The Art of Detachment: Finding Strength in Presence, Calmness, and Detachment

by Shubham Kumar Singh

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Art, Philosophy, Personal Growth, Psychology

186 pages, Paperback

Published April 30, 2025

Reviews

[Nancee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Someone recommended this book for a book group read. I thought it was going to be about removing yourself from toxic people and environments. I was wrong. I was actually presently surprised with this book.

The book was full of famous and inspirational quotes from writers, celebrities, etc. It was also full of anecdotal stories. They were all really great and I want to get a hard copy of the book to reference them again.

Overall, the messages were about appreciating the present, don't get distracted by phones and things out of your control. Take time to meditate and be grateful. Take a long term perspective on problems. Surround yourself with good people, but it's also ok to take time to be alone.

There were a lot of good messages for mental health. Many religions apply some of these same basic principles about peace and spirituality, so if you don't get that direction from religion, this is a good alternative for finding peace and focus in life.

[Areli Valentin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lately, I've been conflicting with solitude and being alone. I never realized the power of my own thoughts in stillness. Singh provided practical habits to develop time to reflect and be present. When your mind is full of overthinking and days are distracted by unnecessary stimuli, it's hard to take the time to form thoughts that align with who you really are. This book was thought provoking and taught me that detachment is not about dismissing the present but enjoying the present without worrying about tomorrow. The beauty of life is about living intentionally and learning to let go through cultivating inner calmness. It's about embracing the clarity, creativity, and calmness of your inner space without distracting yourself.

[Hannah Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very useful reminder for those of us who struggle with our own sense of self. A quick, easy, and insightful read that I found helpful in a time of turmoil. I, personally, did not find the last few chapters necessary, as they all focused on finding comfort in solitude and that has never been a problem for me. I have always been perfectly content on my own, and find my anxieties and attachments and loneliness come from interactions with other people. For other, more social/extroverted people, though, the last chapters would be helpful. There is nothing particularly groundbreaking here, but it is a pleasant read full of important reminders when you lose your way.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

There isn’t anything groundbreaking here, it’s essentially basic Buddhist/Stoic concepts distilled down to first principals. That being said, they are effective practices to reduce stress and anxiety in a crazy world. It wouldn’t be my first recommendation for an indepth examination of detachment practices (for that I’d point to Eckhart Tolle’s Power of Now) but as a primer it’s sufficient. As a writer, my main complaint is that the author uses far too many quotes; gives the vibe of “I ran out of things to say, so I’ll talk about what others have said” and that just feels like filler.

[Zoë · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely simple writing and a bit repetitive but not mad at it. Flipping my attachment interest in the opposite direction. Truly think the detachment is probably one of the hardest life skills to master - whether that’s from an outcome, a person, the past or the future. Not to get deep and spiritual or anything. K bye

[Jemelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far one of the best books I’ve read this year.
All I kept saying was “yes” “absolutely” “so damn true”
I could relate so much to the majority of the teachings and how I have made the changes mentioned already in my life.

[annabelclaiireart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you

[Ava Pasewicz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it. It had a bunch of good reminders to stay present and have compassion

[Lou Potts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great! Read it so quickly found it really helpful!

[Abhishek Bandal · Rating 4 out of 5]

good book

[Abhishek · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's actually a good read but in pieces it's a bit repetitive. Worth a read for sure.