Parar - Como parar quando temos que continuar

by David Kundtz

According to the author, "stopping" is a simple, straightforward, contemplative system of "doing nothing, as much as possible, for a definite period of time, for the purpose of becoming more awake and remembering who you are" so you can get going again in a more purposeful and centered way. This book shows readers how to achieve stopping, and see the light of grace even in the most hectic of times .

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Spirituality

235 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 1997

Reviews

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book I read when I was going through my divorce and trying to figure out where to go from here. Great for anyone going through career or life changes to get in touch with your inner self to see what direction to go in next. Reflective.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This nonfiction piece is a thoughtful companion during a time of transition, or at least it was for me. It was a kind and gentle guidebook for a period of pause, a period of shift. "Stopping helps bring together the threads of your history, of your stories. It helps you to remember who you are, where you come from, where you are going and where you want to go; to remember your original goals, ideals, and dreams; and remember why you started doing what you do so that you can see if it is still what you want to do." This quote is how the author describes the act of Stopping, yet I find it a good description of what the book was for me. It's not a "quick read" but more like a devotional for oneself.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this books and took many notes to refer back when needed. I have been practicing this for years and finally got validation that it is okay for me to take these moments just to be with me.

As a teacher of middle schoolers, this process is essential for my sanity. I never had a name for it before but now I do...stopping.

We are always searching for something and this book recognized this so that it had a name and was found. In the process, I realized that it can be used daily or for longer period of times to find yourself and get in touch with your inner emotions and needs. A great book for those searching.

[Miguel Panão · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It’s both practical and meditative. It’s the book anyone should read on vacation. It will give purpose to resting and will teach you important lessons to live life more fully. You’ll also begin cherishing moments of “doing nothing”, of stopping, as the best way to keep moving.

[chrisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A different type of meditation as I see it, gave me some things to think about.

[Amy Armstrong · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book to pick up on your way to the basement fridge to grab a beer so you can settle into a comfy chair, make sure you have a really mean look plastered on your face, and read. The text is soothing, but we know that the only way to keep people away from you is to look really scary. I picked up Stopping: How to Be Still When You Have to Keep Going along with a bunch of other books that I thought might provide some material on mindfulness since I was about to teach a workshop on Emotional Intelligence. As I journeyed through the library, it became apparent that I needed help. I was soul sick, and I had no idea what to do. I know it's coming on when everything I do or say just feels wrong, and I feel detached. I also start having bizarre dreams about unfortunate him repairs. Anyway, you probably want to know something about this book.

Kundtz is very straightforward in his style and he is open to meeting you wherever you are. He offers examples of success stories, as well as examples of excuses for not taking time out to reflect on ourselves and just be in the world.

George Carlin said something similar in one of his routines, but he didn't have Kundtz's finesse. He just said that it's important to space out for three hours every day. It's good for the kids and it's good for you. You know what? Either way you like, they're both right. So go on, be free, be spacey.

[Greta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Modern life has become so intense and complex that old methods of coping, cramming in more or trying to exclude more, no longer work. Adopting a new approach might be beneficial. And that is the subject of this book: stopping. Whether it's a pause before speaking (a Stillpoint), a day off to just relax, like Sundays used to be (a Stopover), or a three week hiatus (a Grinding Halt), doing nothing is a useful and ultimately beneficial activity. In order to connect with who we are and just be a human being, not a human doing, it's necessary to stop. Slowing down, or trying to do less, just isn't the same thing. This book is a gentle reminder that less is more and that ultimately nothing is everything. And David Kundtz provides all the reasons you need to justify doing that very thing.

[Amy Paget · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a proponent of quiet times and retreats, I didn't find a lot new in this book, but what I appreciated was its simplicity of style and clarity. What is new to me is Kundtz's contention that what he calls "The mountain of too much new" can no longer be addressed by just slowing down or using the techniques you've successfully used in the past when overwhelmed. Very much worth a reading, and a tool that I will be referring to when offering Quiet Days at St. John's Church.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by a Catholic priest with taoist training. Has some insights for caregivers.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am savoring this book chapter by chapter. Definitely a good read. It is even deserving to be reread!