What do you think?
Rate this book
Не проґавте свого життя. Як по-справжньому бути тут і зараз
Ми звикаємо діяти на автопілоті, наші стіни такі товсті й високі, що розмаїття можливих життєвих досвідів проходить повз нас. Як же опиратися хаосу, але не пропустити щастя і не змарнувати свого життя? В цій книжці Корі Мускара запрошує нас на спільні пошуки втраченого сенсу, крізь «усвідомленість заради усвідомленості», та пояснює, як бути дійсно присутнім в теперішньому. Цього можна досягти, лише цеглинка за цеглинкою розібравши внутрішні стіни, що відмежовують наші щирі, цілісні та відкриті сутності від світу. Корі пояснює, чому і як ми їх зводимо, від’єднуючись та втрачаючи орієнтири і притік свіжого повітря. Він пропонує практичний спосіб їх демонтажу і навчає не губитися в хаосі та не втрачати внутрішнього спокою без них.
336 pages, Paperback
First published December 31, 2019
405 people are currently reading
2858 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
February 16, 2020
Thank you BookishFirst for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“Sometimes the most awful things turn out to be the most important moments in our lives. And vice versa.
Trauma can lead to growth.
An exciting new job can lead to a work life you hate.
Cancer can lead to a new appreciation for life.
Instead of trying to control everything, can we move with the flow of life, seeing where it takes us, and what we can learn from it? In other words, can we trust life more than our ideas?”
Although this is not a book I would ever pick up on my own, I truly enjoyed it and learned a lot from it. I found various points of this book very helpful and really had to sit and process my own life. We all need to slow down and become present in our own lives. What really got to me was the chapter on technology, I know for me I spend hours on social media. It isn’t just that though, Cory points out how yes time is wasted on social media, but also how it negatively impacts our lives. For example, if you see how “perfect” people look in their Instagram photos, that tends to make you feel upset because you wish you could be as beautiful as them.
I really liked how the author kept coming back around to the same points throughout this whole book. I liked how he actually wanted us to meditate and gave us multiple ways to meditate. I would stop reading and try his way and I could honestly feel how tense I was and that I needed to calm down and relax. I actually really enjoyed this and can tell I will be using his teachings to better my life.
“Sometimes the most awful things turn out to be the most important moments in our lives. And vice versa.
Trauma can lead to growth.
An exciting new job can lead to a work life you hate.
Cancer can lead to a new appreciation for life.
Instead of trying to control everything, can we move with the flow of life, seeing where it takes us, and what we can learn from it? In other words, can we trust life more than our ideas?”
Although this is not a book I would ever pick up on my own, I truly enjoyed it and learned a lot from it. I found various points of this book very helpful and really had to sit and process my own life. We all need to slow down and become present in our own lives. What really got to me was the chapter on technology, I know for me I spend hours on social media. It isn’t just that though, Cory points out how yes time is wasted on social media, but also how it negatively impacts our lives. For example, if you see how “perfect” people look in their Instagram photos, that tends to make you feel upset because you wish you could be as beautiful as them.
I really liked how the author kept coming back around to the same points throughout this whole book. I liked how he actually wanted us to meditate and gave us multiple ways to meditate. I would stop reading and try his way and I could honestly feel how tense I was and that I needed to calm down and relax. I actually really enjoyed this and can tell I will be using his teachings to better my life.
January 2, 2020
I have been waiting for a book like this for many years. I have spent most of my 40+ years "missing my life" and Cory Muscara has written a book that is easy to follow, and full of insight to help me, and all of you , "stop missing your life." His teachings are clear and direct and he shares many thought provoking concepts like the FACE model to help cultivate presence. In the book, he reminded me how my past traumas, whether they are big or little T's, have impacted my current state of presence. He also provides ways to navigate this journey of life so that we can learn to move through the experience rather than being locking into or tied to the experience.
"Good enough" healing is something that I believe everyone needs to know about. Hearing Cory explain that you do not need to fix, heal, or solve everything in order to be fully present, gave me the permission I needed to relax into this moment and feel satisfied that I'm not doing it all wrong because I still feel anger at times. Anger exists. Sadness exists. As Cory says, this is all part of being human!
Throughout the book, Cory walks me through, as though he was sitting next to me on my couch, holding my hand every step of the way, techniques to help me find ways to cultivate presence through being present in my body, the emotions, and the experience. He provides step-by-step strategies for everyone to apply no matter where you are in your journey.
He shares that the shift in the ability to sit "with" an experience, rather than "be" in the experience, can benefit our ability to live a more fulfilling life. Cory says early on in the book that there is a "risk to being our true selves" and that "being a human is hard." I find these phrases to be a so simple yet so very powerful. I believe wholeheartedly in those words. It is super hard to be a human! It's especially hard in this fast passed, digital, immediate gratification, over-worked under cared for, anxiety ridden world we are in. But, Cory gives us practical techniques to befriend technology. Even more than that, he suggests we make peace with our phones rather than trying to fight the technology tide. Not only is "scollercoaster" my new favorite word this decade, but it's also perfectly describes the wave of emotions I feel as I spend 15 mindless minutes looking at everyone's 2019 best nine on Instagram pictures feeling every emotion possible.
Cory also offers easy techniques to help befriend technology - simple, logical suggestions like - turn off your notifications so your phone doesn't buzz or light up every time someone "likes" your pictures, reduce the clutter on your screen - use folders and organize the pages according to themes; and my personal favorite idea - only follow people who inspire and nourish your soul on social media! This is a surefire way to cultivate presence and in turn bring gratitude to your experience. I will doing this for sure in the next 15 minutes!
I have seen Cory speak publicly and attended numerous retreats of his, and it is obvious that Cory worked hard to stay true to the man he is and his teachings, because his compassion and loving manner come through every single word on the page. I also love how he is able to add just the right about of humor and silliness to his stories, experiences, and teachings making them more relatable and true to life.
Stop Missing Your Life is a book that will stand the test of time. It is one that can be read and reread numerous times and with each read, you will gain more insight and be able to apply the teachings to your current level of healing. This book will be around for the long haul right next to Jon Kabat-Zinn's Full Catastrophe Living and Be Here Now by the late Ram Dass. You do not need to be spiritual or a meditator to gain insight from this book. This book is written for anyone looking to live a life with deeper presence.
I couldn't recommend this book more! You won't be disappointed!
"Good enough" healing is something that I believe everyone needs to know about. Hearing Cory explain that you do not need to fix, heal, or solve everything in order to be fully present, gave me the permission I needed to relax into this moment and feel satisfied that I'm not doing it all wrong because I still feel anger at times. Anger exists. Sadness exists. As Cory says, this is all part of being human!
Throughout the book, Cory walks me through, as though he was sitting next to me on my couch, holding my hand every step of the way, techniques to help me find ways to cultivate presence through being present in my body, the emotions, and the experience. He provides step-by-step strategies for everyone to apply no matter where you are in your journey.
He shares that the shift in the ability to sit "with" an experience, rather than "be" in the experience, can benefit our ability to live a more fulfilling life. Cory says early on in the book that there is a "risk to being our true selves" and that "being a human is hard." I find these phrases to be a so simple yet so very powerful. I believe wholeheartedly in those words. It is super hard to be a human! It's especially hard in this fast passed, digital, immediate gratification, over-worked under cared for, anxiety ridden world we are in. But, Cory gives us practical techniques to befriend technology. Even more than that, he suggests we make peace with our phones rather than trying to fight the technology tide. Not only is "scollercoaster" my new favorite word this decade, but it's also perfectly describes the wave of emotions I feel as I spend 15 mindless minutes looking at everyone's 2019 best nine on Instagram pictures feeling every emotion possible.
Cory also offers easy techniques to help befriend technology - simple, logical suggestions like - turn off your notifications so your phone doesn't buzz or light up every time someone "likes" your pictures, reduce the clutter on your screen - use folders and organize the pages according to themes; and my personal favorite idea - only follow people who inspire and nourish your soul on social media! This is a surefire way to cultivate presence and in turn bring gratitude to your experience. I will doing this for sure in the next 15 minutes!
I have seen Cory speak publicly and attended numerous retreats of his, and it is obvious that Cory worked hard to stay true to the man he is and his teachings, because his compassion and loving manner come through every single word on the page. I also love how he is able to add just the right about of humor and silliness to his stories, experiences, and teachings making them more relatable and true to life.
Stop Missing Your Life is a book that will stand the test of time. It is one that can be read and reread numerous times and with each read, you will gain more insight and be able to apply the teachings to your current level of healing. This book will be around for the long haul right next to Jon Kabat-Zinn's Full Catastrophe Living and Be Here Now by the late Ram Dass. You do not need to be spiritual or a meditator to gain insight from this book. This book is written for anyone looking to live a life with deeper presence.
I couldn't recommend this book more! You won't be disappointed!
February 13, 2020
Fresh voice, familiar advice.
July 9, 2020
If you are familiar with Cory Muscara from other mediums, this book is an absolute can't miss. It takes his teachings, podcast and guided meditation to a whole other level.
If you are not familiar with Cory, then quite simply, you are missing out.
This book is a goldmine of information, guidance and raw introspection. Muscara combines his personal journey with his professional career experiences which provide unique wisdom, sage advice and strategies throughout his book.
I started out as a mindfulness skeptic, I didn't understand what all this mindfulness and presence meant. It means so much. I'm lucky to have a book like this to have along the way. The additional resources referenced throughout the book are a bonus value.
Seriously, if we could add some bells, this book would be perfect. Maybe a limited edition hardcover that rings when you open the cover, just a thought.
If you are not familiar with Cory, then quite simply, you are missing out.
This book is a goldmine of information, guidance and raw introspection. Muscara combines his personal journey with his professional career experiences which provide unique wisdom, sage advice and strategies throughout his book.
I started out as a mindfulness skeptic, I didn't understand what all this mindfulness and presence meant. It means so much. I'm lucky to have a book like this to have along the way. The additional resources referenced throughout the book are a bonus value.
Seriously, if we could add some bells, this book would be perfect. Maybe a limited edition hardcover that rings when you open the cover, just a thought.
January 3, 2020
I have been listening to Cory Muscara's podcast Practicing Human and his meditations on Simple Habit and find the segments to be calming, useful, effective, helpful, and instructive. His voice is pleasant and he sounds like a very kind person. I bought the book for my sister as an early birthday gift, she is going to lend it to me after she reads it. I am giving Stop Missing Your Life a provisional 5-star rating based on his body of work that I am familiar with, will reassess if necessary after reading it!
July 7, 2020
Had high hopes. Writing was a bit pretentious. Did not feel cohesive in outline or content, and at the same time very basic topics are covered. Should have cited more sources and dug deeper. I did not finish.
February 26, 2020
LOVED this book!
How comfortable are you sitting alone, in silence, without your phone? Okay, let me make this easier for you. Could you, say, go to the grocery store and stand in line without checking your phone? No? Okay, but could your make eye contact with someone when walking by them on the street?
“Stop Missing Your Life” by Cory Muscara pointed my mind back to a time before smart phones (I know, how old even am I?!). But seriously. I grew up in a time where people met your eyes when you passed and you talked to the people in line at the store. But when Muscara said these little things, I realized that so often I don’t connect. I’m not present and I look for the diversion!
I loved this book because it challenged me. It is centered on meditation, which can be tricky. I love the idea of meditation, but many Christians would tell you it’s a bad thing. As I’ve grown and studied different things, I don’t believe that’s true. You can be a Christian and meditate.
Meditation is an awareness of yourself and the world around you. What does it feel like to be in my skin? How do I relate to the world around me? These are all good things. Am I connecting to the universe? No. I’m connecting with God. I’m connecting with what He has made. I’m placing my thoughts on what is good and pure and true.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who needs a little more self awareness. Are you anxious? Discouraged? Stressed? Just feeling off? Deep breathing and letting your emotions sit can be life changing. In counseling, I was always told that we have to feel emotions and let them sit a little bit. We don’t stay there, but they must be felt. I feel like meditation answers this need we all seem to have in some form.
So, no I won’t be making an oooom noises. But will I take time to mindfully reflect? For sure. I want to be in my body. I want to be present. I want to understand my emotions.
This book was awesome! I don’t agree with every aspect, but I think there’s a lot of value in these pages. I give the book 5 stars. I can’t wait to see how I can utilize this technique and grow from it!
How comfortable are you sitting alone, in silence, without your phone? Okay, let me make this easier for you. Could you, say, go to the grocery store and stand in line without checking your phone? No? Okay, but could your make eye contact with someone when walking by them on the street?
“Stop Missing Your Life” by Cory Muscara pointed my mind back to a time before smart phones (I know, how old even am I?!). But seriously. I grew up in a time where people met your eyes when you passed and you talked to the people in line at the store. But when Muscara said these little things, I realized that so often I don’t connect. I’m not present and I look for the diversion!
I loved this book because it challenged me. It is centered on meditation, which can be tricky. I love the idea of meditation, but many Christians would tell you it’s a bad thing. As I’ve grown and studied different things, I don’t believe that’s true. You can be a Christian and meditate.
Meditation is an awareness of yourself and the world around you. What does it feel like to be in my skin? How do I relate to the world around me? These are all good things. Am I connecting to the universe? No. I’m connecting with God. I’m connecting with what He has made. I’m placing my thoughts on what is good and pure and true.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who needs a little more self awareness. Are you anxious? Discouraged? Stressed? Just feeling off? Deep breathing and letting your emotions sit can be life changing. In counseling, I was always told that we have to feel emotions and let them sit a little bit. We don’t stay there, but they must be felt. I feel like meditation answers this need we all seem to have in some form.
So, no I won’t be making an oooom noises. But will I take time to mindfully reflect? For sure. I want to be in my body. I want to be present. I want to understand my emotions.
This book was awesome! I don’t agree with every aspect, but I think there’s a lot of value in these pages. I give the book 5 stars. I can’t wait to see how I can utilize this technique and grow from it!
May 3, 2020
He had good intent but his entire message could have been conveyed in a fourth the number of pages, it just had too much fluff. Also there was no real flow or logical ordering to it which was somewhat annoying.
February 21, 2021
I am truly appreciating this book at the time I'm reading it. If I initially read this when it was first sent to me, I would have jut quickly skimmed it and gave a bogus unemotional review that its a good self help book.
This is more of a spiritual healing journey. I am 20 pages in and already feel myself opening up to healing my inner child. I appreciate the way the author wrote this book and encourage you to go at your own pace and skip chapters.
I got as far as the intro before I realized I wanted to try this way of healing. I found a notebook and whenever the author pose a question, I actually take the time to digest it...acknowledge my feelings and honestly answer them. Putting on a mask only burrows your feelings and I'm ready to release years of hurt and untrust.
So far I am really enjoying this piece and am excited for my new spiritual healing process.
This is more of a spiritual healing journey. I am 20 pages in and already feel myself opening up to healing my inner child. I appreciate the way the author wrote this book and encourage you to go at your own pace and skip chapters.
I got as far as the intro before I realized I wanted to try this way of healing. I found a notebook and whenever the author pose a question, I actually take the time to digest it...acknowledge my feelings and honestly answer them. Putting on a mask only burrows your feelings and I'm ready to release years of hurt and untrust.
So far I am really enjoying this piece and am excited for my new spiritual healing process.
February 13, 2020
I'd give this book 4.5 out of 5, the only thing I didn't like about it was that it's a book that is asking you to do more than just reading while reading. I think if I had it in audio book form it would of worked better for me. However, the book was super helpful. It caused me to look closer at some things that were uncomfortable, but I started to notice a change- a good one after awhile. In fact, I am going to be giving this book over to my Mom to read next. The guided meditation's are helpful, I would just recommend that there is a time and place to read this book; at work is not one of them. After reading the book, I started to look into the author. I'm gonna start listening to his podcast!
January 5, 2021
This book... Simply a life-changing experience! It's a journey in itself but also the beginning of another - of not missing the beauty and richness of life. I hold it dear to my heart and if there was one book that I would recommend to anyone, it would be this masterpiece. Thank you, Cory.
(I would also like to share that Cory Muscara, the author, has an amazing podcast worth listening to - called 'Practising Human')
(I would also like to share that Cory Muscara, the author, has an amazing podcast worth listening to - called 'Practising Human')
July 13, 2020
I have recently appreciated the value that mindfulness can bring to my life. Although I like yoga as a type of exercise, meditation was never my strength. I was resisting the notions of "being present" and "affirmations". There was something missing for me. Something that was not quite clicking. How can it all be right by being present? What does that even mean sometimes? What's the point of making affirmations that you don't even believe for yourself? Cory Muscara brought the clarity I needed to make real changes and be mindful in a concrete way that makes sense. Both his analysis and advice are effective, at least for people like me. He's, also, a talented and humorous writer that helps a lot!
May 31, 2025
Awesome book. I picked it up in the beginning of the year because I just felt like I wasn't being very "present." I felt like I was being overly-conscious of my phone, always waiting for the next best thing, and just not able to sit still. This book provides a new perspective on being "present", one that extends beyond our typical definition of the term, and does a beautiful job of articulating why so many of us feel that way. It also includes instructions on how to incorporate meditation into your life, which I'm not gonna lie I didn't do, but I plan to re-read this book soon and maybe give it a try.
January 26, 2020
La temática ya me llamo la atención, luego empece a leer y pude ver qué me identificaba mucho con la experiencia del autor y conozco muchas personas, que también se pueden llegar a identificar y por lo tanto, sacar provecho de este libro. El autor escribe desde la experiencia, con honestidad, sin pretender ser algo que no es, por lo que esta muy bueno para introducirse a los conceptos presentados en el libro y a partir de allí, profundizar con otros autores sí interesa. Estéticamente la cubierta esta muy bien, llamativa y colorida, pero no excesivamente.
April 16, 2025
I liked the beginning and the last quarter. Lot of back story that wasn’t personally that additive. Also when he talked about circling he lost some creds in my book, but maybe that’s because I only know some pompous and woo woo Brooklyn circlers. Love that he ends the book with clear actions to take.
…and if you’re wondering what that is, it’s mostly just to meditate.
…and if you’re wondering what that is, it’s mostly just to meditate.
January 5, 2020
This book was nothing short of amazing. Cory had me in tears as I read the final thoughts. There is so much beauty and love in the wisdom that he shares.
Cory has a way of explaining some deep Dharma principles in a very easy and digestible way for those of us in the west.
Cory has a way of explaining some deep Dharma principles in a very easy and digestible way for those of us in the west.
January 14, 2020
I started out skeptical. It's written in a casual style, and felt like the author was trying a little too hard to be funny or cool. But by the end, I'd become a huge fan. I've read hundreds of self help books (I wouldn't necessarily put this there; it's a step-up in my view). I loved the suggestion that readers get feedback from friends and family, which I don't recall seeing in other books meant to improve peoples lives. There are a number of other really practical ideas and suggestions, all presented in very clear, friendly ways. Highly recommended.
I really appreciate the review copy!! I'll be suggesting it to others.
I really appreciate the review copy!! I'll be suggesting it to others.
January 29, 2024
This was a new kind of book for me so it took me awhile to get into. I do think it was very beneficial and I am able to look at things a little differently than before when it comes to the present world! 75 HARD book!!
September 8, 2024
Досить хороша книга, навіть попри трохи зашкварну назву :) взяла для себе декілька порад, проте більшість практичної суті книги я вже давно пройшла чи то з терапевткою, чи то й сама :)
March 7, 2025
4.5 very good user-friendly introduction/refresher to mindfulness, presence, and meditation but a passionate and cheeky author/audiobook narrator. I’d listen to another book by him.
April 1, 2021
Such an excellent read on mindfulness. Easy to read, tons of practical information - I really enjoyed this and will come back to it time and time again.
July 15, 2025
This is a really clear, practical guide to being present in your life and includes many of the different practices I have been working on for some time in different areas so it also feels convincing. And reading it is also very mindful and meditative.
February 8, 2020
I'm a huge fan of the spiritual thinkers and awakened leaders that share their enlightenment from meditation and being in present and journey through trauma therapy/healing. It has changed my life and as someone in trauma therapy myself they're very beneficial to me. I loved the way this was written, set up, and explained. It is relatable and written in a perspective that allows you to value the wisdom coming from the book from an "every day person" point of view without feeling like you're being lectured on the philosophies of life you missed from a teacher that has more knowledge than you because they took a few more deep breaths that morning. There is encouragement, development opportunities, relatable content. The pain box, we are all so familiar with our walls we build and as someone whom is on a mission to focus on being present and mindfulness my favorite part about this is that it didnt focus on mastering and perfecting these life skills. There isnt this pressure of failing because the learning and growth to walking in excellence and peace never stops and so you dont feel burned out or rushed or even like you're stuck in some sort of comparison of growth. It emphasizes how unique that journey is to you and I love that.
August 1, 2021
I found this a really easy, interesting and practical approach to mindfulness, meditation & just being more “present” in general. Cory shares his personal journey and real-life examples in a very engaging way to bring greater meaning & clarity to the “how” and “why”. Further, he offers very manageable ideas and options for introducing more awareness & presence into our lives in ways that are flexible, kind & non-judgemental for the learner. Was wishing I had made notes along the way (or perhaps I will simply buy the book so I can revisit it & mark it up). The book also provides lots of additional online resources & apps to tap into that I am now using more routinely as well.
December 27, 2021
I need to stop reading books on meditation written by affluent men. Between this and 10% Happier, I'm a little bummed they seem to corner the majority of the popular market.
There are elements of this book that are helpful - detailed guided example meditation practices, citations from other notable works by mental health experts, including The Body Keeps the Score - however, when those are removed, the remainder of this book is widely underwhelming.
Throw in a section about the "superpower of menstruation," which is mostly just cribbed from a book he identifies as being something he's read multiple times, and I was pretty much ready to just put this one down. Unfortunately, there are only five days left in 2021, and I was still ten books behind my Challenge goal, so I decided to stick it out.
At least unlike 10% Happier, this author more ably identifies the cultural origins of meditation; however, that feeling of commodifying it to become a better / more efficient person still persists.
There are elements of this book that are helpful - detailed guided example meditation practices, citations from other notable works by mental health experts, including The Body Keeps the Score - however, when those are removed, the remainder of this book is widely underwhelming.
Throw in a section about the "superpower of menstruation," which is mostly just cribbed from a book he identifies as being something he's read multiple times, and I was pretty much ready to just put this one down. Unfortunately, there are only five days left in 2021, and I was still ten books behind my Challenge goal, so I decided to stick it out.
At least unlike 10% Happier, this author more ably identifies the cultural origins of meditation; however, that feeling of commodifying it to become a better / more efficient person still persists.
September 20, 2022
I first discovered Cory Muscara's teachings through the Simple Habit meditation app. At the time, I was going through a difficult time in my life and several of Cory's guided meditations helped me through that period, so when he announced that he was coming out with a book, I was super excited! The thing that I really enjoyed about this book is that Cory's voice really comes through in the text. If you haven't listened to one of his guided meditations, do it! The writing is very conversational...like, I felt like Cory was reading the book to me! He presents the ideas and concepts within the book in a way that is accessible and easy to understand. You get a sense that this is a topic that he is passionate about and it lends to his credibility. I look forward to reading more of Cory's writing!
March 4, 2020
I found this book to be an interesting introduction to mindfulness and meditation. I've always thought these subjects sounded interesting, but knew little about them. I've also been a little intimidated by them - two more things I had to study and learn to do just right, in addition to all the stuff I already do every day. This book is a non-threatening introduction to the subject, written in an informal and reassuring way. I think it's perhaps easier to read one chapter at a time, so you have a few days to absorb the ideas in one chapter before moving on to the next. There's quite a bit of information here.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
January 11, 2020
Great Read
I stumbled across this book purely by chance at a time in my life where I needed to try and find answers, it didn’t give me the answers but it has enabled me to start to build a foundation to become more aware and present and in time I believe I will find what it is I’m seeking. Thank you Cory x
I stumbled across this book purely by chance at a time in my life where I needed to try and find answers, it didn’t give me the answers but it has enabled me to start to build a foundation to become more aware and present and in time I believe I will find what it is I’m seeking. Thank you Cory x
August 1, 2020
Fantastic book. Now that I’ve read it through once, I’ll be dipping in and out to put into practice the meditations and models to bring real presence into my life. I’ve been doing daily mindfulness exercises for the last 18 months, but this will help me deepen that practice.
February 22, 2020
I could probably read this book five times more and learn something important every time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews