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Playing Dead: How Meditation Brought Me Back to Life
Brought to you by Penguin.
From Robert Sheehan, star of Misfits and The Umbrella Academy, and host of hit podcast The Earth Locker , comes a heartfelt journey to inner peace.
In Playing Dead, Robert Sheehan shares intimate reflections on his search for purpose, looking back at the adventures – and misadventures – of his life so far, and sharing the profoundly transformative lessons he has learnt along the way.
Meditation is at the heart of Robert's route to spiritual awakening. In Playing Dead he reveals the turbulence in his life that led him to seek calm and tranquility within. A beautiful, meandering memoir reflecting a rich tapestry of experience, uncovering how spirituality has become his anchor in the constant moving tide. Combining storytelling with letters, poetry, childhood memories and thoughtful musings on fame.
Through this compelling description of his quest for inner stillness, Robert shows us how we can welcome a practice of meditation into our own lives, with tools for soothing your nervous system and focusing a fretful mind. In a world where our attention is constantly up for grabs, Playing Dead shows how we can give our souls the deep rest we crave.
'A wit and wisdom that harkens back to an age of enlightenment' – RON PERLMAN, ACTOR
'A meditation guide from a man with a mind most unlikely to be conducive to meditation' – MANCHÁN MAGAN, WRITER AND BROADCASTER
'In this beautifully written story, Robert Sheehan shares his journey from chaos to stillness and how meditation can lead us to a place of connection and calm' – DEB DANA, AUTHOR OF ANCHORED
From Robert Sheehan, star of Misfits and The Umbrella Academy, and host of hit podcast The Earth Locker , comes a heartfelt journey to inner peace.
In Playing Dead, Robert Sheehan shares intimate reflections on his search for purpose, looking back at the adventures – and misadventures – of his life so far, and sharing the profoundly transformative lessons he has learnt along the way.
Meditation is at the heart of Robert's route to spiritual awakening. In Playing Dead he reveals the turbulence in his life that led him to seek calm and tranquility within. A beautiful, meandering memoir reflecting a rich tapestry of experience, uncovering how spirituality has become his anchor in the constant moving tide. Combining storytelling with letters, poetry, childhood memories and thoughtful musings on fame.
Through this compelling description of his quest for inner stillness, Robert shows us how we can welcome a practice of meditation into our own lives, with tools for soothing your nervous system and focusing a fretful mind. In a world where our attention is constantly up for grabs, Playing Dead shows how we can give our souls the deep rest we crave.
'A wit and wisdom that harkens back to an age of enlightenment' – RON PERLMAN, ACTOR
'A meditation guide from a man with a mind most unlikely to be conducive to meditation' – MANCHÁN MAGAN, WRITER AND BROADCASTER
'In this beautifully written story, Robert Sheehan shares his journey from chaos to stillness and how meditation can lead us to a place of connection and calm' – DEB DANA, AUTHOR OF ANCHORED
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Published September 5, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 1, 2024
So, I have just finished reading Playing Dead. Am I the only slow reader here? It's a long review, as it's the book I feel most connected with—therefore interwoven with my own personal journey. Robert Sheehan’s Playing Dead is truly fascinating on many different levels.
First of all, why is it always the funniest characters in life that hold hidden layers of doubt in themselves? A fear that they are not good enough. We would tell them they are more than enough. Take Robin Williams, for example, when he said, “I fear my consciousness becoming, not just dull, but a rock. I couldn’t spark.” Robin could never be dull, and neither could Robert.
The book itself is three for the price of one. Featuring Robert’s journey through meditation, an autobiography, and personal poems scattered throughout.
If you have watched any of his series or films, you might expect him to be an outgoing, lively, eccentric extrovert. But after reading his second book, he seems quite the opposite. Robert references feeling socially awkward. I think that nervous energy feeds into his work and makes him an incredible actor.
There are lots of personal accounts and an insider's view into the entertainment industry. One story that stood out to me was the bullying culture that we have. Robert recounts an audition he went to in Hollywood. Three women laughed and asked him to confirm if he intended to do the scene in that way. For a Jack Black movie, no less! Art is an expression, and I can guarantee, we the audience would have loved it. Jack Black and Robert are the duo we never knew we needed, until now...
A few years ago, I had studied meditation and fell into the category that Robert mentions in his book. I couldn't drown out my thoughts. When sitting down to meditate, the noise got so loud in my head it felt pointless. Or I would forget to sit in the lotus position (not required). One road I went down was the Law of Attraction, and this seemed to work better for me at the time. Mary Kate, the mindset coach, has beautiful affirmation meditations that you can listen to while you sleep. Given my hectic lifestyle, I fall asleep easily, so this was also a lazy way for me to find a sense of balance. Writing is another. When I put my thoughts to paper, my mind goes quiet—briefly. For years I have said it’s a form of therapy.
I digress. As part of the Law of Attraction, you focus on gratitude and ask the universe for something you would like. So, I decided to test out the Law of Attraction theory and told the universe I wanted to meet Robert in person to prove the Law of Attraction existed, as I had written a movie script about a character I could imagine him playing. Now, this was the ultimate test. Being an actor, it's not the type of situation where you just randomly encounter a celebrity. It's not like you're shopping for bread, while making idle chit-chat with Tom Cruise about the weather. Well, unbeknownst to me at the time, Robert was writing his first book, Disappearing Act. I traveled to Dublin and got to meet him in person during his book signing.
Unfortunately, the Dublin wine seemed a tad stronger than the Scottish stuff, and so I mainly just talked gibberish. However, when I turned the corner and faced him directly, I saw a human. Not a celebrity. But a human being that deserves to say no to his fans.
In one chapter there was the horrifying story of a fan chasing him down the street, swearing at him as he said no to an autograph. We have a tendency to place celebrities on a pedestal. They have reached a pivotal point in their career that we could only ever dream of. I say we—I mean you. I know I would struggle with my personal life boundaries being breached. Fame is not for the weak-hearted.
Not in any way to devalue a celebrity, but instead, as fans, we need to respect their boundaries. We have a sense of self-entitlement but often forget that outside of their career, they are made of the same flesh. In the town where I live, we have our own local celebrities. Often, I forget just how famous they are to the rest of the world because, to us, they are just the local lads that we grew up with.
I'm beginning to think that acting is similar to being a writer. Whilst we take care and pride in our work, the writing is subjective. You’re Marmite. One person loves you; another hates you. I recall one author saying that you don't need to be everyone's cup of tea. You just need to find that one reader that you can connect with. Just one. Then your writing is worthwhile. As writers, we tend to self-criticize to the point that we struggle with imposter syndrome. Some people never even publish their books. They sit unpublished for fear of the outside world. Not me. The only part of my life in which I have been fearless. Do I doubt my work is good enough? Absolutely. But I’m going to put it out there anyway.
As mentioned at the beginning of my account, it was Robert and Ari Gold who inspired me to take my writing seriously. My first script was utter garbage. I was so proud of my efforts. Looking back, I am glad it never saw the light of day, but this set me on the path of writing movie scripts.
One evening, I listened to a live Instagram poetry evening that Ari and Robert did. I sent Ari one of my poems and was astounded when he replied. Around the same time, Robert had also said during an interview, “Don’t let a little thing like grammar get in your way of writing; that’s what editors are for.” One of the main reasons I held back was that I worried my writing would be full of spelling mistakes and bad grammar—but he was right. Editors are worth their weight in gold.
Soon after, I wrote a short three-minute script based on a conversation I had, created an Instagram account, and uploaded it. This was the catalyst. Since then, I have published three children's books (an accidental path) and included Robert and Ari in the dedication for my first book. Although they don't know me, their creativity found me. I never told my friends or even family. There is a great saying: keep what you're doing a secret, until it no longer is. Needless to say, they were very surprised to hear that I had published a book or written movie scripts—how random.
Another person said that writing is like going to the gym. If you're consistent, you build those muscles. I like to think that my work holds more substance now. Although I have always been a writer, I classed it more as a personal hobby. I asked my friends recently if they would come with me to a poetry night. They said sure—it’s not their thing, but it's mine, and as my friends, they would come. This was very touching, and I truly have some remarkable friends. Here, online, I found my creative people.
Sadly, we have a heavy drinking culture in Scotland. Creative arts tend to be limited to going to bands or discussing movies unless you live in one of the major cities like Edinburgh. Poetry evenings are just not something that we '80s kids do around these parts. Or if there are any, I haven't heard of them. In fact, around the time when Take That mania had started, I had purchased Chesney Hawkes’s album and sat watching Buddy's Song, so I guess I have always been a bit of an odd one out. Perhaps all creatives feel this way—that we don't fit in. Part of our own transformative journey is realizing that we ALL have a place in this world.
I think that's why people are drawn to the stardom of celebrities. Often people are disappointed when they meet their heroes. They play their characters so well that certain expectations have been formed. Essentially, what we like about them mirrors what we are looking for in our waking life. In Robert’s case, he is environmentally conscious and has a kind-hearted nature that we want to see more of in this world. His book is full of good ideas to tackle the ongoing issues that we face with climate change. But in his art, he makes us laugh, which came at the right time for most during the coronavirus. When The Umbrella Academy came out, Robert reached a new level of celebrity status that, at the time, he wasn't prepared for. This led him to meditation.
The word enlightenment is often referred to online, but often left me wondering what it is. The Law of Attraction was easier to define. If I ask for something and it happens, then it confirms it's real. But after my one-hit wonder, my spate of bad luck returned. For years I have given power to my words by stating over and over again, "I am cursed." However, just like the movie Just My Luck, I do seem to have more unlucky encounters than most. Nowadays, I just laugh. Meditation brings a sense of calm, but the Law of Attraction brings a sense of hope. These days, I believe that we have an infinite number of realities and that somewhere in another parallel life, there is a Lindsay living her best life. However, I realize how petty this sounds. These are first-world problems. After all, I have a warm home, food, loving family and friends, and more importantly, freedom of speech.
In one chapter, he suggests a meditation for the start of a school class. This would be a massive benefit to any child struggling with ADHD or even a hectic home life. Children attending school come from all walks of life, and a sense of being and calm would greatly benefit their studies. I also fully understood his logic in terms of struggling to connect academically. I recall one poster in school stating, "If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will forever spend its life thinking it's stupid."
Some hold a craft that cannot be taught, for the most part, in a classroom. Other subjects that should hold merit include teaching finances, how to sew, and how to use a washing machine. It's only when we leave school, with our limited holidays and adult life, that we suddenly grasp the concept of how difficult it is. Perhaps that's why mental health is at an all-time low.
So yeah, brilliant book! You won't be disappointed. And if someone could tell me the name of the retreat in Bali where I can get an emotional cleanse... that would be great!
And finally, I won’t spoil the last chapter, but let’s just say it connects to the immortality that his characters have had.
First of all, why is it always the funniest characters in life that hold hidden layers of doubt in themselves? A fear that they are not good enough. We would tell them they are more than enough. Take Robin Williams, for example, when he said, “I fear my consciousness becoming, not just dull, but a rock. I couldn’t spark.” Robin could never be dull, and neither could Robert.
The book itself is three for the price of one. Featuring Robert’s journey through meditation, an autobiography, and personal poems scattered throughout.
If you have watched any of his series or films, you might expect him to be an outgoing, lively, eccentric extrovert. But after reading his second book, he seems quite the opposite. Robert references feeling socially awkward. I think that nervous energy feeds into his work and makes him an incredible actor.
There are lots of personal accounts and an insider's view into the entertainment industry. One story that stood out to me was the bullying culture that we have. Robert recounts an audition he went to in Hollywood. Three women laughed and asked him to confirm if he intended to do the scene in that way. For a Jack Black movie, no less! Art is an expression, and I can guarantee, we the audience would have loved it. Jack Black and Robert are the duo we never knew we needed, until now...
A few years ago, I had studied meditation and fell into the category that Robert mentions in his book. I couldn't drown out my thoughts. When sitting down to meditate, the noise got so loud in my head it felt pointless. Or I would forget to sit in the lotus position (not required). One road I went down was the Law of Attraction, and this seemed to work better for me at the time. Mary Kate, the mindset coach, has beautiful affirmation meditations that you can listen to while you sleep. Given my hectic lifestyle, I fall asleep easily, so this was also a lazy way for me to find a sense of balance. Writing is another. When I put my thoughts to paper, my mind goes quiet—briefly. For years I have said it’s a form of therapy.
I digress. As part of the Law of Attraction, you focus on gratitude and ask the universe for something you would like. So, I decided to test out the Law of Attraction theory and told the universe I wanted to meet Robert in person to prove the Law of Attraction existed, as I had written a movie script about a character I could imagine him playing. Now, this was the ultimate test. Being an actor, it's not the type of situation where you just randomly encounter a celebrity. It's not like you're shopping for bread, while making idle chit-chat with Tom Cruise about the weather. Well, unbeknownst to me at the time, Robert was writing his first book, Disappearing Act. I traveled to Dublin and got to meet him in person during his book signing.
Unfortunately, the Dublin wine seemed a tad stronger than the Scottish stuff, and so I mainly just talked gibberish. However, when I turned the corner and faced him directly, I saw a human. Not a celebrity. But a human being that deserves to say no to his fans.
In one chapter there was the horrifying story of a fan chasing him down the street, swearing at him as he said no to an autograph. We have a tendency to place celebrities on a pedestal. They have reached a pivotal point in their career that we could only ever dream of. I say we—I mean you. I know I would struggle with my personal life boundaries being breached. Fame is not for the weak-hearted.
Not in any way to devalue a celebrity, but instead, as fans, we need to respect their boundaries. We have a sense of self-entitlement but often forget that outside of their career, they are made of the same flesh. In the town where I live, we have our own local celebrities. Often, I forget just how famous they are to the rest of the world because, to us, they are just the local lads that we grew up with.
I'm beginning to think that acting is similar to being a writer. Whilst we take care and pride in our work, the writing is subjective. You’re Marmite. One person loves you; another hates you. I recall one author saying that you don't need to be everyone's cup of tea. You just need to find that one reader that you can connect with. Just one. Then your writing is worthwhile. As writers, we tend to self-criticize to the point that we struggle with imposter syndrome. Some people never even publish their books. They sit unpublished for fear of the outside world. Not me. The only part of my life in which I have been fearless. Do I doubt my work is good enough? Absolutely. But I’m going to put it out there anyway.
As mentioned at the beginning of my account, it was Robert and Ari Gold who inspired me to take my writing seriously. My first script was utter garbage. I was so proud of my efforts. Looking back, I am glad it never saw the light of day, but this set me on the path of writing movie scripts.
One evening, I listened to a live Instagram poetry evening that Ari and Robert did. I sent Ari one of my poems and was astounded when he replied. Around the same time, Robert had also said during an interview, “Don’t let a little thing like grammar get in your way of writing; that’s what editors are for.” One of the main reasons I held back was that I worried my writing would be full of spelling mistakes and bad grammar—but he was right. Editors are worth their weight in gold.
Soon after, I wrote a short three-minute script based on a conversation I had, created an Instagram account, and uploaded it. This was the catalyst. Since then, I have published three children's books (an accidental path) and included Robert and Ari in the dedication for my first book. Although they don't know me, their creativity found me. I never told my friends or even family. There is a great saying: keep what you're doing a secret, until it no longer is. Needless to say, they were very surprised to hear that I had published a book or written movie scripts—how random.
Another person said that writing is like going to the gym. If you're consistent, you build those muscles. I like to think that my work holds more substance now. Although I have always been a writer, I classed it more as a personal hobby. I asked my friends recently if they would come with me to a poetry night. They said sure—it’s not their thing, but it's mine, and as my friends, they would come. This was very touching, and I truly have some remarkable friends. Here, online, I found my creative people.
Sadly, we have a heavy drinking culture in Scotland. Creative arts tend to be limited to going to bands or discussing movies unless you live in one of the major cities like Edinburgh. Poetry evenings are just not something that we '80s kids do around these parts. Or if there are any, I haven't heard of them. In fact, around the time when Take That mania had started, I had purchased Chesney Hawkes’s album and sat watching Buddy's Song, so I guess I have always been a bit of an odd one out. Perhaps all creatives feel this way—that we don't fit in. Part of our own transformative journey is realizing that we ALL have a place in this world.
I think that's why people are drawn to the stardom of celebrities. Often people are disappointed when they meet their heroes. They play their characters so well that certain expectations have been formed. Essentially, what we like about them mirrors what we are looking for in our waking life. In Robert’s case, he is environmentally conscious and has a kind-hearted nature that we want to see more of in this world. His book is full of good ideas to tackle the ongoing issues that we face with climate change. But in his art, he makes us laugh, which came at the right time for most during the coronavirus. When The Umbrella Academy came out, Robert reached a new level of celebrity status that, at the time, he wasn't prepared for. This led him to meditation.
The word enlightenment is often referred to online, but often left me wondering what it is. The Law of Attraction was easier to define. If I ask for something and it happens, then it confirms it's real. But after my one-hit wonder, my spate of bad luck returned. For years I have given power to my words by stating over and over again, "I am cursed." However, just like the movie Just My Luck, I do seem to have more unlucky encounters than most. Nowadays, I just laugh. Meditation brings a sense of calm, but the Law of Attraction brings a sense of hope. These days, I believe that we have an infinite number of realities and that somewhere in another parallel life, there is a Lindsay living her best life. However, I realize how petty this sounds. These are first-world problems. After all, I have a warm home, food, loving family and friends, and more importantly, freedom of speech.
In one chapter, he suggests a meditation for the start of a school class. This would be a massive benefit to any child struggling with ADHD or even a hectic home life. Children attending school come from all walks of life, and a sense of being and calm would greatly benefit their studies. I also fully understood his logic in terms of struggling to connect academically. I recall one poster in school stating, "If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will forever spend its life thinking it's stupid."
Some hold a craft that cannot be taught, for the most part, in a classroom. Other subjects that should hold merit include teaching finances, how to sew, and how to use a washing machine. It's only when we leave school, with our limited holidays and adult life, that we suddenly grasp the concept of how difficult it is. Perhaps that's why mental health is at an all-time low.
So yeah, brilliant book! You won't be disappointed. And if someone could tell me the name of the retreat in Bali where I can get an emotional cleanse... that would be great!
And finally, I won’t spoil the last chapter, but let’s just say it connects to the immortality that his characters have had.
January 23, 2025
Playing Dead: How Meditation Brought Me Back To Life / Robert Sheehan
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~ Again, I must stress that I paint an overly negative and one sided picture of fame here because that was the story that took centre stage early on. But luckily for me, the universe had a habit of dropping breadcrumbs… ~
I’ve followed Robert Sheehan’s career ever since I saw him in Misfits and leading into Love/Hate. Talked throughout this book, I still as of yet have to watch The Umbrella Academy, but as we all say “it’s on me list!”
Following his journey into meditation, he is frank and honest about his fame and how it made him, but how meditation in some ways saved him from debaucherous ways.
It is told in a way only a man from Laois could tell it, and I was entertained throughout. He also gives some useful exercises he used throughout his recovery.
He has good ideas, one especially being the Green Town which could be achievable. And the final few minutes in death gave food for thought.
Nice insight into a subject I’m not to au fait with.
Audiobook Length: 8hrs, 40mins
Narrator: Robert Sheehan
🎧 Listened to on @borrowbox 🎧
Read: 21/01/25 - 23/01/25
Release Date: 05/09/24
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~ Again, I must stress that I paint an overly negative and one sided picture of fame here because that was the story that took centre stage early on. But luckily for me, the universe had a habit of dropping breadcrumbs… ~
I’ve followed Robert Sheehan’s career ever since I saw him in Misfits and leading into Love/Hate. Talked throughout this book, I still as of yet have to watch The Umbrella Academy, but as we all say “it’s on me list!”
Following his journey into meditation, he is frank and honest about his fame and how it made him, but how meditation in some ways saved him from debaucherous ways.
It is told in a way only a man from Laois could tell it, and I was entertained throughout. He also gives some useful exercises he used throughout his recovery.
He has good ideas, one especially being the Green Town which could be achievable. And the final few minutes in death gave food for thought.
Nice insight into a subject I’m not to au fait with.
Audiobook Length: 8hrs, 40mins
Narrator: Robert Sheehan
🎧 Listened to on @borrowbox 🎧
Read: 21/01/25 - 23/01/25
Release Date: 05/09/24
October 6, 2024
The doorway to enlightment.
(Or at least an insightful and fun read.)
(Or at least an insightful and fun read.)
September 14, 2024
I'd recommend it to anyone who has fallen out of the practice of meditation. This guy will get you curious again.
As BB Kink said to Bono in the movie 'rattle and hum' , about the song "when love comes to town". "Them's might heavy lyrics for a young man." Same could be said for Robert Sheehans praise of meditation here.
It's a calming read or listen, like smelling a new born baby's head is calming.
Sheehan is communicator by profession. The isolation and demands of his acting craft seem to have almost forced him down a spiritual pathway. Pretending to be someone else all day long got him curious about what it was to be himself. A can of worms proceeds to be expertly opened. He can be funny where bits of his own story are not. He talks through how he didn't change anything but just reframed things. Loads of excellent quotations to illustrate and expound on subtle, often hard to articulate concepts.
It's written as an enjoyable romp through the esoteric. Peppered with eclectic details of his personal life, plenty of name dropping and his 'discoveries'. It's very well researched and the pace of the narrative is melodic, interspersed with distractions, facts, musings, poems etc.
I'm listening to the audiobook version so I'm getting the benefit of his performance. I bursted out laughing at him spreading rumors among the plants in his garden.
Equal part, biography, a manual for gardening, urban development and aspiring actors and a very clear useful synopsis of many meditation practices and their purpose.
This is a useful book.
There is even a thoughtful chapter on trees and an offer and a challenge to Portlaoise County Council, in Ireland, to adopt Japanese tried and trusted urban forrestry methods. Light hearted maybe, but the challenge is out there and I'll be scanning Irish media to see if it's accepted.
As BB Kink said to Bono in the movie 'rattle and hum' , about the song "when love comes to town". "Them's might heavy lyrics for a young man." Same could be said for Robert Sheehans praise of meditation here.
It's a calming read or listen, like smelling a new born baby's head is calming.
Sheehan is communicator by profession. The isolation and demands of his acting craft seem to have almost forced him down a spiritual pathway. Pretending to be someone else all day long got him curious about what it was to be himself. A can of worms proceeds to be expertly opened. He can be funny where bits of his own story are not. He talks through how he didn't change anything but just reframed things. Loads of excellent quotations to illustrate and expound on subtle, often hard to articulate concepts.
It's written as an enjoyable romp through the esoteric. Peppered with eclectic details of his personal life, plenty of name dropping and his 'discoveries'. It's very well researched and the pace of the narrative is melodic, interspersed with distractions, facts, musings, poems etc.
I'm listening to the audiobook version so I'm getting the benefit of his performance. I bursted out laughing at him spreading rumors among the plants in his garden.
Equal part, biography, a manual for gardening, urban development and aspiring actors and a very clear useful synopsis of many meditation practices and their purpose.
This is a useful book.
There is even a thoughtful chapter on trees and an offer and a challenge to Portlaoise County Council, in Ireland, to adopt Japanese tried and trusted urban forrestry methods. Light hearted maybe, but the challenge is out there and I'll be scanning Irish media to see if it's accepted.
September 12, 2024
(Note: the cover needs to be updated here).
It doesn't matter if you're already familiar with meditation or not, and this is certainly already its strength. Anyone with a restless monkey mind will feel that pang in the stomach you sometimes get "when you know someone's right".
This is a book that shakes things up, in a good way. In itself, it's an illustration of the fact that a life isn't made of three acts indeed, but of an incessant back-and-forth between successive problematizations - just as science by the way - within which we all have the resources to find a form of permanent joy, using a few personal tools. In a non-linear world, the very acceptance of its cyclical nature is already a step towards peace.
There's no way I'm spoiling how it ends, but I'm glad it's on an act of hope and trust (in oneself, in life, in the other, in society and even in death) after having felt so much struggle.
If Robert Sheehan finds joy in knowing that his work as an actor can be transformative for the lives of some of us, let him know that his work as an author now is too.
It doesn't matter if you're already familiar with meditation or not, and this is certainly already its strength. Anyone with a restless monkey mind will feel that pang in the stomach you sometimes get "when you know someone's right".
This is a book that shakes things up, in a good way. In itself, it's an illustration of the fact that a life isn't made of three acts indeed, but of an incessant back-and-forth between successive problematizations - just as science by the way - within which we all have the resources to find a form of permanent joy, using a few personal tools. In a non-linear world, the very acceptance of its cyclical nature is already a step towards peace.
There's no way I'm spoiling how it ends, but I'm glad it's on an act of hope and trust (in oneself, in life, in the other, in society and even in death) after having felt so much struggle.
If Robert Sheehan finds joy in knowing that his work as an actor can be transformative for the lives of some of us, let him know that his work as an author now is too.
October 1, 2024
I listened to Sheehan's Playing Dead. And the cadence of his voice is sheer perfection for the meditative feel you get listening to his own treatise on meditation. It's also interesting to hear about his experience filming and acting in certain shows and/or plays and his perspective on his growing fame. If this is how Sheehan truly is, then the creators of the Umbrella Academy could not have cast a better person for Klaus. His thoughts on fame mimic Klaus' avoidance of his cult. His thoughts on death mimic Klaus' acceptance and almost cavalier attitude towards it by the end of the series. It's so fascinating to see how art imitates life or art influences life. Great read, great listen, and great reminder to relax and listen to your inner voice.
February 9, 2025
This is one of the rare books where I'll recommend the audiobook over the actual book. Robert's voice is just very soothing as he talks about his journey through discovering meditation.
I will be honest: I have tried meditation and while I do enjoy short exercises, the long ones aren't for me, so imagining being at a week-long meditative retreat sounds like hell to me. But I am very glad that it works for him. Clearly meditation has brought him some much needed peace and quiet.
I'm not there yet, so his ramblings about the perks of this form or the other definitely lead to my mind drifting towards things I had to do. Which is on me. But it also means I can't give this 5 stars.
Still a very interesting read, though!
I will be honest: I have tried meditation and while I do enjoy short exercises, the long ones aren't for me, so imagining being at a week-long meditative retreat sounds like hell to me. But I am very glad that it works for him. Clearly meditation has brought him some much needed peace and quiet.
I'm not there yet, so his ramblings about the perks of this form or the other definitely lead to my mind drifting towards things I had to do. Which is on me. But it also means I can't give this 5 stars.
Still a very interesting read, though!
June 21, 2025
Disclaimer: I listened to the Audiobook. Because if can choose Robert Sheehan's voice over the voice in my head, I'm going to choose Rob.
This was an excellent listen. Humorous, insightful, informative. I already have an on/off relationship with meditation, and so some of Sheehan's experiences with developing his practice really resonated. As someone who studied acting in college, I really connected to how he described mediation helping his character development, and artistic creativity in general. Delightful bonus: hearing Sheehan read some journal entries in the voice of Klaus from "The Umbrella Academy."
Definitely recommend the audiobook for this one.
This was an excellent listen. Humorous, insightful, informative. I already have an on/off relationship with meditation, and so some of Sheehan's experiences with developing his practice really resonated. As someone who studied acting in college, I really connected to how he described mediation helping his character development, and artistic creativity in general. Delightful bonus: hearing Sheehan read some journal entries in the voice of Klaus from "The Umbrella Academy."
Definitely recommend the audiobook for this one.
December 18, 2024
I listened to the audio book - I was expecting a pure biographical journey but got even more than that as he peppers the book with medititaion exercises, and teachings from various practicioners as opposed to just one. As well as being interested in meditation, I'm also an actor and environmental activist, so to hear how meditation has benefitted his acting ability and then his various hopeful imaginings of a future where climate justie has been achieved with the help of meditation really made the book for me. I look forward to picking up a hardcopy of it someday and taking it in again!
January 22, 2025
He had quite a unique and fun way to introduce meditation in your daily life. He introduced several different methods, explained how they have worked for him. He opened up a little bit of acting life, fame and how to fit meditation in it. He also rambled with lots of things, when my mind went on a walk about, just like it would when meditating. He has good points and he seemed to value things that would be good for all of us. Fresh breeze really. And made me meditate several times, which is an achievement itself.
September 9, 2024
I feel like this book could have been better. I love rob sheehan and obviously he's done research for the book, but I feel he's relayed it in some of his chapters, almost word for word, almost. He does have a nack for sucking me in, tv or book. I am captivated. I hope he thinks about being a narrator for other books, they will be popular.
You'd think I would have listened right to the end before posting this. I didn't. If you've read it you'll know.
- Playing Dead
You'd think I would have listened right to the end before posting this. I didn't. If you've read it you'll know.
- Playing Dead
October 18, 2024
Bray is gonna beat the shit out of Portlaoise for the Green Towns, ye cunts.
I’m not usually a non-fic girlie but I’m potentially having a mid/quarter-life crisis & looking for meaning.
I’m institutionalised to take any form of alternative science with a pinch of salt but this was the perfect balance of instruction manual, lived experience, “fact” (I know) & profound idea/opinions, all told with incredible wit.
I’m not usually a non-fic girlie but I’m potentially having a mid/quarter-life crisis & looking for meaning.
I’m institutionalised to take any form of alternative science with a pinch of salt but this was the perfect balance of instruction manual, lived experience, “fact” (I know) & profound idea/opinions, all told with incredible wit.
September 26, 2024
I know Robert Sheehan from his character Klaus in "The Umbrella Academy". I knew he was into meditation. I'm trying to get better and meditating, so I bought this book. I got the audiobook because his voice is lovely. The best parts of the book were when he talked about his own journey. When he got all woo-woo about how meditation could save the world. Not for me. But, all in all, a good book.
September 15, 2024
This book found me at the right time. I haven't normally been receptive to some of the things mentioned in this book, but I was now and I feel like I've gained a lot from it. I'm already trying some techniques and finding value in the results.
December 20, 2024
I’m not a spiritual person however I do like yoga and mindfullness to calm my mind. This book was great at removing any stigma and false information about ‘the proper way to meditate’ which I definitely needed at the time I read it.
September 18, 2024
This was pretty interesting actually! Some good ideas thrown in there too. I'm not into meditation myself but I still found it insightful.
October 2, 2024
Sehr spirituell, bisschen surreal, irgendwie total schön. Ab nach Bali! 🌿
October 28, 2024
Really enjoyed this - very enlightening, quite insightful and overall really entertaining.
December 30, 2024
An interesting read with tidbits of existentialism and poetry.
March 13, 2025
It's a fun read and he surely knows how to get you curious in trying this out for yourself. Like he writes you won't lose anything trying it.
I admire the view this man has for the world.
I admire the view this man has for the world.
November 22, 2025
4.5 stars, really enjoyed this - his stories about growing up in Ireland are very relatable and I found myself laughing out loud to some parts while nodding my head in agreement to others.
December 24, 2024
two stars for the relatable opening chapters
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