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1,001 Ways to Slow Down: A Little Book of Everyday Calm
This irresistible list book from National Geographic provides lighthearted quick hits of inspiration for those of us who feel overwhelmed—which is to say, all of us. Musings, activity suggestions, and illuminating quotes are paired with whimsical art on themes such as living in the moment, achieving balance, relieving stress, developing patience, and appreciating the world around us. "Slow living" sidebars, such as "Foods to Cook Slowly" and "Things to Do the Old-Fashioned Way," are interspersed throughout the book.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published March 28, 2017
5 people are currently reading
1060 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Ann Kipfer
131 books251 followersDr. Barbara Ann Kipfer (born in 1954) is a lexicographer,as well as an archaeologist. She has written more than 60 books, including 14,000 Things to be Happy About (Workman), which has more than a million copies in print and has given rise to many Page-a-Day calendars. The 25th anniversary edition of the book was published in October 2014. She is the editor of Roget's International Thesaurus.
Kipfer is Chief Lexicographer of the company Temnos. She has worked for such companies as Google, Dictionary.com and Thesaurus.com, Answers.com, Ask Jeeves, Bellcore/Telcordia, Federated Media Publishing, General Electric Research, IBM Research, idealab, Knowledge Adventure, Textdigger, The Chicago Tribune, and WolframAlpha. Barbara holds a PhD and MPhil in Linguistics (University of Exeter), a PhD in Archaeology (Greenwich University), an MA and a PhD in Buddhist Studies (Akamai University), and a BS in Physical Education (Valparaiso University).
(from Wikipedia)
Kipfer is Chief Lexicographer of the company Temnos. She has worked for such companies as Google, Dictionary.com and Thesaurus.com, Answers.com, Ask Jeeves, Bellcore/Telcordia, Federated Media Publishing, General Electric Research, IBM Research, idealab, Knowledge Adventure, Textdigger, The Chicago Tribune, and WolframAlpha. Barbara holds a PhD and MPhil in Linguistics (University of Exeter), a PhD in Archaeology (Greenwich University), an MA and a PhD in Buddhist Studies (Akamai University), and a BS in Physical Education (Valparaiso University).
(from Wikipedia)
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 2, 2022
Peace begins inside you. (#43)
Barbara Ann Kipfer has come up with 1001 wide-ranging ideas to make you pause, slow down, and live each moment to the fullest. Whether you’re seeking to enjoy more peace and simplicity or reflect upon the joys and everyday miracles in your life, you’ll be reminded of the many ways to renew your spirit and appreciate the world around you. With so many inspiring suggestions, you’re sure to find several that speak to mind, body, or soul.
All of us have moments when we forget time completely. It is in those moments that we experience happiness. (#192)
Barbara Ann Kipfer has come up with 1001 wide-ranging ideas to make you pause, slow down, and live each moment to the fullest. Whether you’re seeking to enjoy more peace and simplicity or reflect upon the joys and everyday miracles in your life, you’ll be reminded of the many ways to renew your spirit and appreciate the world around you. With so many inspiring suggestions, you’re sure to find several that speak to mind, body, or soul.
All of us have moments when we forget time completely. It is in those moments that we experience happiness. (#192)
March 31, 2017
I want to say this is a coffee table book, but its not. Its a night stand book. As soon as I got my copy, I started to flip through it.
Its really a bunch of little hints to bring calm into your life, after all, isn't that what slowing down is all about.
Here is one of my favorite suggestions:
"Spend hours in a coffee shop reading."
Yes, please.
Interspersed throughout the book are calm lists.....with things like foods that are best when cooked slow or relaxing hobbies to try or taking time to be more organized
The pages are beautifully decorated too.
The book is very inviting. Reading it is a lovely way to slow down. Plus you don't have read it cover to cover. I actually think this is the kind of book you leave sitting on the night stand and you pick it up to wind down.
I can definitely see myself revisiting these pages over and over again.
Its really a bunch of little hints to bring calm into your life, after all, isn't that what slowing down is all about.
Here is one of my favorite suggestions:
"Spend hours in a coffee shop reading."
Yes, please.
Interspersed throughout the book are calm lists.....with things like foods that are best when cooked slow or relaxing hobbies to try or taking time to be more organized
The pages are beautifully decorated too.
The book is very inviting. Reading it is a lovely way to slow down. Plus you don't have read it cover to cover. I actually think this is the kind of book you leave sitting on the night stand and you pick it up to wind down.
I can definitely see myself revisiting these pages over and over again.
June 16, 2017
I checked this book out from the library. This book gives great tips on how to calm down. The only thing I wish is that this book had " more depth " to it. This book is mainly just phrases, and sentences, on how to be calm, and how to slow down. There are many tips in this book that are helpful though. If you are going through stressful, and busy times, this book will help you. Also this book can make you start, and end your day differently than you have for so many years. If you get distracted easily, and have hard times focusing this book will also help you. To me this book is also like learning new things as well, like a life lessons book.
April 6, 2017
This review is also available on my blog, Read Till Dawn.
What a nice book this is.
It's not a novel, but instead a collection of 1,001 gentle tips for slowing down and enjoying life.
1,001 Ways to Slow Down is a gorgeous book in and of itself, a thick hard-bound square book with a luxuriously textured dust jacket. Every two-page layout of the book is bordered by a different pretty design (usually either flowers or loops), and the color of the numbers above each tip correlates with the color of the border. This creates a very nice effect, though a slightly confusing one at first: I thought there was some organizational reason for the different colored numbers, but it turned out they were just decorative.
As for the tips themselves, I thought most of them were wonderful. There were a few that didn't apply to me, about doing things with your kids or having relations with your partner, but most of them were directly applicable to my life. Flipping through them again, here are a few favorites that stick out:
Scattered between the 1,001 entries are also beautifully-illustrated quotes about slowing down/finding peace, and a handful of helpful lists (foods that need to be cooked slowly, ways to spend time outside, ways to productively slow down at work, etc.). The entire vibe of the book makes me think it's geared toward millenials, with all its description of "me time," adult coloring books and yoga, but I think its messages are still good and not just catering to the hip crowd. For me, reading 1,001 Ways to Slow Down was a much-needed reminder to slow down and appreciate the present without agitating about my future. I will definitely keep my copy of the book, and will flip through it for inspiration when I start to feel overwhelmed by the stressors in my life.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this novel for the purpose of participating in a TLC Book Tour.
What a nice book this is.
It's not a novel, but instead a collection of 1,001 gentle tips for slowing down and enjoying life.
1,001 Ways to Slow Down is a gorgeous book in and of itself, a thick hard-bound square book with a luxuriously textured dust jacket. Every two-page layout of the book is bordered by a different pretty design (usually either flowers or loops), and the color of the numbers above each tip correlates with the color of the border. This creates a very nice effect, though a slightly confusing one at first: I thought there was some organizational reason for the different colored numbers, but it turned out they were just decorative.
As for the tips themselves, I thought most of them were wonderful. There were a few that didn't apply to me, about doing things with your kids or having relations with your partner, but most of them were directly applicable to my life. Flipping through them again, here are a few favorites that stick out:
#405: Read long, slow, calming, class books.
#481: Ask yourself, "What bad thing will happen if I don't keep moving and doing? Can I just be for a while?"
#768: Read gravestones. Stories are there to be discovered.
Scattered between the 1,001 entries are also beautifully-illustrated quotes about slowing down/finding peace, and a handful of helpful lists (foods that need to be cooked slowly, ways to spend time outside, ways to productively slow down at work, etc.). The entire vibe of the book makes me think it's geared toward millenials, with all its description of "me time," adult coloring books and yoga, but I think its messages are still good and not just catering to the hip crowd. For me, reading 1,001 Ways to Slow Down was a much-needed reminder to slow down and appreciate the present without agitating about my future. I will definitely keep my copy of the book, and will flip through it for inspiration when I start to feel overwhelmed by the stressors in my life.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this novel for the purpose of participating in a TLC Book Tour.
April 12, 2017
Anyone who has followed this blog for awhile knows that I have had one hell of a year. That's not even enough of a statement to cover it, but it's the best I can do without any more swears. As soon as I saw this book come up for review option I had to volunteer immediately because I have always been guilty at going non stop at the speed of light, but while I'm not necessarily cruising at that speed anymore, I am having a hard time taking in the things around me.
But also?
I think no matter who you are, there are going to be things in this book you already do and don't realize it, but also so many opportunities to add something positive in your day.
Throughout the book are all of the different ways to slow down but there are also calm lists of different things such as Slow Movies to Savor, Handwritten Letters to Send (my favorite of the lists), Vacations to Help You Chill Out, Books to Take Your Time Reading (my second favorite list), etc. I had such a good time paging through this book, thinking about things, but also incorporating a few things to my daily routine so that I can be more appreciative. I am struggling right now with suicidal thoughts and depression so truly, if you know someone in your life that just needs a minute to themselves, this is a GREAT gift idea. Let's remember that Mother's Day is right around the corner, but this would make a great gift for someone you're thinking about. It's become a staple of my side table where I like to sit in the evenings and I automatically grab for it and page through a few pages every night.
But also?
I think no matter who you are, there are going to be things in this book you already do and don't realize it, but also so many opportunities to add something positive in your day.
Throughout the book are all of the different ways to slow down but there are also calm lists of different things such as Slow Movies to Savor, Handwritten Letters to Send (my favorite of the lists), Vacations to Help You Chill Out, Books to Take Your Time Reading (my second favorite list), etc. I had such a good time paging through this book, thinking about things, but also incorporating a few things to my daily routine so that I can be more appreciative. I am struggling right now with suicidal thoughts and depression so truly, if you know someone in your life that just needs a minute to themselves, this is a GREAT gift idea. Let's remember that Mother's Day is right around the corner, but this would make a great gift for someone you're thinking about. It's become a staple of my side table where I like to sit in the evenings and I automatically grab for it and page through a few pages every night.
July 3, 2017
I signed up to review this book before my life got crazy and this book arrived on the perfect day. It was great to read a few pages each during during a very busy season in my life - I would love to make one a priority each day for a year or more.
There have been quite a few things that have sent my life in a tailspin, so to get this book and spend just 15 minutes reading a few pages and pinpointing something to work on the next day was just perfect. I think this is a perfect gift book for a friend you knows whose life might be just a bit too crazy and could use a gentle reminder to slow things down and enjoy each day.
I don't keep gifty books like this, but this one is going to stay on my nightstand for awhile!
There have been quite a few things that have sent my life in a tailspin, so to get this book and spend just 15 minutes reading a few pages and pinpointing something to work on the next day was just perfect. I think this is a perfect gift book for a friend you knows whose life might be just a bit too crazy and could use a gentle reminder to slow things down and enjoy each day.
I don't keep gifty books like this, but this one is going to stay on my nightstand for awhile!
July 26, 2017
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. Tis book is exactly what I hoped it would be... Just holding it made my blood pressure go down! Filled with one sentence suggestions, vignettes and sayings, 1001 Ways to Slow Down, is an aid for whomever needs a reminder that our busy, work-a-day world is not what it seems. The artwork is geometrical and unchallenging. Mostly a calming blue that takes the rough edges from a noisy day. Open to any page and the moment is changed to a quieter and inviting resting place. Well done.
November 29, 2017
This book was very visually appealing. Because it is mostly just one big list I found myself inadvertently powering through it very quickly so I had to work to pace my reading. A few of the suggestions were fairly close duplicates of each other but we're far enough apart that I didn't mind too much.
October 7, 2019
A wonderful list of suggestions and reminders, especially nice to read at the beginning of a New Year. My favorite recommendations from Ms. Kipfer's list: read poetry, read poetry aloud and don't pull every weed in your garden.
September 24, 2018
cute one line suggestions for slowing down. Some are very simple and some are a little more time consuming.
March 16, 2019
You can really tell that this seems to come from a place of privilege.
July 1, 2022
This book is like a meditative yet indulgent river that kindly sweeps you up into a journey of savouring, peace, and love. The format, content, and art work all work as one skillful masterpiece to guide you towards a calmer more genuine lifestyle. It is a beautiful counterpoint to the raging red constant sense of urgency that seems to control the lives of many of us (at least in the modern Western world). I texted you, how dare you not drop what you are doing and respond as soon as I feel the need to demand your attention? Lets spend 5 minutes trying to flag our waitress down so we can get 250mL more of water rather than just letting her come to use when she can. How dare someone cut in front of me in the grocery line! I need to get home as fast as possible to sit on the couch as binge watch some Netflix show I don't even like that much! Why wont this stupid pedestrian walk across the street FASTER so I can turn right and get myself to where I need to be FASTER. *nearly hits the pedestrian and proceeds to rip their child away from playing with their friends when picking them up at the park*. Why arent the other cars on the high way speeding like me? I dont want to wait for them!!! Move it!!
No. Resist the urge to constantly check your phone for messages. Show people that you are NOT available 24/7, and that you are entitled to live a life away from your screen. Enjoy the process of picking out different foods at the grocery store. When you have to wait in life, take the time to recognize things around you rather than trampling your way through. Be mindful about what you consume digitally. Give yourself permission to stop watching and engaging in any activity that is not providing an adequate source of growth or entertainment. Take the slower route to where you need to be and give yourself extra time so you can respect the spaces of those around you. Do not rush others when you really do not need to. Do not exceed the speed limit, it is there for a reason. Give people time whenever they need it. Because, usually they need it.
I am so tired of the rushed pace of life that embodies our culture. It is sucking some of the very best things that life has to offer from beneath our feet. And even though I recognize the value of slowing down, I struggle to resist the constant sense or urgency that seems to pull me through life. I was grateful for this read. Its a lovely, yet important reminder of how we can slow down, and why we should slow down. Thank you Barbara Ann Kipfer.
No. Resist the urge to constantly check your phone for messages. Show people that you are NOT available 24/7, and that you are entitled to live a life away from your screen. Enjoy the process of picking out different foods at the grocery store. When you have to wait in life, take the time to recognize things around you rather than trampling your way through. Be mindful about what you consume digitally. Give yourself permission to stop watching and engaging in any activity that is not providing an adequate source of growth or entertainment. Take the slower route to where you need to be and give yourself extra time so you can respect the spaces of those around you. Do not rush others when you really do not need to. Do not exceed the speed limit, it is there for a reason. Give people time whenever they need it. Because, usually they need it.
I am so tired of the rushed pace of life that embodies our culture. It is sucking some of the very best things that life has to offer from beneath our feet. And even though I recognize the value of slowing down, I struggle to resist the constant sense or urgency that seems to pull me through life. I was grateful for this read. Its a lovely, yet important reminder of how we can slow down, and why we should slow down. Thank you Barbara Ann Kipfer.
Read
July 23, 2023“It is always the simple things that change our lives. And these things never happen when you are looking for them to happen. Life will reveal answers at the pace life wishes to do so. You will feel like running, but life is on a stroll.”
— Donald Miller
“Choose to live like a tree that bears fruit slowly, for decades.”
“Let go of the stuff that is not your responsibility and not your problem.”
— Donald Miller
“Choose to live like a tree that bears fruit slowly, for decades.”
“Let go of the stuff that is not your responsibility and not your problem.”
May 24, 2017
Beautifully written and illustrated.
January 20, 2025
Nice way to start the new year with some friendly reminders to rest!
Read
February 8, 2025Meh.
November 11, 2025
So accessible. Just open to any page and find an applicable idea for any moment you're in.
April 15, 2017
I loved the book, is a really good way to slow down, any time you need, you just open the book and have something for you! Let's slow down a little bit.
April 21, 2017
I am a fan of lists. That's why I listed my books read on Goodreads. Before that I compiled a hand written list of the books I've read starting in childhood. I understood this book of quips, suggestions and ideas on living a full life through the chaos and the hub hub of the daily grind. I just don't know who to give it to, I guess I'll just keep it myself until I find that special person who I feel is open to suggestion but wrapped up in the hustle of hyperactivity in life. I found the exercises on breathing very helpful. This was a goodreads giveaway book I won and I am the winner to read it and use many of the things I learned in it. I love the giveways found in the top task bar of the Goodreads home page under Browse. Simple to enter and it's fun to win.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews