The Way of the Small: Why Less Is More

by Michael Gellert

A practical and spiritual guide to making everyday living sacred. The Way of the Small: Why Less is Truly More explores the principals of a sound, wholesome exisistence for both the individual and society. Addressing the search for finding true happiness, meaning and success, The Way of the Small gives us new perspectives based on old wisdom on what makes for a truly lived life. A practical and spiritual guide to fulfillment, it illustrates that happiness is found in "the small"-in ways to celebrate the precious small gifts of ordinary life and experiencing the sacred in all aspects of life. We are reminded that "Less Is More, Simpler Is Better." The Way of the Small teaches ways to embrace even life's more difficult passages such as aging, failure, illness, or the loss of a loved one, making even our pain a path to the sacred that helps us find meaning in life as it happens. * Offers 22 key principles to activate the way of the small--simplify and discover true happiness. * Especially relevant for mid-lifers, helping the process of sifting through life experience and finding what is of true essence, personally, spiritually and worldly. * Relates the how "smallness" is part of established major religions and spiritual teachings. * A practical and spiritual guide to help us navigate a way of living in our complex times that leads to a happier and more meaningful and balanced life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Spirituality, Unfinished

184 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2007

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book just did not resonate with me. It seemed a mishmash of pop psychology and religion. I agree with the premise that less is truly more but this book did not develop that premise in ways that were useful for me.

[Kim Harrison · Rating 2 out of 5]

A hodgepodge of philosophy, religion, and Jungian psychology that didn’t add up to much. Some of the examples/anecdotes have aged badly (e.g., the author quotes Lance Armstrong several times with seemingly starry-eyed admiration). Overall, just a shrug and a “meh.”

[Bonita Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't sure about where this book was going. I thought of it in a different way prior to reading it. But there was language that I related to. A good read if you are interested in going small and not living in a big way (i.e., over-indulging in material things, etc.).

[Susie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler." Albert Einstein

"It is not God's will merely that we should be happy, but that we should make ourselves happy." Immanuel Kant

Happiness comes from accepting what is, in contrast to pursuing what is not yet.

"Sometimes it is the artist's task to find out how much music you can still make with what you have left." Itzhak Perlman.

To seize small moments, we ourselves need to be small so as to get out of our own way.

The way of the small is beyond perfection because it is purposely less than perfect.

"Ring the bells that still can ring.
Forget your perfect offering.
There is a crack in everything.
That's how the light gets in."
Leonard Cohen

"We must be willing to get rid of the life we planned, so as to live the life that is waiting for us." Joseph CAmbell

"Happiness equals what we have, divided by what we expect." Edward Edinger

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

A philosophical look at "celebrating the right details" in our lives which are more often found in the "smaller" rather than in the grandiose things we strive for. Drawing from all the major religions of the world and jungian priciples, the author spells out a message that "the way of the small is a small principle in a world of large ambition and inflation" Even his message stays small.

So, this is not a "how to declutter your house book" or how to live in 2,000 square feet instead of 4,000, but it is truly a book about knowing happiness through "exercising modesty, self restraint and a reliance on inner beauty rather than external brilliance". The author does an excellent job of describing what that means.

It is a small book with old wisdom about celebrating all aspects of life. "Less is more, simpler is better" The author does not shy away from discussing suffering, illness, war or death but does so in new and thoughtful ways.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

As the title promises, it's a short book. It's filled with a variety of stories and quotes from many sources, the Bible, Jung, Zen, etc. It urges readers to live quieter lives, to not fill them with so much stuff and attitude. Because it uses so many different schools of thought and beliefs, it has a disjointed feel and sometimes is a bit more touchy-feely rather than practical. Still, it's a short, simple book with some worthwhile thoughts.

[Lawrence Danks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book emphasizes what true value there is in the small things in life and how we'd be a lot better off if we focused on them more often. My mother used to always say that "everyone wants to do the big things, but not many are willing to do the small things." I know that Michael Gellert would agree.

[Kevin Orth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, wonderful read. Intertwining mythical, universal spiritual principles with minimalist living. I little book but so full of pearls of wisdom. I'll definitely be recommending this to particular friends and re-reading it!

[Kimberly Westrope · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderfully inspiring book. It basically teaches how to have an attitude of gratitude and humility which enriches one’s life. I love this book and will probably re-read it for more inspiration.

[Nathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really just puts things in perspective for daily life. It try's to lean away from the usual thought that the more you have the happier you'll be. Very practical and applicable.

[LeAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Living in the moment and appreciating where you are in your life. There are some wonderful nuggets. Recommended.

[Halsted Bernard · Rating 2 out of 5]

The sentiments expressed herein are agreeable to me, but the format was not compelling enough to warrant its completion.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some good anecdotes and quotes reminding us to live simply.

[Carmen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good for quote mining, and that's about that.

[Marianna · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm realizing that I'm really not a fan of Jungian psychobabble.