapters up with quotes. The one that I liked the most was from Ann Landers, "No person who can read is ever good at cleaning out an attic".
I think I would recommend this e-book to anyone who feels they need to slow down and relax a bit.
March 9, 2012
Little bit quirky in a light way by a British author, so it's fun hearing the British slang. Some interesting and practical new ways of creating calm in one's life. I particularly liked the idea of wearing different colors to assist yourself; for example: red if you need more courage or indigo if you need more insight. The other idea that sparked my interest was to create an itinerary of your perfect day (post lottery winning)and allow yourself no limits. Then review it and see how that influences you to pursue a life more in tune with your true longings. Hmmm...shall I move to the ocean? Enjoyable read.
January 3, 2013
This is a cute little book I found on my Kindle one day for free so I downloaded it, curious as to the suggestions it could give me. It really wasn't a bad little book. Some of the suggestions were a bit self-explanatory, but then they may not be so to others, but there were others I never would have thought of and really work quite well. Definitely something you should pick up - and you don't have to read it all at once - just pick it up when you're in need and try the next suggestion you come to.
July 15, 2012
This book is delightful to read. If you need to punctuate your hectic day with a moment of calm and joy, this book delivers. The author is humorous, and she highlights the realities of life in a manner that grabs at the bones. It tickles! Her advice is spot on with having a good feeling. I love how her accent comes through her writing. This is a charming book that I would love to give as a gift to many people!
August 29, 2012
Great book that reminds us to "just relax". Ahsan made a good point at the beginning of the book... "We're so driven in our society that we think even feelings of calm should be competitive. "I'm calmer and more sorted than you...nah nah nah". And its somewhat true for some people and they might not even know they're doing it. The format is not a "self help" book, but rather, a collection of concepts...each of which can be digested quickly and put into practice.
August 21, 2014
Maybe I AM doing some things right as I struggle to keep calm in a difficult world.
Idea#1 that I liked: the use of a 'talking' stick(or object) to take turns communicating or answering questions.
Idea # 2: commune with nature or hug trees. I forget that even though it is so special to me.
This book is definitely one to read often to remind myself to keep calm.
Idea#1 that I liked: the use of a 'talking' stick(or object) to take turns communicating or answering questions.
Idea # 2: commune with nature or hug trees. I forget that even though it is so special to me.
This book is definitely one to read often to remind myself to keep calm.
December 29, 2011
This book had a lot of good ideas. You may not use every single one but out of 52 I'm sure you'll find several that work for you. As of now, you can also find this book for free at the Amazon Kindle store.
February 4, 2012
Another great '52 Ideas' book. Honestly, there are tons of ideas in here that I'd never thought of. Ideas that I can easily put into practice. An easy book to dip in and out of, and written with humour (my sort of humour) and in an approachable style. Recommended.
June 12, 2013
If you only read one self help book this year make it this one. Lots of practical help to get you through. I am the first to admit I don't take enough time to myself or relax and things have changed since reading this book. Highly recommend it.
January 2, 2012
Mostly obvious and uninspiring ideas.
March 2, 2012
Some solid, practical advice and sound psychology presented in a refreshingly down-to-earth style with a lot of humour. Entertaining.
Read
February 25, 2016kindle (metaphysical collection)
October 27, 2012
I enjoyed the many great ideas that I found in this book on how to stay calm during stressful times.
October 11, 2012
Easy to read, lots of information, most of which is just common sense. Nothing profound here!
December 31, 2012
I was hoping this would be coping techniques to deal with anxiety, panic attacks, and PTSD.
August 10, 2013
Helpfully little book, great to keep going back to. Would recommend.
August 25, 2013
There was nothing in this book which I did not already know. I did give it three stars for the fact that I really enjoyed the way it was written though.
December 31, 2013
I'm not sure when or why I bought this, I think I've had it a few years unread. This was ok. I liked some of its contents but most of the ideas went a little bit too far for me.
February 5, 2014
Not bad. A bit too feminine. Far too many mentions about ex boyfriends and scented candles etc for the average man but still some decent suggestions.
June 23, 2014
At times mildly amusing, at times stated the obvious! One of those shelf fillers - I think there are better books out there on the same topic, but overall an interesting read
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews