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No Time Like the Present: Finding Freedom, Love, and Joy Right Where You Are
In this landmark work, internationally beloved teacher of meditation and mindfulness Jack Kornfield reveals that you can be happy now, this minute, with the keys to inner freedom.
In his first major book in several years, the inspiring author of the classic A Path with Heart, Jack Kornfield, invites us into a new awareness. Through his signature warmhearted, poignant, often funny stories, with their Aha moments and O. Henry-like outcomes, Jack shows how we get stuck and how we can free ourselves, wherever we are and whatever our circumstances. Renowned for his mindfulness practices and meditations, Jack provides these keys for opening gateways to immediate shifts in perspective and clarity of vision, allowing us to see how to change course, take action, or—when we shouldn’t act—just relax and trust.
Each chapter presents a path to a different kind of freedom—freedom from fear, freedom to start over, to love, to be yourself, and to be happy—and guides you into an active process that engages your mind, heart, and spirit, awakens your spirit, and brings real joy, over and over again. Drawing from his own life as a son, brother, father, and partner, and on his forty years of face-to-face teaching of thousands of people across the country, Jack presents a stirring call to be here, in the power of the now, the present, as we work through life’s passages. His keys to life will help us find hope, clarity, relief from past disappointments and guilt, and the courage to go forward.
In his first major book in several years, the inspiring author of the classic A Path with Heart, Jack Kornfield, invites us into a new awareness. Through his signature warmhearted, poignant, often funny stories, with their Aha moments and O. Henry-like outcomes, Jack shows how we get stuck and how we can free ourselves, wherever we are and whatever our circumstances. Renowned for his mindfulness practices and meditations, Jack provides these keys for opening gateways to immediate shifts in perspective and clarity of vision, allowing us to see how to change course, take action, or—when we shouldn’t act—just relax and trust.
Each chapter presents a path to a different kind of freedom—freedom from fear, freedom to start over, to love, to be yourself, and to be happy—and guides you into an active process that engages your mind, heart, and spirit, awakens your spirit, and brings real joy, over and over again. Drawing from his own life as a son, brother, father, and partner, and on his forty years of face-to-face teaching of thousands of people across the country, Jack presents a stirring call to be here, in the power of the now, the present, as we work through life’s passages. His keys to life will help us find hope, clarity, relief from past disappointments and guilt, and the courage to go forward.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published May 16, 2017
495 people are currently reading
1468 people want to read
About the author
Jack Kornfield
152 books1,412 followersJack Kornfield trained as a Buddhist monk in the monasteries of Thailand, India and Burma. He has taught meditation internationally since 1974 and is one of the key teachers to introduce Buddhist mindfulness practice to the West. He began his training after graduating from Dartmouth College in Asian Studies in 1967. Then he joined the Peace Corps and was assigned to the Public Health Service in northeast Thailand, which is home to several of the world’s oldest Buddhist forest monasteries. He met and studied under the Buddhist master Ven. Ajahn Chah, as well as the Ven. Mahasi Sayadaw of Burma. After returning to the United States, Jack co-founded the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts, with fellow meditation teachers Sharon Salzberg and Joseph Goldstein. He is also a founding teacher of the Spirit Rock Center in Woodacre, California, where he currently lives and teaches. Over the years, Jack has taught in centers and universities worldwide, led International Buddhist Teacher meetings with the Dalai Lama and worked with many of the great teachers of our time. He holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and is a husband, father and an activist.
His books have been translated into 20 languages and sold more than a million copies. They include, A Wise Heart: A Guide to the Universal Teachings of Buddhist Psychology, A Path with Heart; After the Ecstasy, the Laundry; Teachings of the Buddha; Seeking the Heart of Wisdom; Living Dharma; A Still Forest Pool; Stories of the Spirit, Stories of the Heart; Buddha’s Little Instruction Book; The Art of Forgiveness, Lovingkindness and Peace, Bringing Home the Dharma: Awakening Right Where You Are, and his most recent book, No Time Like the Present: Finding Freedom, Love, and Joy Right Where You Are.
His books have been translated into 20 languages and sold more than a million copies. They include, A Wise Heart: A Guide to the Universal Teachings of Buddhist Psychology, A Path with Heart; After the Ecstasy, the Laundry; Teachings of the Buddha; Seeking the Heart of Wisdom; Living Dharma; A Still Forest Pool; Stories of the Spirit, Stories of the Heart; Buddha’s Little Instruction Book; The Art of Forgiveness, Lovingkindness and Peace, Bringing Home the Dharma: Awakening Right Where You Are, and his most recent book, No Time Like the Present: Finding Freedom, Love, and Joy Right Where You Are.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
June 30, 2017
Best book I've ever read.
This is the best book I've ever read. I feel happy for the first time in many years as a result of reading it.
This is the best book I've ever read. I feel happy for the first time in many years as a result of reading it.
June 28, 2017
I really do like Jack Kornfield, and this book is filled with some powerful wisdom. Perhaps it's my shortcoming that I didn't take it in smaller doses, because amid the ancient teachings and a-ha moments there was a bit too much self-help chatter and granola-speak, and this is coming from someone who identifies as a left-wing hippie, born a decade too late.
That aside, Kornfield does a fine job of gathering anecdotes, both personal and from others, that address such topics as Obstacles to Freedom, Living in the Present Moment, a willingness to accept and embrace life's mysteries, expand our trust, and exercise forgiveness.
The book is broken into short chapters, and perhaps it is best digested as such. I'm glad I read it, and hope to go back and break it down into more applicable bite-sized teachings rather than sitting down with the whole enchilada next time.
That aside, Kornfield does a fine job of gathering anecdotes, both personal and from others, that address such topics as Obstacles to Freedom, Living in the Present Moment, a willingness to accept and embrace life's mysteries, expand our trust, and exercise forgiveness.
The book is broken into short chapters, and perhaps it is best digested as such. I'm glad I read it, and hope to go back and break it down into more applicable bite-sized teachings rather than sitting down with the whole enchilada next time.
March 10, 2024
Jack Kornfield has had a very interesting career as a Buddhist writer. His early work was very Buddhist specific, an authentic prestation of other teachers' teachings, and not too approachable for a general audience (Living Dharma, A Still Forest Pool). Then he became great at "translating" aspects of Buddhism like insight mediation for a general audience while presenting it from a general spiritual perspective that incorporated other traditions, stories, poetry, and psychology (A Path with Heart, The Path of Insight Meditation, After the Ecstasy the Laundry, Seeking the Heart of Wisdom). For me this is his best written work, where he balanced insight/depth with a warm-hearted accessibility. Just as good are some of his collections of talks/lectures. Three of those "programs" were very meaningful to me in my early 20's: Roots of Buddhist Psychology, Your Buddha Nature, and The Inner Art of Meditation. I must have listened to your buddha nature 10+ times and still recall points and stories from it vividly.
In recent years he's begun to lean more into accessibility and stories, becoming something like a popular Buddhist chicken soup for the soul with books like this one and to a lesser extent Bringing Home the Dharma. Still enjoyable but less intellectually structured, less Buddhist specific, and more short true moral stories trying to awaken aspirations and supply inspiration to readers. Personally, when so many stories are strung together, they lose some of their impact. Even when the context is dark, the point of each story is to emphasize the light and goodness. It begins to feel unbalanced, like being hit over the head with goodness. I personally miss the more intellectually structured work of his middle period, but I'll always be grateful for his work as a whole and it's possible this aspect of his work will have the more lasting effect, because it more relatable to people (who am I to know).
I still have to read the wise heart and listen to a few of his other audio programs. Looking forward to those one day, but don't feel a rush to get to them.
In recent years he's begun to lean more into accessibility and stories, becoming something like a popular Buddhist chicken soup for the soul with books like this one and to a lesser extent Bringing Home the Dharma. Still enjoyable but less intellectually structured, less Buddhist specific, and more short true moral stories trying to awaken aspirations and supply inspiration to readers. Personally, when so many stories are strung together, they lose some of their impact. Even when the context is dark, the point of each story is to emphasize the light and goodness. It begins to feel unbalanced, like being hit over the head with goodness. I personally miss the more intellectually structured work of his middle period, but I'll always be grateful for his work as a whole and it's possible this aspect of his work will have the more lasting effect, because it more relatable to people (who am I to know).
I still have to read the wise heart and listen to a few of his other audio programs. Looking forward to those one day, but don't feel a rush to get to them.
December 8, 2017
No Time Like the Present is an Owner’s Manuel for the soul and Jack Kornfield shares his training in Buddhism and clinical psychology through a hundred stories that inspire and help us make whole. When I’m done with a book I usually give it away or put it on the shelf. I think I’ll keep this one out for the next year or more to open up again and again.
Thank You Jack. You are the best.
Thank You Jack. You are the best.
July 23, 2017
Excellent book for beginning or experienced meditator. His books are always filled with warmth, love, great stories and wonderful ways to get back on a balanced track.
August 23, 2018
Mi frase favorita del libro: "No dejaré que lo que no puedo hacer me impida hacer lo que puedo."
December 2, 2019
I enjoyed this audiobook. I didn't think there was anything groundbreaking, but I enjoyed the author's antidotes and suggestions for living a freer, more joyful life.
February 24, 2023
I slowly enjoyed this beautiful book over the past 9 months, usually beginning my day with at least a few pages.
I love Jack Kornfield's writing - so simple yet profound. He repeats a lot of the same anecdotes across his books, but I actually like it given that I need to hear something more than a few times to really absorb it.
I always start my day more grounded when I take the time to read his work, especially followed by meditation.
I'm looking forward to moving on to one of his many other books, perhaps A Still Forest Pool or Teachings of the Buddha. It'll be my fourth book by him, I believe.
I love Jack Kornfield's writing - so simple yet profound. He repeats a lot of the same anecdotes across his books, but I actually like it given that I need to hear something more than a few times to really absorb it.
I always start my day more grounded when I take the time to read his work, especially followed by meditation.
I'm looking forward to moving on to one of his many other books, perhaps A Still Forest Pool or Teachings of the Buddha. It'll be my fourth book by him, I believe.
May 22, 2017
Wonderful book full of wisdom for living.It is a gentle guidebook for living a more peaceful life.
January 19, 2018
A fine study and meditation practice guide in embracing love and joy and freedom even as we have suffered or are meeting difficulty. Recommended for individual or group study and practice.
October 14, 2020
אהבתי את הספר.
לדעתי עלול להראות קצת "רוחני" מדי לאנשים שאין להם רקע במיינדפולנס
אבל מומלץ
לדעתי עלול להראות קצת "רוחני" מדי לאנשים שאין להם רקע במיינדפולנס
אבל מומלץ
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September 7, 2017Really like this book. Gave me inspiration, practical exercises to experience and release feelings and be a more loving person.
July 19, 2017
Don't get me wrong, I absolutely adore Jack Kornfield and have for most of my adulthood. But so disappointed that the audio version is spoken in a way that sounds like I'm being sold a self-help book. The thing I love about all Jack's audio is the authenticity of his voice. Always so calm and true. Think I'll also purchase the hard copy of this one to make the most of the book's wonderful content.
February 15, 2018
lifetime of wisdom contained in this slim volume. Full of anecdotal stories and enfleshed examples of living an enspirited, present, full bodied and souled life. With practical exercises to begin or continue ones personal practice of becoming more fully alive and present to the whole, wildly beautiful catastrophe of life. Recommended for anyone looking to renew either their practice or their love of life.
September 26, 2023
The book is a gentle reminder of the importance of living in the present moment and finding peace amidst life's chaos. It's a transformative journey that inspires self-reflection and encourages a deeper connection with oneself and the world. "No Time Like The Present" is a must-read for anyone seeking inner peace and a greater understanding of the human experience.
May 29, 2018
Kornfield strings together anecdotes about compassion in a compelling manner. The book also includes hands-on meditation exercises to try and mantras to repeat to yourself. The combination of storytelling and practical meditation advice makes this book a great read.
November 14, 2017
A great 'feel good' book teaching love, peace and forgiveness. I wish I could make some people read this book as it would be very helpful for the haters out there.
October 27, 2020
Reads like a cheap self help book.
August 2, 2021
Felt like too much of this book was clichés and platitudes, more like a sermon for progressive values and mindfulness (which is fine) but not particularly interesting.
February 26, 2018
Jack Kornfield - Wahre Freiheit -
»Freiheit beginnt da, wo wir sind«
Wie wir in jedem Augenblick des Lebens wahrhaft frei sein können, zeigt uns der renommierte Meditationslehrer Jack Kornfield in seinem neuen großartigen Buch.
Kornfield lehrt uns, dass und wie wir unsere Gedanken steuern können.
Und wenn wir uns der Freiheit unserer Gedanken bewusst sind und allem mit Achtsamkeit und Liebe begegnen, dann hat das sogenannte negative Schicksal keine Macht mehr über uns. Wir erkennen, dass wir selbst das Negative sind, weil wir es denken. Wir können im Jetzt unser Schicksal - unser Karma - ändern, indem wir an
Freude statt an Hass denken,
an Versöhnung statt an Kampf,
an Dankbarkeit statt an Verbitterung.
Natürlich ist das leicht gesagt. Auch Kornfield musste dies ein Leben lang üben. Das bleibt keinem erspart.
Wer aber täglich übt und meditiert, der kann diese Freiheit erlangen und weiter ent-wickeln.
Jedes Kapitel ist wie ein Kursbuch für einen besonderen Aspekt von Freiheit:
die Freiheit von Angst und Furcht,
die Freiheit, immer wieder neu beginnen zu können,
die Freiheit, zu lieben und wirklich authentisch zu leben,
und die Freiheit, glücklich zu sein.
Jack Kornfield bringt uns dazu, präsenter zu sein, Immoment zu sein, mehr lieben zu können und einfach mehr wir selbst zu sein.
Die Auflösung alter Ängste und Konflikte ist auf diesem Weg ein wichtiger Meilenstein.
Immer wieder berührt uns Jack Kornfield mit seinen warmherzigen und lebensnahen Geschichten, mit denen sich jeder identifizieren kann.
Außerdem lädt er zu einem aktiven Prozess mit zahlreichen Übungen und Meditationen ein.
Echte Freiheit - aus dem Inneren heraus - führt uns durch Zeiten persönlicher Herausforderungen und Veränderungen, verwandelt uns und bringt unser erwachtes Herz in die Welt.
Jack Kornfield ist einer der international bekanntesten buddhistischen Lehrer und genießt hohen Respekt auch als Psychotherapeut und Gründer zweier bedeutender spiritueller Zentren. Er ist einer der wichtigsten Vermittler von Achtsamkeit für die westliche Welt. Seine Bücher sind weltweit millionenfach verkauft und in 21 Sprachen übersetzt worden. Jack Kornfield hat an großen Universitäten und Kliniken wie Harvard, Berkeley, UCLA und Stanford gelehrt. Am Zentrum „Spirit Rock" unterrichtet er wöchentlich große Gruppen und leitet weltweit Retreats.
Der weltbekannte Meditationslehrer Jack Kornfield präsentiert in Wahre Freiheit eine zeitlose Botschaft: Wir können in jedem Augenblick innerlich frei und in Frieden sein – auch wenn wir gerade einen schwierigen Moment haben. Auf dem Hintergrund buddhistischer Weisheit befähigt er uns, jeder Situation des Lebens achtsam und liebevoll zu begegnen. Zu den zentralen inneren Qualitäten eines wahrhaft freien Lebens gehören: - die Freiheit von Angst und Furcht, - die Freiheit, immer wieder neu beginnen zu können, - die Freiheit, zu lieben und wirklich authentisch zu sein, - die Freiheit, glücklich zu sein. Jack Kornfield lädt zu einem aktiven Prozess mit zahlreichen Übungen zu Achtsamkeit und Selbstmitgefühl ein. Dabei prägen sich seine warmherzigen und authentischen Geschichten wieder besonders ein, denn jeder kann sich mit ihnen identifizieren. Wahre Freiheit führt uns durch Zeiten persönlicher Herausforderungen und Veränderungen, verwandelt uns und bringt unser erwachtes Herz in die Welt.
»Freiheit beginnt da, wo wir sind«
Wie wir in jedem Augenblick des Lebens wahrhaft frei sein können, zeigt uns der renommierte Meditationslehrer Jack Kornfield in seinem neuen großartigen Buch.
Kornfield lehrt uns, dass und wie wir unsere Gedanken steuern können.
Und wenn wir uns der Freiheit unserer Gedanken bewusst sind und allem mit Achtsamkeit und Liebe begegnen, dann hat das sogenannte negative Schicksal keine Macht mehr über uns. Wir erkennen, dass wir selbst das Negative sind, weil wir es denken. Wir können im Jetzt unser Schicksal - unser Karma - ändern, indem wir an
Freude statt an Hass denken,
an Versöhnung statt an Kampf,
an Dankbarkeit statt an Verbitterung.
Natürlich ist das leicht gesagt. Auch Kornfield musste dies ein Leben lang üben. Das bleibt keinem erspart.
Wer aber täglich übt und meditiert, der kann diese Freiheit erlangen und weiter ent-wickeln.
Jedes Kapitel ist wie ein Kursbuch für einen besonderen Aspekt von Freiheit:
die Freiheit von Angst und Furcht,
die Freiheit, immer wieder neu beginnen zu können,
die Freiheit, zu lieben und wirklich authentisch zu leben,
und die Freiheit, glücklich zu sein.
Jack Kornfield bringt uns dazu, präsenter zu sein, Immoment zu sein, mehr lieben zu können und einfach mehr wir selbst zu sein.
Die Auflösung alter Ängste und Konflikte ist auf diesem Weg ein wichtiger Meilenstein.
Immer wieder berührt uns Jack Kornfield mit seinen warmherzigen und lebensnahen Geschichten, mit denen sich jeder identifizieren kann.
Außerdem lädt er zu einem aktiven Prozess mit zahlreichen Übungen und Meditationen ein.
Echte Freiheit - aus dem Inneren heraus - führt uns durch Zeiten persönlicher Herausforderungen und Veränderungen, verwandelt uns und bringt unser erwachtes Herz in die Welt.
Jack Kornfield ist einer der international bekanntesten buddhistischen Lehrer und genießt hohen Respekt auch als Psychotherapeut und Gründer zweier bedeutender spiritueller Zentren. Er ist einer der wichtigsten Vermittler von Achtsamkeit für die westliche Welt. Seine Bücher sind weltweit millionenfach verkauft und in 21 Sprachen übersetzt worden. Jack Kornfield hat an großen Universitäten und Kliniken wie Harvard, Berkeley, UCLA und Stanford gelehrt. Am Zentrum „Spirit Rock" unterrichtet er wöchentlich große Gruppen und leitet weltweit Retreats.
Der weltbekannte Meditationslehrer Jack Kornfield präsentiert in Wahre Freiheit eine zeitlose Botschaft: Wir können in jedem Augenblick innerlich frei und in Frieden sein – auch wenn wir gerade einen schwierigen Moment haben. Auf dem Hintergrund buddhistischer Weisheit befähigt er uns, jeder Situation des Lebens achtsam und liebevoll zu begegnen. Zu den zentralen inneren Qualitäten eines wahrhaft freien Lebens gehören: - die Freiheit von Angst und Furcht, - die Freiheit, immer wieder neu beginnen zu können, - die Freiheit, zu lieben und wirklich authentisch zu sein, - die Freiheit, glücklich zu sein. Jack Kornfield lädt zu einem aktiven Prozess mit zahlreichen Übungen zu Achtsamkeit und Selbstmitgefühl ein. Dabei prägen sich seine warmherzigen und authentischen Geschichten wieder besonders ein, denn jeder kann sich mit ihnen identifizieren. Wahre Freiheit führt uns durch Zeiten persönlicher Herausforderungen und Veränderungen, verwandelt uns und bringt unser erwachtes Herz in die Welt.
June 20, 2018
page 219:
Every generation or so, modern society is rocked by upheavals, weather by assassinations, war, political turmoil, or powerful economic and environmental challenges. in uncertain times political leadership can worsen these fears....It is natural to feel angry or frightened. When upheavals happen, we worry for our future or for the fate of the vulnerable around us. ... But these very challenges are the opportunities humanity has to face to grow..... To find freedom amid challenging times, we have to start with ourselves. How do we manage our own bodies? If our limbic system is activated into fight, flight, or freeze mode, we loose ourselves in survival fears. The reptilian brain takes charge. Tidal waves of worries swamp our thoughts about what lies ahead.... Stop. Tune in to your heart. That is where love, wisdom, grace, and compassion reside. With loving attention feel what matters most to you. take time to quiet the mind and tend to the heart. Go out and look at the sky. Breathe in and open yourself to the vastness of space. Sense the seasons turning, the rise and fall of dynasties and eras. Breathe out and dwell in loving awareness. Practice equanimity and steadiness. learn from the trees. Become the still point in the center of it all.... Clarissa Pinkola Estes: " Ours is not the task of fixing the entire world all at once, but of stretching to mend the part that is within our reach."
page 278:
Happiness is your birthright. You are born radiant, a child of the earth, innocent, open, and filled with wonder.
Every generation or so, modern society is rocked by upheavals, weather by assassinations, war, political turmoil, or powerful economic and environmental challenges. in uncertain times political leadership can worsen these fears....It is natural to feel angry or frightened. When upheavals happen, we worry for our future or for the fate of the vulnerable around us. ... But these very challenges are the opportunities humanity has to face to grow..... To find freedom amid challenging times, we have to start with ourselves. How do we manage our own bodies? If our limbic system is activated into fight, flight, or freeze mode, we loose ourselves in survival fears. The reptilian brain takes charge. Tidal waves of worries swamp our thoughts about what lies ahead.... Stop. Tune in to your heart. That is where love, wisdom, grace, and compassion reside. With loving attention feel what matters most to you. take time to quiet the mind and tend to the heart. Go out and look at the sky. Breathe in and open yourself to the vastness of space. Sense the seasons turning, the rise and fall of dynasties and eras. Breathe out and dwell in loving awareness. Practice equanimity and steadiness. learn from the trees. Become the still point in the center of it all.... Clarissa Pinkola Estes: " Ours is not the task of fixing the entire world all at once, but of stretching to mend the part that is within our reach."
page 278:
Happiness is your birthright. You are born radiant, a child of the earth, innocent, open, and filled with wonder.
December 7, 2022
Loved reading this book - I was seeking answers to the word freedom and this book opened new pathways.
Thanks Jack for your courage and humility in this world. Much needed.
These words resonated most:
- freedom of spirit, freedom to start over, freedom beyond fear, freedom to be yourself, and then discover freedom to love, freedom to stand up for what matters, freedom to be happy.
- May you be filled with lovingkindness.
May you be safe. May you be well.
May you be at ease and happy.
- Each of us has our unique gifts and expression. We’re here to deliver our gifts.
- Edward Everett Hale: “I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. I will not let what I cannot do stop what I can do.”
- You are free to contribute to this world—every moment, every day.
- Selfless Service: You are free to change the world around you.
- You can’t change it all, but your freedom empowers you to contribute to the world, and your love gives you the way to do so.
- Now I know that I am so much bigger than my fears.
- The Joy of Being Alive Now and then it’s good to pause in your pursuit of happiness, and just be happy. —GUILLAUME APOLLINAIRE
Thanks Jack for your courage and humility in this world. Much needed.
These words resonated most:
- freedom of spirit, freedom to start over, freedom beyond fear, freedom to be yourself, and then discover freedom to love, freedom to stand up for what matters, freedom to be happy.
- May you be filled with lovingkindness.
May you be safe. May you be well.
May you be at ease and happy.
- Each of us has our unique gifts and expression. We’re here to deliver our gifts.
- Edward Everett Hale: “I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. I will not let what I cannot do stop what I can do.”
- You are free to contribute to this world—every moment, every day.
- Selfless Service: You are free to change the world around you.
- You can’t change it all, but your freedom empowers you to contribute to the world, and your love gives you the way to do so.
- Now I know that I am so much bigger than my fears.
- The Joy of Being Alive Now and then it’s good to pause in your pursuit of happiness, and just be happy. —GUILLAUME APOLLINAIRE
February 10, 2024
Jack Kornfield is a wonderful and kind man who I think highly of, and this book is nicely written and is quite interesting, but disappointingly it wasn’t what I was looking for, I didn’t feel it had empathy for my situation, and I could not really relate to the examples given. I had to stop reading this and come back to it a year later. My favourite chapter was about creativity. That being said, my main frustration with this book was that I really disliked the formatting, so many empty pages and black spaces, the artwork was clearly aimed at women with the bright pink cover art (my copy has a different cover than seen here) and the scripty font choices, particularly the font in the headings drove me nuts, I felt like I was reading a wedding invitation, the fonts were so feminine and “modern” and the author being a 70 plus year old man, it was in-authentic, I can’t imagine his voice saying any of it when I see fonts like that!
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October 25, 2023Published in 2017, "No Time Like the Present: Finding Freedom, Love, and Joy Right Where You Are," by Jack Kornfield, is a nonfiction book featuring Kornfield's contemporary self-help presentation of mindfulness, compassion, and Zen Buddhism.
I read this book sometime during the first few months of 2023, and I really enjoyed it. "No Time Like the Present" is classic Jack Kornfield: every sentence is like a big warm hug.
I had never heard of Jack Kornfield before January 2023, when a good friend sent me a link to one of his talks on the Be Here Now Network on YouTube. I enjoyed that link immensely! I listened to sooooooo many more of his talks before I finally bought one of his books. Kornfield has published so many titles, and "No Time Like the Present" was more than worth every penny.
Delightful! Highly recommended.
Five stars.
I read this book sometime during the first few months of 2023, and I really enjoyed it. "No Time Like the Present" is classic Jack Kornfield: every sentence is like a big warm hug.
I had never heard of Jack Kornfield before January 2023, when a good friend sent me a link to one of his talks on the Be Here Now Network on YouTube. I enjoyed that link immensely! I listened to sooooooo many more of his talks before I finally bought one of his books. Kornfield has published so many titles, and "No Time Like the Present" was more than worth every penny.
Delightful! Highly recommended.
Five stars.
October 4, 2023
I really enjoyed this. After finding Jack Kornfield through a Tim Ferriss podcast, I decided to check out his work. I'm going through a difficult period of my life, and I found his insights to be helpful in changing the way I think about things. Yes, it's written exactly the way you might expect a Buddist mindfulness guide to be written, but there are also stories about the power of humanity and quotes from people who have overcome a lot in their lives to become at peace. I'm not religious, and I found that I connected to this. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to expand the way they see the world and the way they interact with others in challenging times.
March 16, 2018
This was a good book to read. Most of it was ideas I have read or heard before, but at my age it is helpful to hear ideas two or three times! Well written with interesting short anecdotes to illustrate the ideas. Good exercises (which I didn't do) at the end of each chapter. The chapters I liked best were
5, Fear of Freedom; 11, Free to Dream (about creativity) and 15, The Joy of Being Alive. This is a book I need to go back to from time to time.
5, Fear of Freedom; 11, Free to Dream (about creativity) and 15, The Joy of Being Alive. This is a book I need to go back to from time to time.
September 18, 2019
This acts as kind of an inspirational overview of some of Jack Kornfields other work. It’s less specific in terms of theory or ritual, though there are practices interspersed throughout. I found it inspiring to hear people’s stories and made me want to read biographies of some of the people he describes. I think he’s very powerful when he describes his own experiences as well, which he does more and more towards the end.
February 16, 2020
A wonderful book with practical exercises at the end of each chapter to help you be present and find joy. Each chapter has a series of stories that are highly relatable to modern life. If you enjoy meditation or journaling, you will find a year’s with of new practices to explore.
Without question, this book has earned a permanent spot in my collection as I know I’ll go back to it again and again.
Without question, this book has earned a permanent spot in my collection as I know I’ll go back to it again and again.
August 1, 2020
Almost every page is its own meditation and reflective practice. My frustration was that the quotes or small anecdotes were so numerous that it got distracting - you’d start reading one thinking it would get further developed but were already on another one. Some of the stories were extremely powerful - many were so short I missed how they connected to topic. Many good reflections overall but probably won’t ever read again.
October 2, 2017
I love what he says. However part of the joy is hearing his soothing voice. It was not narrated by Jack. Also I have read so much by Jack that some of the stories in this book I've actually heard or read before... Nevertheless it is a favorite book as are all Kornfield books. It is a life goal for me to meet him in person...
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