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Calm: Calm the Mind. Change the World
Join the calm revolution: inspiration and activities showing how absolutely everyone can achieve calm in everyday life.
Modern life is hectic and relentless- trains delayed, endless emails filling the inbox, kids squabbling before bedtime... There has never been a more important time to rediscover your pause button. Calm is the book that will show you how to take back a little bit of peace, space and all-important calm. This book contains the simple tools, tricks and habits that will change the rest your life. It is a practical and pleasurable guide to twenty-first century mindfulness. Regular meditation is medically proven to be good for you - it increases focus and creativity, productivity and job satisfaction, mental and even physical health. But in reality most of us don't have time to sit on a cushion with our eyes closed for half an hour every day. And many people associate meditation with hard work and huge lifestyle shifts- you might be imagining Buddhist monks locked in a mountain retreat and living off gruel... This is where Calm comes in. Calm is about simple, achievable habits that work with the demands of your busy life instead of pretending those demands don't exist. Calm does not require specialist training- it uses abilities that every single one of us is born with, like creativity, spontaneity and simply noticing the world around you. Calm is not a set of rules that you need to worry about following or breaking. It is inspirational, practical and non-prescriptive. Onerous, time-consuming meditation might seem out of reach but everyone can achieve calm - including you.
Modern life is hectic and relentless- trains delayed, endless emails filling the inbox, kids squabbling before bedtime... There has never been a more important time to rediscover your pause button. Calm is the book that will show you how to take back a little bit of peace, space and all-important calm. This book contains the simple tools, tricks and habits that will change the rest your life. It is a practical and pleasurable guide to twenty-first century mindfulness. Regular meditation is medically proven to be good for you - it increases focus and creativity, productivity and job satisfaction, mental and even physical health. But in reality most of us don't have time to sit on a cushion with our eyes closed for half an hour every day. And many people associate meditation with hard work and huge lifestyle shifts- you might be imagining Buddhist monks locked in a mountain retreat and living off gruel... This is where Calm comes in. Calm is about simple, achievable habits that work with the demands of your busy life instead of pretending those demands don't exist. Calm does not require specialist training- it uses abilities that every single one of us is born with, like creativity, spontaneity and simply noticing the world around you. Calm is not a set of rules that you need to worry about following or breaking. It is inspirational, practical and non-prescriptive. Onerous, time-consuming meditation might seem out of reach but everyone can achieve calm - including you.
224 pages, Paperback
First published April 28, 2015
165 people are currently reading
2509 people want to read
About the author
Michael Acton Smith
5 books27 followersMichael Acton Smith, OBE, is the founder of Mind Candy and creator of Moshi Monsters, the BAFTA award-winning children's brand.
He is the co-founder of Calm and has launched many other entrepreneurial ventures from online retailer Firebox.com to tech networking event Silicon Roundabout. In 2014 he was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the creative industries.
Michael Acton Smith is frequently listed among the most influential people in the digital industry (Guardian '100 Most Powerful People in Media', Wired 'Top 100 of Britain's Digital Power', and The Times '100 to Watch list". He lives in London and can be found on Twitter @acton.
He is the co-founder of Calm and has launched many other entrepreneurial ventures from online retailer Firebox.com to tech networking event Silicon Roundabout. In 2014 he was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the creative industries.
Michael Acton Smith is frequently listed among the most influential people in the digital industry (Guardian '100 Most Powerful People in Media', Wired 'Top 100 of Britain's Digital Power', and The Times '100 to Watch list". He lives in London and can be found on Twitter @acton.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
December 22, 2020
This is the book which I keep by my side all the time to rewind and motivate me everyday.
I never thought this journal would make this much difference in my life.
When people around me are just living their own lives being themselves who they are, telling me things which I really do not need to know or hear this book is the one thing which help me see things in a positive way.
This book is nothing phenomenal if I start making you feel like it's the best book ever to motivate everyone. No, it's nothing like that. But yes, the book does what it meant to do. It helps me keep calm.
That's what I need on an everyday basis: to keep myself calm.
This book has been helpful to me in so many different ways.
No, I don't do the exercises mentioned in it.
No, I don't follow everything it says.
But yes, the content just makes me feel calm just flipping through its pages. That's what it does for me.
And yes, the pages! It's so aesthetic and natural. I have been using this book for taking pictures as well.
A book that stays with me.
The book.
My lifelong companion.
I never thought this journal would make this much difference in my life.
When people around me are just living their own lives being themselves who they are, telling me things which I really do not need to know or hear this book is the one thing which help me see things in a positive way.
This book is nothing phenomenal if I start making you feel like it's the best book ever to motivate everyone. No, it's nothing like that. But yes, the book does what it meant to do. It helps me keep calm.
That's what I need on an everyday basis: to keep myself calm.
This book has been helpful to me in so many different ways.
No, I don't do the exercises mentioned in it.
No, I don't follow everything it says.
But yes, the content just makes me feel calm just flipping through its pages. That's what it does for me.
And yes, the pages! It's so aesthetic and natural. I have been using this book for taking pictures as well.
A book that stays with me.
The book.
My lifelong companion.
January 12, 2016
I think this might be the most beautifully designed book I've ever read. And I love how it's written- pick and choose what you want to read instead of being forced to read in order. I'll be able to apply lots of these exercises and meditations as I work on being more calm.
October 30, 2017
https://ayearofbooksblog.com/2017/10/...
Life is so hectic. Days are filled with work, carpool, errands leaving little time to relax and enjoy an evening with family. It seems that we are constantly running and need to take time to be mindful, reflect and be still. Calm is a book filled with beautiful pictures, quotations and helpful suggestions to take time out.
The book reinforces the importance of acknowledging what you are grateful for and suggests journalling the 3 highlights of your day. We have a habit of talking about our 3 best things at dinner. The kids might make a joke about it but it gives us time to connect and talk about our day as we share a meal.
The first section encourages taking time to appreciate nature by enjoying activities like walking the dog or cloud gazing. This is followed by a section on sleep which can seem elusive when your brain refuses to turn off. There is nothing worse than ruminating over the day’s events as you count down the hours left until the alarm goes off. Sleep helps the body to repair and rebuild and the book offers suggestions including black out curtains, calm colours, before bed stretching and a setting a cool temperature (perhaps my dad has it right by leaving his window open a crack all winter long)!
The travel section encourages taking a walk, finding a new route home and tips if you are anxious about flight. It is followed by a section on relationships suggesting that we turn our phones off and focus on those we care about. Many of us may experience stress at work. While it may be convenient to work through breaks and eat lunch at our desks, taking regular breaks improves creativity and innovation.
A couple other helpful suggestions include:
Take a digital detox.
Change your password to reflect and remind you of your intention (i.e. Re!aXt0day).
Try something new (i.e. calligraphy, colouring).
Rediscover the appeal of cooking from scratch.
Enjoy a cup of tea.
This is an easy read with some great tips for relaxing. The pictures are calming and there are sections that readers can fill in with their own information. Although I enjoyed the tips, I did feel like the book was a bit of an advertisement for their meditation app (which comes with a monthly fee).
Life is so hectic. Days are filled with work, carpool, errands leaving little time to relax and enjoy an evening with family. It seems that we are constantly running and need to take time to be mindful, reflect and be still. Calm is a book filled with beautiful pictures, quotations and helpful suggestions to take time out.
The book reinforces the importance of acknowledging what you are grateful for and suggests journalling the 3 highlights of your day. We have a habit of talking about our 3 best things at dinner. The kids might make a joke about it but it gives us time to connect and talk about our day as we share a meal.
The first section encourages taking time to appreciate nature by enjoying activities like walking the dog or cloud gazing. This is followed by a section on sleep which can seem elusive when your brain refuses to turn off. There is nothing worse than ruminating over the day’s events as you count down the hours left until the alarm goes off. Sleep helps the body to repair and rebuild and the book offers suggestions including black out curtains, calm colours, before bed stretching and a setting a cool temperature (perhaps my dad has it right by leaving his window open a crack all winter long)!
The travel section encourages taking a walk, finding a new route home and tips if you are anxious about flight. It is followed by a section on relationships suggesting that we turn our phones off and focus on those we care about. Many of us may experience stress at work. While it may be convenient to work through breaks and eat lunch at our desks, taking regular breaks improves creativity and innovation.
A couple other helpful suggestions include:
Take a digital detox.
Change your password to reflect and remind you of your intention (i.e. Re!aXt0day).
Try something new (i.e. calligraphy, colouring).
Rediscover the appeal of cooking from scratch.
Enjoy a cup of tea.
This is an easy read with some great tips for relaxing. The pictures are calming and there are sections that readers can fill in with their own information. Although I enjoyed the tips, I did feel like the book was a bit of an advertisement for their meditation app (which comes with a monthly fee).
July 16, 2015
Recently I've had a real thirst for books that will provide me with knowledge - especially knowledge to help my own personal and spiritual growth. 'Calm' was a book I saw in the shops and instantly knew I had to purchase.
The book is a series of suggestions as to how you achieve calm within your everyday life, looking at different aspects such as sleep, relationships and creativity. It's written in an easy-to-read layout where you can simply pick it up and flick to a random page. You don't have to read it in a linear fashion, as it's designed to be more like a handbook, but I couldn't stop myself.
I was particularly impressed with the design of the book - it utilises brilliant photography with simple fonts and calming content. I was drawn to each page as there was no specific format - each page was a work of art in itself. Even the book feels nice - the cover is soft and smooth to touch and it comes with a nice attached bookmark (which can later be used as a bracelet!).
The ideas in the book were really great as well - although I do some of them already, such as meditation and yoga, there were lots of great tips and suggestions that I hadn't yet thought of. This book also inspired me to take up flower-pressing after flicking through it in the shop, and it really does have something for everyone. It was also backed up with a lot of research, which obviously helped to validate the content. I feel like this book is the modern-day epiphany that we all need in our lives.
There's also an app that goes alongside the book (again called 'Calm') - I haven't tried it but I'm going to look into it as it contains a lot of guided meditations, amongst other things. If you're feeling particularly stressed out then make yourself a cup of tea and have a read of this book - it might just give you an idea to change your life.
The book is a series of suggestions as to how you achieve calm within your everyday life, looking at different aspects such as sleep, relationships and creativity. It's written in an easy-to-read layout where you can simply pick it up and flick to a random page. You don't have to read it in a linear fashion, as it's designed to be more like a handbook, but I couldn't stop myself.
I was particularly impressed with the design of the book - it utilises brilliant photography with simple fonts and calming content. I was drawn to each page as there was no specific format - each page was a work of art in itself. Even the book feels nice - the cover is soft and smooth to touch and it comes with a nice attached bookmark (which can later be used as a bracelet!).
The ideas in the book were really great as well - although I do some of them already, such as meditation and yoga, there were lots of great tips and suggestions that I hadn't yet thought of. This book also inspired me to take up flower-pressing after flicking through it in the shop, and it really does have something for everyone. It was also backed up with a lot of research, which obviously helped to validate the content. I feel like this book is the modern-day epiphany that we all need in our lives.
There's also an app that goes alongside the book (again called 'Calm') - I haven't tried it but I'm going to look into it as it contains a lot of guided meditations, amongst other things. If you're feeling particularly stressed out then make yourself a cup of tea and have a read of this book - it might just give you an idea to change your life.
May 23, 2017
I'm obsessed with this book. Something about the texture of the cover and slight curve of the corners of the pages is amazing to begin with, and then everything inside is gorgeous as well. The art and layout of every page is amazing, and every one is filled with something interesting or useful to read. The presentation kind of makes me sad all books can't be laid out so thoughtfully and accompanied with visuals. Actually made me not want to write within the book itself.
May 8, 2016
Calm is such a calming book. It is also a great coffee table book; with its gorgeous illustrations! This is a book that, though I say I've finished it, I know I'll be dipping in and out of for a very long time. There's so much to help live a calmer life. And I feel this sort of book is best read in a linear format to start, and then dipped in and out of over time, perhaps each day? A one of a kind book. Fantastic.
December 5, 2019
Absolutely perfect! Both the app and this book are the most helpful things ever. 5/5 stars
July 20, 2019
A beautiful book. All the through reading it, you get calmed down and relaxed.
I loved the subjects it touched upon: Nature, sleep, travel, relationships, children, creativity, and food. And i loved how each and every topic is supported by scientific evidence and real life examples.
And off course, above all, i loved the graphics and pictures.
A calming and most needed read to break between regulars texty reads.
I loved the subjects it touched upon: Nature, sleep, travel, relationships, children, creativity, and food. And i loved how each and every topic is supported by scientific evidence and real life examples.
And off course, above all, i loved the graphics and pictures.
A calming and most needed read to break between regulars texty reads.
April 19, 2016
"En conclusion, Calme est un livre que je qualifierais de multidimensionnel (attention, la fille qui laisse son côté universitaire ressortir) : il fait appel à des connaissances plus scientifiques mais accessibles à tous, mais aussi des images et des mises en page de textes très douces, ludiques et qui invitent à l’apaisement. Tout est fait pour que l’on s’immerge dans une bulle hors du temps, histoire de reprendre le cours de nos vies plus sereins. Entre les petits trucs qui nous sont proposés, les activités à compléter directement sur les pages ou encore les réflexions et citations de personnes connues, voir notre quotidien sous un jour nouveau n’est pas difficile, et c’est franchement beau. Je suis totalement adepte de cette petite révolution, qui n’a pas fini de faire effet sur moi et j’espère bien, sur les personnes à qui je le prêterai sans modération !
Ce sera un 19/20 pour moi !"
Chronique entière ici :
http://leden-des-reves.blogspot.ch/20...
Ce sera un 19/20 pour moi !"
Chronique entière ici :
http://leden-des-reves.blogspot.ch/20...
July 26, 2015
Not a long read at all, but something to refer to time and time again or gift to loved ones. Contains some wonderful meditative exercises and journal ideas to help the mind reach a calm state. Although mindfulness may be having a moment, the book is something that will stay with your forever and shows how everyone can incorporate alternative thinking into their daily activities. Definitely recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2015
This book is a quick recap guide or reference manual for mindful mediation. The books is very elegantly designed with awesome graphics and the small things we need to pay attention which is getting missed in the day to day monotonous life. Overall, I am very pleased with this book and it is definitely one to have on your mindful meditation shelf.
April 1, 2016
A beautiful book on all levels. The design is brilliant and layout is stunning. Full of practical insights, quotes to serve as reminders, meditations and little activities to help you introduce calm into the varying aspects of your life. This little handbook is one I will be keeping close at all times.
October 27, 2017
Woohoo I'm so happy I read this book. It's soothing and fun. There is a lot of wisdom in this book. My favorite sections are the relaxing stretches, the colouring! the travel tips, and the mini journal pages that ask of 3 good things in the day. I highly recommend the paperback copy of the book. The app is helpful, too.
July 23, 2018
If you found nothing excites you anymore, this book is definitely for you as it's filled with enlightenment with pictures on how to restore your soul and not get too stressed about modern arduous life. As I go back to the regular busy, cluttered cadence of my life I try to integrate some of the things I did when I took time away and so far it's been really helpful and rejuvenating.
January 20, 2019
Loved this book and it has made a serious impact on my lifestyle! We all need a little help sleeping now and then or with slowing that constant head chatter or anxiety that can impede our daily lives. I found the book and then the app over a year ago and i have used it daily and loved it ever since and recommended it numerous times!
April 22, 2018
One of the best books I have ever read..
Want to read
November 7, 2018I'm seriously getting more and more into these books, they are a form of relaxation and meditation to me.
December 16, 2018
It has taken me a long time to finish this book because I have dipped into it when I needed it. An excellent, reflective look at how slowing down an meditating can help to make life easier.
October 11, 2022
Some useful ideas, but always offering mindfulness as a stepping stone to corporate productivity and profit turns my stomach.
April 29, 2023
Overview:
We all have problems with keeping stress levels down. Calm shows you how in everyday life you can better help with stress by taking a deep breath and relaxing.
Based on the app, this book shows you how to take a step back from everyday life and practice wellness.
Thoughts:
I liked this book and the message that it was talking about. We all experience stress but a lot of the time it is in high levels. And learning to become calm and quiet are racing minds is important for everyday life and our wellness. I really liked the illustrations displayed in this book, it was simple but in a way adding to the satisfaction I got from reading this.
It showed me ways to achieve the goal of being calm and it was interesting to see that the book broke up different topics seen in someone's life where you might need calm or areas that can give you calm. The topics in this book included are,
- Nature (Finding calm in nature.)
- Sleep (The benefits of sleep and how to sleep better.)
- Travel (How to implement calm into travelling.)
- Relationships (Cherishing the loved ones in your life and having a healthier relationship.)
- Work (Learning to have a calmer time at work.)
- Digital Detox (Ways to put some space between you and your electronics for your wellbeing.)
- Children (Spending time with children for personal wellness and teaching children to be mindful and calm in everyday life.)
- Creativity (Ways being creative can bring calm into your life.)
- Food (How food brings us together and can bring calm and ways a warm tea can bring peace.)
Though it didn't effect me very much, I found some of the font to be hard to read. And that could be a problem to some people.
But I enjoyed this book. (:
We all have problems with keeping stress levels down. Calm shows you how in everyday life you can better help with stress by taking a deep breath and relaxing.
Based on the app, this book shows you how to take a step back from everyday life and practice wellness.
Thoughts:
I liked this book and the message that it was talking about. We all experience stress but a lot of the time it is in high levels. And learning to become calm and quiet are racing minds is important for everyday life and our wellness. I really liked the illustrations displayed in this book, it was simple but in a way adding to the satisfaction I got from reading this.
It showed me ways to achieve the goal of being calm and it was interesting to see that the book broke up different topics seen in someone's life where you might need calm or areas that can give you calm. The topics in this book included are,
- Nature (Finding calm in nature.)
- Sleep (The benefits of sleep and how to sleep better.)
- Travel (How to implement calm into travelling.)
- Relationships (Cherishing the loved ones in your life and having a healthier relationship.)
- Work (Learning to have a calmer time at work.)
- Digital Detox (Ways to put some space between you and your electronics for your wellbeing.)
- Children (Spending time with children for personal wellness and teaching children to be mindful and calm in everyday life.)
- Creativity (Ways being creative can bring calm into your life.)
- Food (How food brings us together and can bring calm and ways a warm tea can bring peace.)
Though it didn't effect me very much, I found some of the font to be hard to read. And that could be a problem to some people.
But I enjoyed this book. (:
January 29, 2021
This book is such a fun and calming read. I enjoyed the artwork, quotes and the feel of the paper. The tips to center yourself and the meditations are brilliant and are based on science and research so you know they actually work when you carry them out and feel a difference. Enjoyed the writing activities in the book also. Even though I've read the book start to finish its the type of book I will go back to to flick through and read certain parts to find calm. I Highly Recommend reading this book.
August 10, 2019
Delightful little book about different ways and tips to find calm. I bet the physical version is even better than the audio version I listened to since it seems to have a very nice layout. I’m thinking about getting it to have in my bookshelf and skim through whenever I need a reminder :)
October 22, 2017
awesome read !!
September 21, 2020
I was hoping for something a bit more revolutionary, but this felt like a giant advert for the app...
August 28, 2022
I absolutely adored this book. Each page is a hidden treasure that evokes feelings of comfort, nostalgia, and awe. What a wonderful experience! I loved every minute of it.
September 21, 2019
Pretty quick read - lots of art. I loved the general theme of the book and the design/artwork that fills its pages. Definitely a book to flip through when you're feeling a bit down.
March 5, 2020
Great help in re-focusing my calm, especially since I am a visual person. Only wish it was a little longer!
April 1, 2020
Easy reading for before sleep. Should be read every couple of months to maintain calmness in life :) creative page design.
August 27, 2024
Love this book! My bible!
December 28, 2021
nieszablonowo przyjemna podróż przez każdą płaszczyznę naszego życia, którą jest w stanie dotknąć uważność
Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews