Ten Zen Seconds: Twelve Incantations for Purpose, Power and Calm

by Eric Maisel

A powerful, ten-second technique can change stress into calm, strength and a centered approach. The basis of The Ten Second Pause is using a single deep breath as a container for a specific thought.

This technique is simple to grasp, simple to use, simple to practice and simple to master. This technique can be used anywhere, anytime, by anyone and it's profound in its benefits. You'll find yourself able to do things that previously felt too painful or too difficult to attempt. You'll be able to calm and center yourself before an important meeting or conversation. You'll be able to change your basic attitudes about life, becoming calm and positive where before you may have been anxious or pessimistic.

Blending Eastern principles of breath awareness and mindfulness with Western principles of positive psychology, together they offer a powerful antidote to stress, procrastination and anxiousness.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Psychology, Meditation

245 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Eric Maisel, Ph.D., is the author of more than 40 books in the areas of creativity, coaching, mental health, and cultural trends. He is a psychotherapist and creativity coach, and writes for Psychology Today and Professional Artist Magazine and presents workshops internationally.

Reviews

[Anastázie Sedláková · Rating 4 out of 5]

ideas of this book are awesome! As a working mom of three, breathing deeply and saying to myself I am completely stopping, saved me from multiple disastrous evenings. The only thing is that for whatever reason, Czech translation was hard to read, so it took me much more time than expected.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

As others have pointed out, this book could probably have been 1/3 of it's length, owing to the amount of client's accounts. The information is helpful and valuable though.

[Lenin · Rating 2 out of 5]

People seem to like this book. I liked it too—until I got tired of the long winded “personal accounts” of the people the writer supposedly spoke to.

It does have some interesting exercises that one can do to get over their life issues, long-term and short. However, the book makes it look like the deeper and older techniques taught over the ages are not effective or practical any more for the modern human, and hence, a dumbed down and repetitive length of pages describing some hundred variations of a handful of thoughts is the only solution.

The book design is interesting and the initial few chapters are all you need if you want to take something away from the book to bring balance to your fast paced life with a “quickie” method. But at the end of the day, you may realise that the classics need your attention once again.

The above review is just my thought on the useful of this book in my mental and spiritual improvement. No offence intended towards those who may have highly benefited from the book.

[Kate Arms · Rating 3 out of 5]

The main mindfulness technique in this book is simple and powerful. The book, itself, contains far too much filler. Three chapters would have been enough to say all that needed to be said. The material is covered much more briefly, almost too briefly, in Eric Maisel's book "Coaching the Artist Within". Half-way in between would be most effective. That said, the technique is one I am teaching my kids who need meditative techniques and resist more traditional teachings.

[Maggie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just could not get into this book despite trying to a few times, months apart, over the course of a year or so. I didn't find it particularly appealing when I would flick through the pages, as one does when you pick up a new book. When I attempted to read it through from page 1 I still couldn't relate. Never mind, some books grab you, some don't. And I feel I've given this one a fair go.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised by this book. It's one of the best introductions to mindfulness I've read, as it's too simple to not put into practice. And it works.

The book is presented in a somewhat new-agey, geared towards old ladies kind of way which is a shame. Anyone would gain a lot from reading it if they had an open mind, but I suspect only a certain few will be tempted to even give it a try.

[Tommy /|\ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a completely terrible book, but the entire aspect of what the author is trying to convey is summed up in the first two chapters - related to breathing techniques. The "incantations" have a rather hokey feel to them - and the manner each is presented is at times slightly juvenile. The premise is good, the technique is a good one - the presentation can definitely use a lot of polish.

[Talismanrose]

How to take control of my thoughts...to still my rampaging mind, keep myself on track, to not let outside forces (like my husband)over run my thoughts & prevent me from living my true life.

http://www.ericmaisel.com/

[HadiDee · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good intro to mindfulness if you're new to it, and a nice reminder if you're you're not. The technique is explained in the first few chapters and after that it's mostly filler and repetition. Overall a solid little book.

[Sheridan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoying this book so far, EASY to apply and helps me keep calm with the chaos 3 boys can create!

[Robin]

whhhhuuut - gotta get my zen on - it's summer!

[Eldra · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is always room in my reading world for any advice on meditation and awareness. This is a good read.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple concept. Easy to use. Amazing results with little effort. Wish I had read this years ago!

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has some great techniques for centering and calming oneself. Anyone can try this method and feel some relief from anxiety.

[Cristie Underwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest and in-depth advice for reaching your full potential. This advice is presented in easy to follow language that can be broken up and applied in pieces at a time.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author presents here and amazingly simple way to bring ourselves presence in the midst of any kind of circumstance that causes stress. I have been using these incantations for a few weeks now and I am utterly blown away by their effect on me. Try it and see!

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.