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The Art of Being
The Art of Being is a collection of inspirational words and motivational messages designed to empower, inspire, and encourage. Whether you're looking for a pick-me-up, a life coach, or a personal cheerleader, this nonfiction journey of life lessons, quotable messages, and poetry will hit the spot. While the premise is centered on the idea of being your best self in order to live your best life, the real power comes from what each point encourages you to reflect on in your life. Inspirational, motivational, and spiritual, The Art of Being is the perfect gift to yourself.
Fall in love with The Art of Being by falling in love with the art of being YOU.
Fall in love with The Art of Being by falling in love with the art of being YOU.
168 pages, Paperback
First published April 14, 2017
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April 4, 2017The Art of Being by Danielle Allen is a collection of anecdotes, personal accounts, poems, and life lessons delivered in short, easy-to-digest nuggets of wisdom. Shared in first person from the author’s perspective, it gives readers some great food for thought about how to successfully navigate the trials and tribulations of life and how to just “be.” The interconnectedness of the virtues discussed is also great “ponder fodder” for minds that enjoy chewing on things. ;-)
As a person who struggles daily with how to “be,” I found lots of helpful advice in these pages. Danielle Allen’s positive attitude shines through every section, and I could tell how much she’s benefited from learning how to love herself, even the parts she can’t change. Some of my favorite sections were the ones on the importance of finding your purpose (I still struggle with this, but Danielle’s ideas have now given me some direction), appreciating the hard times, being fearless (along the lines of Tibetan Buddhist, Pema Chödrön), being loving (“Love … begins after the fall. When we’re falling, nothing is stable. But once we land in love, stability is key.”), and being valued (“We can’t put ourselves on clearance for someone who can’t afford us at full price.” Ah, pure brilliance!).
Several of the poems really grabbed me and made me think. “Dis-Connected” illustrates how easy it is to appear to be flawless on social media, an act I’ve seen performed so convincingly by some masters of illusion, it may as well be magic. But in the end, Danielle reminds us that it’s just an act.
“Amazing” is a tribute to those who march to their own beats and don’t care what others think. It’s a short one, but I saw myself and my daughter in it, which made it extra special.
“Push Forward” was perhaps my favorite piece about the persistence of a river despite the rocks and other obstacles in its way. I’d like to print this one and stick it on my office bulletin board (with the author’s permission, of course!) for those days when it feels like I’m getting nowhere and want to give up. It’s wonderful and inspiring.
I also quite enjoyed Danielle’s one-liners, labeled with the hashtag #Message. Here’s my favorite: “When you develop an appetite for the extraordinary, you no longer settle for the crumbs of the ordinary.” It reminds me that expectations are a matter of perspective, and we should expect the best because we deserve it! I love that.
There was a good deal of talk (in the beginning and end of the book particularly) about God and building a spiritual relationship with him. As an atheist, I didn’t connect as much with those parts because they’re outside the realm of my personal experience, but others will find a lot of value in them. This book is billed as inspirational, so readers looking for that sort of thing will not be disappointed.
Written in a simple, direct style, Danielle Allen’s message is clear: Love yourself. In every way you can, no matter how hard it is. Because once you figure out how to love your own flaws, intricacies, dreams, desperation, hopes, disappointments, successes, and failures, you will learn how to love others more deeply and fully. You will learn how to “be"!
As a person who struggles daily with how to “be,” I found lots of helpful advice in these pages. Danielle Allen’s positive attitude shines through every section, and I could tell how much she’s benefited from learning how to love herself, even the parts she can’t change. Some of my favorite sections were the ones on the importance of finding your purpose (I still struggle with this, but Danielle’s ideas have now given me some direction), appreciating the hard times, being fearless (along the lines of Tibetan Buddhist, Pema Chödrön), being loving (“Love … begins after the fall. When we’re falling, nothing is stable. But once we land in love, stability is key.”), and being valued (“We can’t put ourselves on clearance for someone who can’t afford us at full price.” Ah, pure brilliance!).
Several of the poems really grabbed me and made me think. “Dis-Connected” illustrates how easy it is to appear to be flawless on social media, an act I’ve seen performed so convincingly by some masters of illusion, it may as well be magic. But in the end, Danielle reminds us that it’s just an act.
“Amazing” is a tribute to those who march to their own beats and don’t care what others think. It’s a short one, but I saw myself and my daughter in it, which made it extra special.
“Push Forward” was perhaps my favorite piece about the persistence of a river despite the rocks and other obstacles in its way. I’d like to print this one and stick it on my office bulletin board (with the author’s permission, of course!) for those days when it feels like I’m getting nowhere and want to give up. It’s wonderful and inspiring.
I also quite enjoyed Danielle’s one-liners, labeled with the hashtag #Message. Here’s my favorite: “When you develop an appetite for the extraordinary, you no longer settle for the crumbs of the ordinary.” It reminds me that expectations are a matter of perspective, and we should expect the best because we deserve it! I love that.
There was a good deal of talk (in the beginning and end of the book particularly) about God and building a spiritual relationship with him. As an atheist, I didn’t connect as much with those parts because they’re outside the realm of my personal experience, but others will find a lot of value in them. This book is billed as inspirational, so readers looking for that sort of thing will not be disappointed.
Written in a simple, direct style, Danielle Allen’s message is clear: Love yourself. In every way you can, no matter how hard it is. Because once you figure out how to love your own flaws, intricacies, dreams, desperation, hopes, disappointments, successes, and failures, you will learn how to love others more deeply and fully. You will learn how to “be"!
April 19, 2017
This book was different in comparison to previous works I've read from Danielle Allen. I would call this a self-revealing book that is filled with quotes, thoughts, and inspirations that every woman or man can connect with. I appreciated Danielle's take on life, learning, spirituality, and developing a deeper understanding of self. To truly appreciate the wisdom of this book, you must first be prepared to receive it. This book comes hard and hits fast (no pun intended) but self reflection is what it yields on multiple levels. Things I appreciated : quotes, general perspective on the issues discussed and the biblical references ( for someone who grew up in church I appreciate a self help book that can always connect back to the Bible) . Areas of improvement: felt the book was a little too long and at times some things felt repetitious. General feeling of the book: a smooth read with lots to break apart. I had to reach each chapter in pieces and sit with what was being communicated and decipher so that I can apply it to self. Overall this book was amazing and I would love to see more from this author.
March 30, 2017
"I am a work in progress, but please believe the hype."
The Art of Being is part self-help, part inspirational, and part devotional. If you add all of the parts of the book together then you realize that it has taken you on a journey to find your true and authentic self. The Art of Being isn't your typical over the top self-help from a guru that makes you feel as if you're being preached to and/or made to believe that everything will turn around as soon as you finish the book.
"There's freedom in realizing that you don't have to experience life the way you've been told to experience it. My journey is mine. Your journey is yours."
This is the true beauty of The Art of Being. It is all about self; Self-discovery, self-acceptance, and most of all, self-love. It forces you to look deep in the mirror and analyze who you are, what you think about you, and then what you allow.
Some books come along right when you need them the most and The Art of Being is one of them. It is one that can be visited many times on your journey of becoming the you that you want to be. Your answers to some of the questions posed will change over time and this will document your growth. Danielle Allen is a prolific fiction writer so this was a risk. One can easily tell that she put her heart and soul into it and as a result she has produced a book that I truly believe every woman should read.
The Art of Being is part self-help, part inspirational, and part devotional. If you add all of the parts of the book together then you realize that it has taken you on a journey to find your true and authentic self. The Art of Being isn't your typical over the top self-help from a guru that makes you feel as if you're being preached to and/or made to believe that everything will turn around as soon as you finish the book.
"There's freedom in realizing that you don't have to experience life the way you've been told to experience it. My journey is mine. Your journey is yours."
This is the true beauty of The Art of Being. It is all about self; Self-discovery, self-acceptance, and most of all, self-love. It forces you to look deep in the mirror and analyze who you are, what you think about you, and then what you allow.
Some books come along right when you need them the most and The Art of Being is one of them. It is one that can be visited many times on your journey of becoming the you that you want to be. Your answers to some of the questions posed will change over time and this will document your growth. Danielle Allen is a prolific fiction writer so this was a risk. One can easily tell that she put her heart and soul into it and as a result she has produced a book that I truly believe every woman should read.
May 2, 2017
The Art of Being - The book I didn't know I needed
I didn't know what to expect when I started the Art of Being but boy am I glad I took the time to read this inspirational book.
With inspirational messages, quotes and poetry, The Art of Being allows its reader to self reflect. Something that you may not always think you need or allow yourself to do.
The Art of Being tapped into subjects that touch close to home and also was an eye opener on how I can live my best life. I'm grateful for this book. Trust me, it will resonate with you and help you live your best life.
I didn't know what to expect when I started the Art of Being but boy am I glad I took the time to read this inspirational book.
With inspirational messages, quotes and poetry, The Art of Being allows its reader to self reflect. Something that you may not always think you need or allow yourself to do.
The Art of Being tapped into subjects that touch close to home and also was an eye opener on how I can live my best life. I'm grateful for this book. Trust me, it will resonate with you and help you live your best life.
October 4, 2018
Ready...
A year ago when this book first came out, I started reading it. I put it down. I wasn't ready to accept its Truths. It was too personal. Too plain. Too "in my face."
But here I am, ready to accept and take in these fundamental Truths that Danielle is exposing. I have many favorite lines in this book. This one about sums it up:
"... so the negative thoughts need to stop immediately. Stop with the negative self-talk. Stop with the excessive criticism. Stop putting yourself down. Just stop! The relationship you have with yourself is vital because the way you treat yourself is the blueprint for how you will allow others to treat you."
Just be you. Just be who God made you to be. Embrace it... Yes ma'am, Danielle.
A year ago when this book first came out, I started reading it. I put it down. I wasn't ready to accept its Truths. It was too personal. Too plain. Too "in my face."
But here I am, ready to accept and take in these fundamental Truths that Danielle is exposing. I have many favorite lines in this book. This one about sums it up:
"... so the negative thoughts need to stop immediately. Stop with the negative self-talk. Stop with the excessive criticism. Stop putting yourself down. Just stop! The relationship you have with yourself is vital because the way you treat yourself is the blueprint for how you will allow others to treat you."
Just be you. Just be who God made you to be. Embrace it... Yes ma'am, Danielle.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews