A Fool's Guide to Actual Happiness

by Mark Van Buren

Happiness lies within us—but we could all use a little help finding it. In a refreshing new voice, The Fool's Guide to Actual Happiness shows us how to feel and be better—without having to be perfect.

Let's face we all have a motivating drive to become "better." What we have and who we are never seem to be good enough. This feeling that something is wrong or needs to be fixed causes us to continuously run around, chasing after what we feel will finally fulfill us. But what if these very conditions that we are constantly trying to escape from could be used as a way to awaken ourselves—to connect with the peace already within us?

A Fool’s Guide to Actual Happiness offers a realistic roadmap for working towards inner peace without needing to be someone you’re not. With humor and refreshing simplicity, Van Buren shows how everything life throws at you, good or bad, can be used as a means to cultivate compassion, wisdom, and loving-kindness. This book allows you to explore who you are—warts and all—and gives you tools to love and accept what you find.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Spirituality, Psychology, Meditation

244 pages, Paperback

Published July 17, 2018

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book for the beginner to meditation, the search for happiness or Buddhist concepts.
If you have not read a ton of other books on these subjects, this is a delightful way to begin.
If you HAVE already read a few books, or a lot, about becoming a better person, being happier, life improvement, etc, this is a fast paced, easy to read review of the principles and concepts.

Or if you like to relax with nonfiction or self help books (admit it, we are many) just sit back and relax and perhaps smile with this short read.

[Grace Asenjo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing was fun, I liked how accessible he made the ideas of meditation and more complex Buddhist beliefs. There were great quotes and lines that I kept referring to and there were a few tips on how to begin your practice, etc. Helpful for those like me, in the early stages of beginning a practice to reinforce that it’s OK to make mistakes in mindfulness, that just sitting down and taking the time is “good enough” which is what you can carry with you throughout your day and life - that YOU are enough.

[Cristie Underwood]

I love how the author made it clear that you do not have to be perfect to be happy! This feeling of needing to be perfect definitely gets in the way of happiness! Great advice and well written book!

[Karma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a good overview of all things meditation and mindfulness. The author keeps the chapters brief but meaningful. The concepts are explained in simple and gentle language. There are examples, wherever required. I would definitely recommend this as a good refresher on all things meditation.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley.

[Greg Soden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very cool book. This book would be an amazing gift for a teenager or college student interested in a meditation or yoga practice. The author has a very engaging style and voice and this was a real pleasure.

Check out my interview with the author:
https://www.stitcher.com/s?eid=567674...

[Patricia Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good basic introduction to Buddhist ideas in a secular way.

[Daron Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gentle introduction into mindfulness and meditation for the uninitiated, filled with good advice and practical tips.

[Vilma Kub · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Gyventi šia akimirka yra stebuklas. Ne eiti vandeniu. Stebuklas yra šį akimirksnį eiti žaliuojančia žeme ir jausti grožį bei ramybę čia ir dabar.” Thich Nhat Hanh

“Visi reiškiniai - pradedant mintimis, jausmais, baigiant emocijomis kitų žmonių, vietų ir dalykų atžvilgiu - nuolatos kinta, tokia yra didžioji visatos tėkmė. Kadangi viskas nuolat keičiasi, niekas šiame pasaulyje tau negali suteikti nuolatinio pasitenkinimo, tik trumpas pasitenkinimo akimirkas.”

Istorija apie karalių, kuris savo tarną norejo išmokyti nuolankumo ir todėl liepė jam surasti žiedą, kuris laimingą padarytų nelaimingu, o nelaimėlį - laimingu. Kadangi karalius žinojo, kad tokio žiedo nėra, davė tarnui pusę metų paieškoms. Šis nesėkmingai ieškojo po visą šalį. Naktį prieš pasibaigiant skirtam laikui tarnas sutiko išminčių ir paklausė jo: „Ar esi girdėjęs apie tokį žiedą, kurį mūvėdamas laimingasis nuliūsta, o nelaimėlis nudžiunga?" Nieko netardamas išminčius išgraviravo žiede porą žodžių. Kitą dieną karalius pakvietė savo tarną ir paklausė, ar šis suradęs žiedą. Kai visi susirinkusieji ir pats jo didenybe

[Kalie Danner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book literally changed my life, and I’m not exaggerating! I learned so much from it, and I am so happy I stumbled upon it at the library. In this book, Mark also introduced me to Buddhism and some of the philosophies that I still (or at least do my best to) practice every day. It opened a lot of doors for me, and I appreciate the time and effort put into the book.

[Komi · Rating 1 out of 5]

After the introduction which included the folllwing: "There is no perfect person you have to become - and no one you have to idolize. The only role models you need to look up to are those willing to face themselves and their lives honestly and openly. In time, you may find that by not trying so hard to change for the better, your own self transformation will naturally occur. "

I was disappointed in this book. It's a self help book touting itself as not being a self help. I completely agree that self help books are pointless if you never apply certain principles to your life. But at the same time if you're going to write a book, let it captivate the audience. To me, it seemed like too many Buddhist quotes. But I like the overall idea but not how it was written together :/

[Rowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Concise, friendly, well-written intro/refresher to Buddhism. Approachable, easy-to-read, and down-to-earth. Would re-read.

These principles and tips can be used regardless of your religious affiliation or beliefs - or lack of thereof. They are practical.

I got it from the library and I'm taking it back so someone else can enjoy it soon, but I would like to buy my own copy at some point.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found that this book really spoke to me. Many of these happiness books are full of gobolly-gook, but this one was different. It had very sensible and practical advice regarding living a good life. The author relies heavily on Zen-Buddhist principles which he explains in simple language. I borrowed the book from the library, but enjoyed it so much I plan to buy a copy.

[One · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's nothing new here. I've read enough books on this topic that nothing was new for me, but I still enjoyed the book. If you are new to reading about mindfulness this is an easy book to read on the topic to get you introduced to it.

[Alisa Žarkova]

„Atlikdamas meditacijos pratimus esi lyg arbatinės, kurioje nėra durų, savininkas. Bet kas gali užeiti ir būti kiek nori. Pagarbiai ir maloniai pasisveikini su svečiais, pakvieti juos užeiti ir pavaišini arbata.“

[John Kaufmann]

Nothing memorable, nothing objectionable. I read it - it must have been decent enough to finish, but I don't remember much/anything about to comment on. 2-star or 3-star, evidently.

[Dainora Kruvelienė · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Nėra kelio į ramybę, pats kelias yra ramybė"

[Vilma Balciauskaite · Rating 2 out of 5]

Įspūdžio nepadarė, bet gal dėl to, jog apie meditacijos naudą, budizmo laimės teorijas jau nemažai domiuosi. Pradedančiajam, tikiu, ji gali labai patikti 👌

[Lukrecija Zigmantaitė · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple yet often forgotten truth of life principles put into a touching and comprehensible text. Really enjoyed how this book was thought provoking and encouraging self observation.

[Helena · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read. I used to take Mark's Yoga classes and have done one of his meditation retreats, such an inspiring person. I highly recommend this quick and insightful book.

[J. d'Merricksson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Fool's Guide to Actual Happiness by Mark Van Buren was a quick, humourous read about mindfulness, meditation, and the benefits of cultivating one's own practise. I liked the message that who you are now, and where you are now on the path of life is just fine. That there's nothing wrong with wanting to continue to grow and improve, so long as you realise you are not bad or broken as you are. Much of the information was familiar to me, though I never mind getting refreshers. It keeps the info nearer the forefront of my mind, and that keeps me working more diligently on it. The concept of shenpa was new to me and I ended up getting Pema Chodron's audiobook that was mentioned. I also liked the emphasis in not taking oneself seriously. To cultivate laughter instead of anger when things don't go as planned. Overall great introduction! Highly recommended!

***Many thanks to Netgalley and Wisdom Publications for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfectionism prevents happiness. A quick light read.
Many thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.