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Awakening Joy: 10 Steps to True Happiness
Awakening Joy is more than just another book about happiness. More than simply offering suggested strategies to change our behavior, it uses time-tested practices to train the mind to learn new ways of thinking. The principles of the course are universal, although much of the material includes Buddhist philosophy drawn from the author’s thirty years as a Buddhist meditation teacher and spiritual counselor.
In these times of economic uncertainty Awakening Joy shows we can get through hard times and use our experience to keep the our heart open while moving from discouragement to well-being, regardless of the external circumstances. Genuine well-being is not expensive. True happiness is not about acquiring anything, but rather about opening to the natural joy and aliveness right inside you.
In this practical down-to-earth guide, readers will learn how to
• make happiness a habit by inclining your mind toward states that lead to well-being
• find joy, even during difficult times, and avoid the pitfalls that prevent you from achieving the contentment you seek
• cultivate effective practices for sustaining joyfulness, such as reclaiming your natural sense of wonder and finding joy in the midst of everyday experiences.
Each chapter of Awakening Joy consists of one of the steps in Baraz’s ten-step program and includes engaging exercises and practical advice to make happiness your natural default setting. For everyone from the cynic who is despondent over life’s many sorrows, to the harried commuter raging at freeway traffic, this book offers up a simple yet powerful message of hope grounded in the realization that joy already exists inside every one of us. Like a precious child, it only needs to be recognized, embraced, and nurtured in order to grow to its full potential
336 pages, Paperback
First published December 17, 2009
355 people are currently reading
3370 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
June 22, 2011
This book really got "in there" for me. Here's an example, from p.199
.... As Catherine recognized, being kind to ourselves includes not condemning ourselves for the feelings that arise. It doesn't make sense to say, "I shouldn't be feeling what I'm feeling." Feelings arise in response to a complex of conditions. You don't say, "I could go for some fear right now" or, "How about a little self-hatred for a minute?" It's not like you have a choice about what pops into your mind. But you do have a choice as to how you respond to the fear or self-hatred when they're present. And that's where you can either deepen your suffering with self-criticism or hold the suffering kindly......
.... As Catherine recognized, being kind to ourselves includes not condemning ourselves for the feelings that arise. It doesn't make sense to say, "I shouldn't be feeling what I'm feeling." Feelings arise in response to a complex of conditions. You don't say, "I could go for some fear right now" or, "How about a little self-hatred for a minute?" It's not like you have a choice about what pops into your mind. But you do have a choice as to how you respond to the fear or self-hatred when they're present. And that's where you can either deepen your suffering with self-criticism or hold the suffering kindly......
September 22, 2012
This book covers the basics of Buddhist meditation practice with an emphasis on cultivating joy. It is good but not spectacular, although it does contain some gems. It probably works better for beginning students as opposed to advanced practitioners. It has almost no technical Buddhist terminology in it. What lowers the rating for me is that I don't really like the format--it has a lot of inserts and sidebars. And, it is written by two people. Each of these makes it jarring to read--the flow is often interrupted. I'm not a fan of books that share information in the format of a personal story of someone the author knows. I find that hokey. If that doesn't bother you, you might enjoy the book more than I did.
February 24, 2017
I really enjoyed James Baraz's 4-part talk on Happiness so I was happy to see that he just published a book based on his happiness workshops. You would think a book about joy would be an easy read. The writing style is accessible yet the content is hardcore in a helpful way. The book offers practical methods for facing what's difficult in life so that you can clear a path to a more fulfilling life - and that includes stories that will bring tears to your eyes. For instance, the story of the mother whose 14 year-old daughter committed suicide and how she healed. The chapter on integrity and his own heartfelt story about making amends. The integrity chapter, for instance, does an excellent job of discussing the emotional benefits of living a truthful life, of "acting with integrity in the moment of choice" and considering how you want to feel and how you need to conduct yourself to create the conditions for those feelings. The book is an emotional roller coaster and yet in ends in a place of peace, just like the practice itself. The last chapter on finding peace in just being was the perfect endnote. A lovely, practical guide to awakening joy by facing what's difficult.
July 8, 2010
Who knew that remembering a positive experience could actually change your brain? Research shows that our gray matter is entirely susceptible to being rewired by pleasing thoughts. Better yet, the more we dwell on them, the more the brain begins to develop a habit or “inclination” to joy.
Authors James Baraz and Shoshana Alexander proffer a wealth of such facts to underscore the value of a happiness practice; they also help to show that real joyfulness is an easier state to maintain than you might think. Their book is based on the 10-step course by the same name, in which participants learn the basic skills they need to foster a greater sense of pleasure in their lives — from establishing a gratitude practice to learning to deal more thoughtfully with disappointments.
Built on a Buddhist framework (though one need not be interested in the philosophy to benefit), the steps are coupled with easy exercises, like practicing well-wishing for an unfamiliar neighbor or taking pleasure in doing the dishes.
The research-centered approach will appeal to interested realists. The program’s spiritual dimension helps anchor the research in a bigger picture. A handy set of tools for amping up your enjoyment of everyday life.
Authors James Baraz and Shoshana Alexander proffer a wealth of such facts to underscore the value of a happiness practice; they also help to show that real joyfulness is an easier state to maintain than you might think. Their book is based on the 10-step course by the same name, in which participants learn the basic skills they need to foster a greater sense of pleasure in their lives — from establishing a gratitude practice to learning to deal more thoughtfully with disappointments.
Built on a Buddhist framework (though one need not be interested in the philosophy to benefit), the steps are coupled with easy exercises, like practicing well-wishing for an unfamiliar neighbor or taking pleasure in doing the dishes.
The research-centered approach will appeal to interested realists. The program’s spiritual dimension helps anchor the research in a bigger picture. A handy set of tools for amping up your enjoyment of everyday life.
February 4, 2017
Meh. I read with a few friends while taking the Awakening Joy class online. The course was also meh. Baraz talked about why you might want to meditate but didn't assume that the reader was a meditator. I have been meditating for some time, and the focus of this complemented my practice, but didn't much enhance it.
If I wasn't reading it for my group, I wouldn't have finished it.
If I wasn't reading it for my group, I wouldn't have finished it.
August 26, 2016
A great introduction to mindfulness, but it's long-winded as hell. Every point gets hammered home and then hammered again and again. Then you meet lots of happy people who suddenly develop cancer. Seriously, everyone gets cancer. I know these are real stories, but christ. Kind of a downer.
Read
February 7, 2026"Awakening Joy: 10 Steps to True Happiness" by James Baraz and Shoshana Alexander explores the idea that genuine happiness does not come from dramatic life changes or extraordinary achievements but from learning to fully experience everyday moments. The book challenges the modern tendency to rush through life distracted by responsibilities, technology, and constant stimulation. Many people overlook simple pleasures because their attention is always focused on what comes next. The authors argue that joy is not something rare or distant; it is a natural state that becomes accessible when individuals slow down and become aware of their internal and external experiences. Through practical techniques and mindful habits, the book explains how people can create a more stable and lasting sense of happiness while building emotional strength and self-understanding.
A central theme of the book is mindfulness, which is presented as the foundation for rediscovering joy. Mindfulness encourages individuals to become fully present in their daily experiences rather than functioning on autopilot. The authors explain that small moments, such as sharing time with loved ones, observing nature, or completing simple tasks, often contain opportunities for happiness that go unnoticed. By practicing awareness, individuals can reconnect with a sense of curiosity and appreciation similar to what they experienced in childhood. Even ordinary routines like drinking coffee or washing dishes can become calming and meaningful when approached with full attention. The book emphasizes that mindfulness requires practice because the human mind naturally wanders. However, short daily exercises, such as focusing on breathing or paying attention to one activity at a time, can gradually strengthen concentration and emotional balance. Over time, these habits allow individuals to feel more grounded and open to joy.
Beyond enhancing positive experiences, mindfulness also plays a crucial role in handling difficult emotions. The authors acknowledge that life inevitably includes stress, disappointment, and sadness, but they argue that these feelings do not have to block happiness entirely. Instead of avoiding or suppressing painful emotions, the book introduces a structured method known as RAIN, which stands for recognizing, allowing, investigating, and non-identifying with emotions. The first step involves noticing and naming feelings to reduce their intensity. The second encourages individuals to accept emotions without trying to eliminate them immediately. The third step promotes curiosity about how emotions manifest physically and mentally, helping individuals understand their experiences more clearly. The final step reminds individuals that emotions are temporary states rather than permanent aspects of identity. By using this approach, people can develop resilience and learn that emotional discomfort naturally changes over time. This understanding reduces fear of difficult feelings and allows joy to return more easily.
Another important focus of the book is the influence of personal beliefs and internal stories on happiness. Many individuals carry negative assumptions about themselves that developed during childhood or past experiences. These beliefs often operate unconsciously and shape reactions to present situations. The authors explain that common patterns include exaggerated thoughts such as believing one mistake defines personal ability or assuming others constantly judge one’s worth. To reduce the impact of these limiting beliefs, the book encourages individuals to identify recurring negative stories and question their accuracy. By observing how these thoughts affect emotions and physical sensations, people can begin to separate themselves from the narratives they have accepted as truth. The authors suggest that viewing these beliefs as temporary mental events creates space for new perspectives and self-discovery. As individuals release outdated self-definitions, they gain freedom to develop a more authentic and flexible sense of identity, which supports emotional well-being.
Self-compassion is presented as another essential element of lasting joy. The book explains that many people maintain harsh inner criticism that undermines confidence and emotional stability. Constant self-judgment drains energy and prevents individuals from recognizing their strengths and achievements. The authors encourage readers to replace self-criticism with kindness and realistic appreciation of their positive qualities. Rather than relying on vague encouragement, individuals are advised to acknowledge specific actions that demonstrate patience, resilience, or generosity. This practice gradually strengthens self-respect and reduces fear of failure. The book also highlights the importance of adopting a growth mindset, which frames challenges as opportunities for learning rather than proof of inadequacy. When individuals accept that personal development is ongoing, they become more willing to take risks, learn from mistakes, and appreciate their progress. This supportive inner attitude creates a stable emotional foundation that allows happiness to flourish.
The authors also emphasize the importance of rest and stillness in maintaining joy. Modern lifestyles often encourage constant productivity, leaving little space for reflection or relaxation. The book argues that genuine contentment grows when individuals allow themselves to pause and experience the present moment without pressure to accomplish something. Rest is described not as laziness but as a necessary balance to activity. Simple practices such as taking slow breaths, observing surroundings, or sitting quietly for a few minutes can restore clarity and calmness. These pauses help individuals reconnect with their thoughts and emotions while reducing stress. The authors suggest that becoming comfortable with stillness may initially feel uncomfortable or boring because people are accustomed to continuous stimulation. However, learning to accept these quiet moments often leads to deeper peace and satisfaction. Over time, the ability to remain present without distraction strengthens emotional stability and enhances appreciation for everyday experiences.
The book demonstrates that all these practices work together to create a sustainable path to happiness. Mindfulness helps individuals notice positive experiences, while emotional awareness prevents negative feelings from becoming overwhelming. Releasing limiting beliefs allows personal growth and authenticity, and self-compassion builds confidence and emotional resilience. Rest and stillness provide the mental clarity needed to maintain these habits. The authors emphasize that joy does not require perfection or constant positivity. Instead, it develops gradually through consistent attention to personal experience and emotional health. By cultivating these habits, individuals can transform their relationship with themselves and their surroundings, making happiness more dependable and natural.
In conclusion, "Awakening Joy: 10 Steps to True Happiness" by James Baraz and Shoshana Alexander presents a practical and thoughtful guide to developing lasting happiness through mindfulness, emotional awareness, and self-compassion. The book teaches that joy is not something to chase through external achievements but something that emerges from paying attention to the present moment and treating oneself with understanding and kindness. By learning to manage difficult emotions, challenge limiting beliefs, appreciate personal strengths, and embrace moments of stillness, individuals can build a deeper sense of calm and fulfillment. Ultimately, the book shows that true happiness grows from everyday experiences and becomes stronger when individuals learn to live with awareness, patience, and acceptance.
A central theme of the book is mindfulness, which is presented as the foundation for rediscovering joy. Mindfulness encourages individuals to become fully present in their daily experiences rather than functioning on autopilot. The authors explain that small moments, such as sharing time with loved ones, observing nature, or completing simple tasks, often contain opportunities for happiness that go unnoticed. By practicing awareness, individuals can reconnect with a sense of curiosity and appreciation similar to what they experienced in childhood. Even ordinary routines like drinking coffee or washing dishes can become calming and meaningful when approached with full attention. The book emphasizes that mindfulness requires practice because the human mind naturally wanders. However, short daily exercises, such as focusing on breathing or paying attention to one activity at a time, can gradually strengthen concentration and emotional balance. Over time, these habits allow individuals to feel more grounded and open to joy.
Beyond enhancing positive experiences, mindfulness also plays a crucial role in handling difficult emotions. The authors acknowledge that life inevitably includes stress, disappointment, and sadness, but they argue that these feelings do not have to block happiness entirely. Instead of avoiding or suppressing painful emotions, the book introduces a structured method known as RAIN, which stands for recognizing, allowing, investigating, and non-identifying with emotions. The first step involves noticing and naming feelings to reduce their intensity. The second encourages individuals to accept emotions without trying to eliminate them immediately. The third step promotes curiosity about how emotions manifest physically and mentally, helping individuals understand their experiences more clearly. The final step reminds individuals that emotions are temporary states rather than permanent aspects of identity. By using this approach, people can develop resilience and learn that emotional discomfort naturally changes over time. This understanding reduces fear of difficult feelings and allows joy to return more easily.
Another important focus of the book is the influence of personal beliefs and internal stories on happiness. Many individuals carry negative assumptions about themselves that developed during childhood or past experiences. These beliefs often operate unconsciously and shape reactions to present situations. The authors explain that common patterns include exaggerated thoughts such as believing one mistake defines personal ability or assuming others constantly judge one’s worth. To reduce the impact of these limiting beliefs, the book encourages individuals to identify recurring negative stories and question their accuracy. By observing how these thoughts affect emotions and physical sensations, people can begin to separate themselves from the narratives they have accepted as truth. The authors suggest that viewing these beliefs as temporary mental events creates space for new perspectives and self-discovery. As individuals release outdated self-definitions, they gain freedom to develop a more authentic and flexible sense of identity, which supports emotional well-being.
Self-compassion is presented as another essential element of lasting joy. The book explains that many people maintain harsh inner criticism that undermines confidence and emotional stability. Constant self-judgment drains energy and prevents individuals from recognizing their strengths and achievements. The authors encourage readers to replace self-criticism with kindness and realistic appreciation of their positive qualities. Rather than relying on vague encouragement, individuals are advised to acknowledge specific actions that demonstrate patience, resilience, or generosity. This practice gradually strengthens self-respect and reduces fear of failure. The book also highlights the importance of adopting a growth mindset, which frames challenges as opportunities for learning rather than proof of inadequacy. When individuals accept that personal development is ongoing, they become more willing to take risks, learn from mistakes, and appreciate their progress. This supportive inner attitude creates a stable emotional foundation that allows happiness to flourish.
The authors also emphasize the importance of rest and stillness in maintaining joy. Modern lifestyles often encourage constant productivity, leaving little space for reflection or relaxation. The book argues that genuine contentment grows when individuals allow themselves to pause and experience the present moment without pressure to accomplish something. Rest is described not as laziness but as a necessary balance to activity. Simple practices such as taking slow breaths, observing surroundings, or sitting quietly for a few minutes can restore clarity and calmness. These pauses help individuals reconnect with their thoughts and emotions while reducing stress. The authors suggest that becoming comfortable with stillness may initially feel uncomfortable or boring because people are accustomed to continuous stimulation. However, learning to accept these quiet moments often leads to deeper peace and satisfaction. Over time, the ability to remain present without distraction strengthens emotional stability and enhances appreciation for everyday experiences.
The book demonstrates that all these practices work together to create a sustainable path to happiness. Mindfulness helps individuals notice positive experiences, while emotional awareness prevents negative feelings from becoming overwhelming. Releasing limiting beliefs allows personal growth and authenticity, and self-compassion builds confidence and emotional resilience. Rest and stillness provide the mental clarity needed to maintain these habits. The authors emphasize that joy does not require perfection or constant positivity. Instead, it develops gradually through consistent attention to personal experience and emotional health. By cultivating these habits, individuals can transform their relationship with themselves and their surroundings, making happiness more dependable and natural.
In conclusion, "Awakening Joy: 10 Steps to True Happiness" by James Baraz and Shoshana Alexander presents a practical and thoughtful guide to developing lasting happiness through mindfulness, emotional awareness, and self-compassion. The book teaches that joy is not something to chase through external achievements but something that emerges from paying attention to the present moment and treating oneself with understanding and kindness. By learning to manage difficult emotions, challenge limiting beliefs, appreciate personal strengths, and embrace moments of stillness, individuals can build a deeper sense of calm and fulfillment. Ultimately, the book shows that true happiness grows from everyday experiences and becomes stronger when individuals learn to live with awareness, patience, and acceptance.
November 5, 2010
Really interesting. A little more self-help-y than I had anticipated, since I have heard the authors speak and they were quite different in their presentation. But I think they were trying to reach a wide range of people with the book, which I appreciate.
Worth reading, for sure!
Worth reading, for sure!
February 6, 2026
mostly on attention and perspective - good reminder read - might come back to this later
notes:
- joy becomes more accessible when you create space to notice your inner experience, rather than chasing constant stimulation
- These scenes are tiny, but powerful: they have the potential to lift your entire day. The catch is, you have to notice them.
- Then you sit across from someone you love, catch their eye, and suddenly feel a surge of warmth. Nothing dramatic happened; you just tuned in. And that’s the point: joy doesn’t usually shout. It shows up quietly and waits for you to pay attention.
- Even chores can shift. Washing dishes, for example, usually feels like the definition of dull. But if you actually tune into the warmth of the water and the rhythm of your hands, it becomes calming
- One minute you smell your morning coffee. Five minutes later the cup is empty and you have no memory of drinking it. No need to beat yourself up. You’re simply learning how your attention works.
- Daily routines are perfect places to try this out. When the phone rings, take one slow breath before answering. Waiting in line can become a tiny break instead of a frustration. A short walk around the block can feel grounding if you pay attention to each step.
- Mindfulness, which already helped you notice small everyday joys, can also steady you when life feels shaky.
- A simple way to explore these patterns is to ask yourself three questions. First, what story keeps limiting your sense of ease or joy? Maybe it’s “I have to please everyone” or “I’m not cut out for real happiness.” Second, what happens in your body and mind when you believe the story? Maybe your shoulders tense or your stomach knots. Third, what shifts when you treat the story as just a story and let it float by like a cloud? Most people notice a surprising amount of space opening up.
- love grows slowly. It starts with dropping the habit of beating yourself up. Many people carry a long list of personal complaints. Maybe you think your body should look different. Maybe you wish you were funnier or smarter or calmer. Maybe you replay old mistakes and cringe. Over time these judgments start to feel like facts rather than thoughts. They drain energy and make joy feel out of reach.
- The shift begins when you stop staring only at what feels wrong and start noticing what’s good, even if it feels like a tiny step. You don’t need to love every part of yourself, but you do need to stop organizing your identity around your flaws.
- ague cheerleading like “you’re amazing” rarely works because a quiet voice inside says “really?” Instead, point to something concrete. Maybe you listened patiently to a friend. Maybe you kept going through a tough week at work. Maybe you apologised when it mattered. These details help you see your own strength.
- A short pause can be as simple as sitting quietly with your coffee before the morning rush or taking five slow breaths in the car before turning the key. These small gaps help you find your inner bearings.
- try taking a moment of being in the middle of whatever you are doing. Notice your thoughts. Notice your body. Notice your breath. You’re not forcing anything to happen. Awareness shows up on its own. You just give it room. This simple shift can feel surprisingly spacious, like opening a window in a stuffy room.
RAIN method:
- breaks the whole process down into four steps that help your emotions feel less overwhelming.
- The first step is to recognize what you’re feeling. Naming the emotion makes it less intense. During a heated conversation, quietly admitting “this is anger” helps keep you grounded. Even “I’m confused” keeps you from spinning out. Nothing fancy. Just noticing what’s actually happening inside you.
- The second step is to allow the feeling. This is the part most people want to skip. It’s tempting to drown discomfort in streaming shows or food or an endless scroll. Allowing a feeling doesn’t mean wallowing. It simply means letting it be there for a moment without trying to shove it away or turn it into something nicer. no fixing just be present
- The third step is to investigate with interest. Once you’ve named and allowed the emotion, you get curious about it. Where does it live in your body? Does anxiety tighten your stomach? Does frustration heat up your face? Does sadness feel like a weight in your chest? Notice whether the sensations change as you pay attention. There’s no need to understand why anything is happening. explore
- The final step is non-identification. Instead of thinking “I am an anxious person,” you shift to “anxiety is here right now.” Emotions come and go: they don’t define your whole personality
notes:
- joy becomes more accessible when you create space to notice your inner experience, rather than chasing constant stimulation
- These scenes are tiny, but powerful: they have the potential to lift your entire day. The catch is, you have to notice them.
- Then you sit across from someone you love, catch their eye, and suddenly feel a surge of warmth. Nothing dramatic happened; you just tuned in. And that’s the point: joy doesn’t usually shout. It shows up quietly and waits for you to pay attention.
- Even chores can shift. Washing dishes, for example, usually feels like the definition of dull. But if you actually tune into the warmth of the water and the rhythm of your hands, it becomes calming
- One minute you smell your morning coffee. Five minutes later the cup is empty and you have no memory of drinking it. No need to beat yourself up. You’re simply learning how your attention works.
- Daily routines are perfect places to try this out. When the phone rings, take one slow breath before answering. Waiting in line can become a tiny break instead of a frustration. A short walk around the block can feel grounding if you pay attention to each step.
- Mindfulness, which already helped you notice small everyday joys, can also steady you when life feels shaky.
- A simple way to explore these patterns is to ask yourself three questions. First, what story keeps limiting your sense of ease or joy? Maybe it’s “I have to please everyone” or “I’m not cut out for real happiness.” Second, what happens in your body and mind when you believe the story? Maybe your shoulders tense or your stomach knots. Third, what shifts when you treat the story as just a story and let it float by like a cloud? Most people notice a surprising amount of space opening up.
- love grows slowly. It starts with dropping the habit of beating yourself up. Many people carry a long list of personal complaints. Maybe you think your body should look different. Maybe you wish you were funnier or smarter or calmer. Maybe you replay old mistakes and cringe. Over time these judgments start to feel like facts rather than thoughts. They drain energy and make joy feel out of reach.
- The shift begins when you stop staring only at what feels wrong and start noticing what’s good, even if it feels like a tiny step. You don’t need to love every part of yourself, but you do need to stop organizing your identity around your flaws.
- ague cheerleading like “you’re amazing” rarely works because a quiet voice inside says “really?” Instead, point to something concrete. Maybe you listened patiently to a friend. Maybe you kept going through a tough week at work. Maybe you apologised when it mattered. These details help you see your own strength.
- A short pause can be as simple as sitting quietly with your coffee before the morning rush or taking five slow breaths in the car before turning the key. These small gaps help you find your inner bearings.
- try taking a moment of being in the middle of whatever you are doing. Notice your thoughts. Notice your body. Notice your breath. You’re not forcing anything to happen. Awareness shows up on its own. You just give it room. This simple shift can feel surprisingly spacious, like opening a window in a stuffy room.
RAIN method:
- breaks the whole process down into four steps that help your emotions feel less overwhelming.
- The first step is to recognize what you’re feeling. Naming the emotion makes it less intense. During a heated conversation, quietly admitting “this is anger” helps keep you grounded. Even “I’m confused” keeps you from spinning out. Nothing fancy. Just noticing what’s actually happening inside you.
- The second step is to allow the feeling. This is the part most people want to skip. It’s tempting to drown discomfort in streaming shows or food or an endless scroll. Allowing a feeling doesn’t mean wallowing. It simply means letting it be there for a moment without trying to shove it away or turn it into something nicer. no fixing just be present
- The third step is to investigate with interest. Once you’ve named and allowed the emotion, you get curious about it. Where does it live in your body? Does anxiety tighten your stomach? Does frustration heat up your face? Does sadness feel like a weight in your chest? Notice whether the sensations change as you pay attention. There’s no need to understand why anything is happening. explore
- The final step is non-identification. Instead of thinking “I am an anxious person,” you shift to “anxiety is here right now.” Emotions come and go: they don’t define your whole personality
January 22, 2022
Awakening Joy is a course that delivers a simple plan for how to increase joy and mindfulness in every day life using mostly Buddhist principles & science-based Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) techniques. I also learned that “busy” in Chinese characters is “heart kill,” so if that’s not incentive to de-load and destress, what is? 😂💜 I wouldn’t have read this book due to it’s cheesy cover and flippant title, but since Holly Whitaker of How to Quit Like a Woman recommended it, I did, and I don’t regret it!
October 30, 2021
I first read this book in 2014, and decided to come back to it in 2021. Many of the challenges I am facing now are different from what they were in 2014, but the techniques in this book are just as powerful! So grateful my sister sent me this book back in 2014. It is such an important reminder about the power of the here and now, mindfulness, everything changes, that I am safe, and that I am enough.
April 9, 2016
This is a great primer for those who haven't delved into mindfulness before. It does take a somewhat one-sided view of things, because the emphasis is on joy. So at times, it read a little schmaltzy to me. Also, this book is based on a course that Baraz teaches, and so sometimes I felt like I was reading an extended ad for that training. On the bright side, reading this book helped remind me in my own mindfulness practice to actively cultivate joy, and that's a plus.
December 4, 2012
So insightful and such a different approach that it was like a breath of fresh air.
July 1, 2020
This book took 6 months to complete but worth it if you dive into it fully. I went to a day retreat in January at Spirit Rock on 10k joys and 10k sorrows and met James. I also had, separately, put this book on my to read list after hearing Melinda Gates speak about it on a podcast. I was surprised to find that retreat leader, James, was the author! As my Awakening Joy Group says, that is a wink from the universe. After that coincidence, I signed up for the 5 month class and joined a joy group. The joy group made this book come alive. Without that weekly meeting to review the material, I don’t think I would have gotten as much out of this book. It’s truly a book to work with, slowly and with support. It’s not something you should read in a couple of days or a month. Very glad this book led me to joining the course, meeting new people, and jumping in to exploring the path to joy.
If you want a review on the book alone — good content, a mix of different religions and spiritualities supporting each chapter. The format of the book is one that did not bring me joy— very hard to follow along with all of the side notes and stories.
If you want a review on the book alone — good content, a mix of different religions and spiritualities supporting each chapter. The format of the book is one that did not bring me joy— very hard to follow along with all of the side notes and stories.
January 2, 2021
This took me a ridiculously long time to finish - over 6 months. It's not that I didn't enjoy it, but it was hard to get through for me. It was all good information and now I wonder how to keep it top of mind. 1. I'm going to allow more joy into my life 2. The path may not always be as simple and smooth as we would like, but if we're facing in the right direction, in time will find what we are looking for 3. There's only one of you and if you let yourself be the best of of yourself possible you may also like what you see, in time you may even love yourself. 4. May my happiness lead to the happiness of others 5.Your happiness or unhappiness depends on your actions, not only on my wishes for you. I read this based on some celebrity recommendations, including Melinda Gates.
September 8, 2022
Skimmed. Essentially an introduction to mindfulness.
p. 255 - "Action absorbs anxiety." - Angeles Arrien, anthropologist and author
Support Practices (from p. xxvii):
- Move your body.
- Regularly engage in some kind of creative expression.
- Create a nourishment list. [list everything that brings you joy]
- Do something nourishing, 3-4x / week if not daily.
- Meditate or take some time by yourself regularly [daily, if possible]. Beginner example: Sit with a cup of tea for 5-10 minutes as you look out a window.
- Keep a joy journal. Write down what brought you joy today.
- Find a joy buddy or joy group.
p. 255 - "Action absorbs anxiety." - Angeles Arrien, anthropologist and author
Support Practices (from p. xxvii):
- Move your body.
- Regularly engage in some kind of creative expression.
- Create a nourishment list. [list everything that brings you joy]
- Do something nourishing, 3-4x / week if not daily.
- Meditate or take some time by yourself regularly [daily, if possible]. Beginner example: Sit with a cup of tea for 5-10 minutes as you look out a window.
- Keep a joy journal. Write down what brought you joy today.
- Find a joy buddy or joy group.
June 17, 2017
I listened to the audio version of this book and that impacted my experience of it. I'm not convinced it works well as an audio. Partly that's because it includes number of meditations, which were impossible for me to do since I listened to the book on a long car trip. But I also think this book would work better as a workshop or group exercise. Simply reading the book makes his suggestions seem obvious (and a few weeks after listening, I had forgotten most of them). I don't think I implemented any of the ideas, although at the time I was thinking about what good ideas they were.
July 25, 2019
I heard about Awakening Joy while listening to Books of Your Life with Elizabeth. She was interviewing Melissa Gates and when they got around to the five most influential books of her she couldn't stop raving about. I meditate on a daily basis and like to think I practice mindfulness but I have not had a lot of luck with books about meditating or Buddhism. This book is different; somehow Baratz manages to come across as authentic and sincere and I could really relate to his message. Not only did I enjoy the book but I will be looking up his seminars and explore further.
March 30, 2021
An essential book, perhaps even my new “bible.” So much insight into the seemingly small steps we can take to destress, declutter our minds, and find the shine of happiness that resides in each of us. Having attended virtual sessions by James Batam in the past I was prepared for much of the message he outlined in the book. But with examples, personal stories and guided introspection the steps that anyone can follow to find happiness and joy are powerful - and achievable. It’s a book that will be reread numerous times.
April 16, 2020
Baraz is co-founder of Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, CA. What started as a 6 month course is now a 10 week course offered live and on-line on how to find joy. Each chapter covers topics ranging from mindfulness, having a grateful heart, accepting oneself and loving others. The book is part of his course. It is fast read and whether you are agnostic or a member of a faith, you will find good guidance.
February 6, 2026
Blinkist app book of the day today!
Awakening Joy (2012) is a guide to training your mind to recognize and cultivate genuine well-being. It offers simple but powerful practices that help you shift out of autopilot and tap into a natural sense of aliveness that already exists within you. The approach blends practical guidance with insights from Buddhist meditation to show how joy becomes more stable when you nurture it from the inside out.
Awakening Joy (2012) is a guide to training your mind to recognize and cultivate genuine well-being. It offers simple but powerful practices that help you shift out of autopilot and tap into a natural sense of aliveness that already exists within you. The approach blends practical guidance with insights from Buddhist meditation to show how joy becomes more stable when you nurture it from the inside out.
May 24, 2019
I really enjoyed listening to this over a period of a few weeks. James Baraz has such a warm, peaceful tone and the steps and advice on how to achieve them was solid. I will say I'm having trouble REMEMBERING anything I heard outside of individual stories but that's on me. I'm going to give this a re-listen and hopefully retain more.
May 8, 2019
l listened to an interview by James before l read this book, he is such a kind and compassionate person and his calm manner all shine throughout the book. There are many things to learn from this book and practice.
June 27, 2019
I think this is a book I'll come back to and reread different chapters from time to time as a reminder of how to reframe challenging experiences, be compassionate toward myself and others, and generally practice a mindful approach to and awareness of life.
April 29, 2020
There is some good stuff here, but a bit too fluffy, religious, and spiritual for my liking at the moment. I'm ok with meditation, mindfulness, finding joy in the everyday, and being conscious and aware of things i need to acknowledge gratefulness for. My problem is time.
August 15, 2021
Still mulling over this book. For me reading it was a slow, thorough process which included some highlighting. I think it will take me a while to understand how implementing these steps affects my own happiness. I may have to reread this book.
March 24, 2025
I took this 10-week in-person course back in 2010 with James Baraz. Each week we had a guest speaker who addressed one of the ten chapters. Two notable speakers were Daniel Ellsberg, famous for the Pentagon Papers and Julia Butterfly Hill.
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September 1, 2025This is a solid and worthwhile book, although for me it has a few too many pages worth of "stories from folks who've taken the course" etc, and doesn't include much in the way of actual meditation instruction (it does include other useful exercises/ journaling /contemplation work).
December 12, 2025
This book is full of ideas and concepts centering around joy. It can be read straight through or a bit at a time. There’s all kinds of tips and concepts around joy and awakening it. There is something in it for everyone. Happy that I did! 😊
December 30, 2018
Easy reading and great tips for a joyful life.
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