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Gentle Power: A Revolution in How We Think, Lead, and Succeed Using the Finnish Art of Sisu
A manual for the evolution of everyday leadership based on the Finnish science of sisu ―from a leading researcher and teacher on the topic.
Power is fundamental in our lives―we express it in every conversation, relationship, and choice we make. All too often, we equate force and domination with power, while gentleness and compassion are considered “soft” or “weak.” The destructive nature of this skewed perspective has never been more obvious, yet there is reason to hope. With Gentle Power , Dr. Emilia Elisabet Lahti shares an illuminating guide to an emerging shift in the way we define true strength―an approach that balances resolve with reason, grit with compassion, and personal success with service to the collective good.
Lahti uses the concept of sisu, a central philosophy native to Finland, as the foundation for her investigation of gentle power. “At its best,” she says, “sisu is a harmonious approach to life itself, specifically in how we make decisions, relate to one another, and navigate times of crisis and peace.” Drawing from sisu―as well as aikido, Taoism, neuroscience, systems intelligence, and more―she shares an evidence-based approach to help you transform the way you manifest power. Join her to
• Sisu―its history, its shadow, and the rising global interest in this profound philosophy
• Leadership and power―why toxic myths of power persist, and how we can dismantle them
• The paradox of gentleness―how inner resilience and true influence arise from vulnerability, empathy, and love
• Self-care―why gentle power begins with the way we treat ourselves
To understand power is to realize that leadership is not just for some selected minority―we are all leaders whose choices impact those around us. “Each of us can play a vital role in the collective transformation that the world is calling for,” Lahti writes. “It all starts in our own heart, in our own gentle power.” Here you’ll discover a path of wisdom, resilience, and compassionate strength that will elevate your life―and uplift others to take part in a new revolution of human empowerment.
Power is fundamental in our lives―we express it in every conversation, relationship, and choice we make. All too often, we equate force and domination with power, while gentleness and compassion are considered “soft” or “weak.” The destructive nature of this skewed perspective has never been more obvious, yet there is reason to hope. With Gentle Power , Dr. Emilia Elisabet Lahti shares an illuminating guide to an emerging shift in the way we define true strength―an approach that balances resolve with reason, grit with compassion, and personal success with service to the collective good.
Lahti uses the concept of sisu, a central philosophy native to Finland, as the foundation for her investigation of gentle power. “At its best,” she says, “sisu is a harmonious approach to life itself, specifically in how we make decisions, relate to one another, and navigate times of crisis and peace.” Drawing from sisu―as well as aikido, Taoism, neuroscience, systems intelligence, and more―she shares an evidence-based approach to help you transform the way you manifest power. Join her to
• Sisu―its history, its shadow, and the rising global interest in this profound philosophy
• Leadership and power―why toxic myths of power persist, and how we can dismantle them
• The paradox of gentleness―how inner resilience and true influence arise from vulnerability, empathy, and love
• Self-care―why gentle power begins with the way we treat ourselves
To understand power is to realize that leadership is not just for some selected minority―we are all leaders whose choices impact those around us. “Each of us can play a vital role in the collective transformation that the world is calling for,” Lahti writes. “It all starts in our own heart, in our own gentle power.” Here you’ll discover a path of wisdom, resilience, and compassionate strength that will elevate your life―and uplift others to take part in a new revolution of human empowerment.
192 pages, Hardcover
Published January 24, 2023
26 people are currently reading
284 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 28, 2024
Psiholoģijas/pašpalīdzības žanram pieķeros reizi trīs gados, ja kaut kas netīšām aizķer interesi, un te nostrādāja SISU konteksts, kas man ir caur “pazīšanos” pazīstams.
Dīvainā kārtā grāmata ļoti uzrunāja, bet vai daudz kā jauna uzzināju? Nē. Te netrūka tipiskās autoru personīgās pieredzes (viņa simts reizies piemin savu skrējienu apkārt Jaunzēlandei), atsauces uz citiem darbiem un citiem speciālistiem, visu grāmatu var pārstāstīt dažos teikumos.
Bet ar visu man tā likās noderīga, atbilstošā laikā - maigais spēks liekas tieši par mātēm - kā labāk raksturot savu ģimenes “valdīšanas” modeli? Kā izturēt bezmiega naktis, fiziski sāpīgu bērnkopību, ikdienas grūtības. To visu te atradu. Varbūt pie vainas elegantais Matīsa Meijera tulkojums, kas lasījās tik viegli.
Dīvainā kārtā grāmata ļoti uzrunāja, bet vai daudz kā jauna uzzināju? Nē. Te netrūka tipiskās autoru personīgās pieredzes (viņa simts reizies piemin savu skrējienu apkārt Jaunzēlandei), atsauces uz citiem darbiem un citiem speciālistiem, visu grāmatu var pārstāstīt dažos teikumos.
Bet ar visu man tā likās noderīga, atbilstošā laikā - maigais spēks liekas tieši par mātēm - kā labāk raksturot savu ģimenes “valdīšanas” modeli? Kā izturēt bezmiega naktis, fiziski sāpīgu bērnkopību, ikdienas grūtības. To visu te atradu. Varbūt pie vainas elegantais Matīsa Meijera tulkojums, kas lasījās tik viegli.
March 22, 2023
I’m struggling to rate this book. On the one hand I didn’t find anything revolutionary in its ideas like the title has promised. On the other hand it’s not that simple as I’ll explain below. In the end despite my mixed feelings about certain things, there is no doubt that there is a lot of research behind this book and it also made me contemplate things.
When I started listening to the book I was constantly thinking: “well duh!” Be kind to yourself, be kind to other people. Not because of fear of rejection or such but because of your choice and inner power. Don’t let other people take advantage of you but make sure to notice the people’s good deeds out loud so that they learn to do it again. Like… that’s kind of obvious, right? The same as the advice in the end of the book to sleep well, eat well, exercise and drink water. Who doesn’t know that?
Then I thought: wait a minute. This is actually very privileged of me to think that it’s obvious. I’ve been living in Finland for less than 3 years and it’s been a huge contrast in a good way to my home country’s pace and environment. I work for the company that promotes such culture where everyone is encouraged to ask questions, help each other and be proactive with no fear of getting blamed or punished for mistakes. My home is my safe place and there is no drama in my personal relationships. It’s easy for me to choose to be kind and strong and adventurous and empathetic.
Problem is that not everyone is privileged to have such choice instead of being in a constant survival mode be it because of their mental health struggles, toxic family or relationships or “eat or be eaten” culture on a country level or poverty and lack of education. It then made me wonder if the author has the same survivorship bias that I have.
Originally I come from a bad environment and my life’s experiences taught me to walk away from things and people that let me down. I used to be and to some extent still am this annoying person who upon hearing about someone’s struggles says: Just find a new job. Just dump this guy if he doesn’t make you happy. Just exercise more often. Problem is that it’s not just that simple for other people. It’s also easy to say “be the one for other people” without mentioning that often times that also means loneliness. That being a leader often means making all the hard decisions and being proactive so that other people feel or perform better and never getting the same in return. That once you start organizing things or taking care of something - people start expecting this from you as if it’s your full time job. So once you refuse to do it - you suddenly become a selfish person in the others’ eyes. Unless again you’re lucky to be in a wonderful happy environment where everyone is mindful and helps each other.
Then something in the book reminded me how several years ago at a therapy session I was telling my psychologist how much I was pissed off at someone who refused to admit their mistakes even though I wasn’t even blaming them. He told me that because I demand a lot from myself then by extension I also demand a lot from other people who might have different goals than me. So maybe this book is right and I’m actually not being kind or gentle neither to myself nor to other people and that’s something to think about.
When I started listening to the book I was constantly thinking: “well duh!” Be kind to yourself, be kind to other people. Not because of fear of rejection or such but because of your choice and inner power. Don’t let other people take advantage of you but make sure to notice the people’s good deeds out loud so that they learn to do it again. Like… that’s kind of obvious, right? The same as the advice in the end of the book to sleep well, eat well, exercise and drink water. Who doesn’t know that?
Then I thought: wait a minute. This is actually very privileged of me to think that it’s obvious. I’ve been living in Finland for less than 3 years and it’s been a huge contrast in a good way to my home country’s pace and environment. I work for the company that promotes such culture where everyone is encouraged to ask questions, help each other and be proactive with no fear of getting blamed or punished for mistakes. My home is my safe place and there is no drama in my personal relationships. It’s easy for me to choose to be kind and strong and adventurous and empathetic.
Problem is that not everyone is privileged to have such choice instead of being in a constant survival mode be it because of their mental health struggles, toxic family or relationships or “eat or be eaten” culture on a country level or poverty and lack of education. It then made me wonder if the author has the same survivorship bias that I have.
Originally I come from a bad environment and my life’s experiences taught me to walk away from things and people that let me down. I used to be and to some extent still am this annoying person who upon hearing about someone’s struggles says: Just find a new job. Just dump this guy if he doesn’t make you happy. Just exercise more often. Problem is that it’s not just that simple for other people. It’s also easy to say “be the one for other people” without mentioning that often times that also means loneliness. That being a leader often means making all the hard decisions and being proactive so that other people feel or perform better and never getting the same in return. That once you start organizing things or taking care of something - people start expecting this from you as if it’s your full time job. So once you refuse to do it - you suddenly become a selfish person in the others’ eyes. Unless again you’re lucky to be in a wonderful happy environment where everyone is mindful and helps each other.
Then something in the book reminded me how several years ago at a therapy session I was telling my psychologist how much I was pissed off at someone who refused to admit their mistakes even though I wasn’t even blaming them. He told me that because I demand a lot from myself then by extension I also demand a lot from other people who might have different goals than me. So maybe this book is right and I’m actually not being kind or gentle neither to myself nor to other people and that’s something to think about.
December 10, 2025
Nothing particularly revolutionary, but some nice, important insights
April 14, 2025
If you stripped away all the anecdotes and quotes from other people the author has read, you’d have a strongly worded essay about her own concept that’s sisu-adjacent. Instead, it’s a memoir.
The title is a bit misleading too, as she’s actually come to form a sort of disdain for sisu, in my opinion.
Perhaps this book wasn’t intended for me, as I’m comfortable with who I am and where I am in life. But I get it for others who might need a pep talk.
My takeaway of the “gentle power” concept in a line: Work hard and have an ambition, but don’t be an asshole to yourself or others.
The title is a bit misleading too, as she’s actually come to form a sort of disdain for sisu, in my opinion.
Perhaps this book wasn’t intended for me, as I’m comfortable with who I am and where I am in life. But I get it for others who might need a pep talk.
My takeaway of the “gentle power” concept in a line: Work hard and have an ambition, but don’t be an asshole to yourself or others.
January 7, 2025
Incredible insights, I think everyone should read this book.
April 25, 2025
Self-help isn't a genre I delve into. I'd never have heard of this without a chance find in the Finlandia Foundation's online booksite. I'd already known about the Suomi-labelled "sisu" ~fortitude/ guts/ inner drive as what William James (learned that within) coined "second wind" but I wanted a solid srudy, not one of those impulse-buy cutesy Nordic secret for "hygge" by another Scandinavian name.
While I don't like opening to pages full of so-and-so Ph.Ds blurbing "arcane praise" in turn for their mentions in said text ahead, and while the heavily first-person emphasis (she did a marathon run across New Zealand, was chosen for Kurzweil's Singularity U Silicon Valley's elite attendees, she got a month hanging out in Bali upon wrapping her dissertation etc...) and assumed audience of Type A's didn't align with humbled me, albeit she's a generation younger, which may explain some disparity.
The challenge I have with this cohort is that these writers often pitch their message at a comfortable niche. Full of people who'd fly at least premium business class, say (with the lounge pre-boarding). Whereas I'm a greying guy in middle seat coach. She avers that those taking on her counsel can step off the corporate treadmill, but she tellingly glides past those (me) who've filled cubicles, unwillingly, of her "outsourced" ilk who must cater to this privileged cadre, as if lords rather than the serfs merit her attention most. This gets elided in a paragraph, but it's instructive of the inherent bias which did put me off from her ethical intent. Yet this slant embeds itself in many New Age-adjacent products.
I expected that she'd delve into her homeland, as a native Finn, for examples. Instead, she opts for a style that fills with documentation from the social sciences, her aikido teacher, her cadre of similarly self-driven survivors as the term gets broadened today, and those of globalized digital nomads in the professions, tech, academia, and high-profile and hjgh-income pursuits. Her advice to align rather than force mind over matter, to disengage, to foster silence, to let up, however, resonates with us all.
So while the bulk of this short work felt more like an expanded TED talk, she does offer questions for reflection, calm motivation, and grounding. While the flimsier if more "happy font meets computed stock images graphics" endemic to our coffeehouse and signboard cafe (and checkout) predominant small shelf of titles on "sisu" may grab the casual consumer, this presentation, by contrast, strives for a mix of hyperlinked scholarship, personal testimony, pop psychology, and Eastern insights. Not sure if the Finnish Americans who stocked this based on its subtitled keyword noticed, but instead of you-go-girl admonitions to dash out of a sauna into sub-zero snowdrifts, or push your pain aside as you reach the sixteenth mile, this offers a rather unevenly paced, but refreshingly less manic, companion.
While I don't like opening to pages full of so-and-so Ph.Ds blurbing "arcane praise" in turn for their mentions in said text ahead, and while the heavily first-person emphasis (she did a marathon run across New Zealand, was chosen for Kurzweil's Singularity U Silicon Valley's elite attendees, she got a month hanging out in Bali upon wrapping her dissertation etc...) and assumed audience of Type A's didn't align with humbled me, albeit she's a generation younger, which may explain some disparity.
The challenge I have with this cohort is that these writers often pitch their message at a comfortable niche. Full of people who'd fly at least premium business class, say (with the lounge pre-boarding). Whereas I'm a greying guy in middle seat coach. She avers that those taking on her counsel can step off the corporate treadmill, but she tellingly glides past those (me) who've filled cubicles, unwillingly, of her "outsourced" ilk who must cater to this privileged cadre, as if lords rather than the serfs merit her attention most. This gets elided in a paragraph, but it's instructive of the inherent bias which did put me off from her ethical intent. Yet this slant embeds itself in many New Age-adjacent products.
I expected that she'd delve into her homeland, as a native Finn, for examples. Instead, she opts for a style that fills with documentation from the social sciences, her aikido teacher, her cadre of similarly self-driven survivors as the term gets broadened today, and those of globalized digital nomads in the professions, tech, academia, and high-profile and hjgh-income pursuits. Her advice to align rather than force mind over matter, to disengage, to foster silence, to let up, however, resonates with us all.
So while the bulk of this short work felt more like an expanded TED talk, she does offer questions for reflection, calm motivation, and grounding. While the flimsier if more "happy font meets computed stock images graphics" endemic to our coffeehouse and signboard cafe (and checkout) predominant small shelf of titles on "sisu" may grab the casual consumer, this presentation, by contrast, strives for a mix of hyperlinked scholarship, personal testimony, pop psychology, and Eastern insights. Not sure if the Finnish Americans who stocked this based on its subtitled keyword noticed, but instead of you-go-girl admonitions to dash out of a sauna into sub-zero snowdrifts, or push your pain aside as you reach the sixteenth mile, this offers a rather unevenly paced, but refreshingly less manic, companion.
April 20, 2023
I highly recommend the book ‘Gentle Power’ by E. Elisabet Lahti, PhD. It offers a fresh perspective on power and leadership, emphasising the importance of gentleness, compassion, and service to the collective good.
I was privileged enough to meet Emilia as part of her practice-based research for her PHD back in 2018. Her plan was to run back-to-back ultra-marathons across the length of NZ. Along that incredible journey, she held space for those to listen and support individuals and communities who had experienced interpersonal violence.
The concept of Sisu, a philosophy from her native Finland, provides an evidence-based approach to manifesting power and having courage in the face of adversity. Her book helps to understand this concept by relating it to one's own self-awareness, redefining how we understand the concept of power and its shadow influence, and adapting to a gentle and empathetic approach to our own power and the way we lead.
One of the book's most compelling insights for me has been the tension between the resilience and grit we get from Sisu and the paradox of having too much- (shadow Sisu).
Emilia’s book argues that true resilience and gentle power arise from vulnerability, empathy, and love and by prioritising self-care and balancing resolve with reason, we can cultivate a more harmonious approach to life and leadership.
Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting on your journey, Gentle Power is an inspiring read that will elevate your life and empower you to make a positive impact both for yourself and in your leadership journey.
#books #BookRecommendations #GentlePower #psychology #SelfCare #leadership
I was privileged enough to meet Emilia as part of her practice-based research for her PHD back in 2018. Her plan was to run back-to-back ultra-marathons across the length of NZ. Along that incredible journey, she held space for those to listen and support individuals and communities who had experienced interpersonal violence.
The concept of Sisu, a philosophy from her native Finland, provides an evidence-based approach to manifesting power and having courage in the face of adversity. Her book helps to understand this concept by relating it to one's own self-awareness, redefining how we understand the concept of power and its shadow influence, and adapting to a gentle and empathetic approach to our own power and the way we lead.
One of the book's most compelling insights for me has been the tension between the resilience and grit we get from Sisu and the paradox of having too much- (shadow Sisu).
Emilia’s book argues that true resilience and gentle power arise from vulnerability, empathy, and love and by prioritising self-care and balancing resolve with reason, we can cultivate a more harmonious approach to life and leadership.
Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting on your journey, Gentle Power is an inspiring read that will elevate your life and empower you to make a positive impact both for yourself and in your leadership journey.
#books #BookRecommendations #GentlePower #psychology #SelfCare #leadership
May 18, 2024
A Gentle Revolution: Empowering Leadership and Life
"Gentle Power" is a transformative book that reshaped my understanding of leadership, resilience, and personal empowerment. Dr. Emilia Elisabet Lahti expertly blends the Finnish concept of "sisu" (extraordinary determination) with modern research and global wisdom traditions, offering a refreshing approach to navigating challenges and fostering positive change.
Key Takeaways:
Redefining Leadership: Lahti challenges traditional power dynamics, advocating for "gentle power" — a harmonious blend of resolve, compassion, and service. The concept of gentle power resonated deeply, inspiring a more empathetic and collaborative leadership style.
Sisu: Resilience Unveiled: The book explores "sisu," illustrating how cultivating this extraordinary determination empowers us to overcome obstacles and achieve goals, even when facing adversity.
Practical Wisdom for Daily Life: "Gentle Power" provides actionable guidance for integrating these concepts into daily life, offering tangible steps towards personal empowerment through self-compassion and leading with integrity.
Global Wisdom Traditions: The book examines wisdom traditions worldwide, revealing the universality of gentle power principles across diverse cultures and philosophies.
In Conclusion:
"Gentle Power" is an exceptional book poised to revolutionize our understanding of leadership, resilience, and personal growth. Dr. Lahti's eloquent prose, insightful research, and practical wisdom make this a must-read for anyone seeking to harness their inner strength and make a difference in the world.
"Gentle Power" is a transformative book that reshaped my understanding of leadership, resilience, and personal empowerment. Dr. Emilia Elisabet Lahti expertly blends the Finnish concept of "sisu" (extraordinary determination) with modern research and global wisdom traditions, offering a refreshing approach to navigating challenges and fostering positive change.
Key Takeaways:
Redefining Leadership: Lahti challenges traditional power dynamics, advocating for "gentle power" — a harmonious blend of resolve, compassion, and service. The concept of gentle power resonated deeply, inspiring a more empathetic and collaborative leadership style.
Sisu: Resilience Unveiled: The book explores "sisu," illustrating how cultivating this extraordinary determination empowers us to overcome obstacles and achieve goals, even when facing adversity.
Practical Wisdom for Daily Life: "Gentle Power" provides actionable guidance for integrating these concepts into daily life, offering tangible steps towards personal empowerment through self-compassion and leading with integrity.
Global Wisdom Traditions: The book examines wisdom traditions worldwide, revealing the universality of gentle power principles across diverse cultures and philosophies.
In Conclusion:
"Gentle Power" is an exceptional book poised to revolutionize our understanding of leadership, resilience, and personal growth. Dr. Lahti's eloquent prose, insightful research, and practical wisdom make this a must-read for anyone seeking to harness their inner strength and make a difference in the world.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2023
Are you hiding valid true feelings, to feel safety, control interpersonal situations, and give yourself a protective cocoon of power? Stop bargaining to feel small relief. Gentle Power gives you awareness and tools for exchanging thoughts of “If I say no, they won’t like me. My feelings are unimportant. It does not matter how I feel. I do not really matter” for leadership that anyone can access.
This book shows how we are all leaders, that you can show up for yourself and others from a place of kindness without weakness, without disowning your boundaries and self-worth. Told in a poetic voice of integrity-fueled fortitude, Emilia Elisabet Lahti deftly weaves her own journey with research findings. Using the Finnish concept of Sisu, you will find moments on every page to consider what can be possible when we take big chances against small odds by unearthing something exquisite within ourselves when a lot (our humanness) is at stake.
Engaging, beautifully written, and practically imagined, Gentle Power will help you elevate yourself and uplift others. You can make decisions from courage, completeness, and healthy self-worth.
This book shows how we are all leaders, that you can show up for yourself and others from a place of kindness without weakness, without disowning your boundaries and self-worth. Told in a poetic voice of integrity-fueled fortitude, Emilia Elisabet Lahti deftly weaves her own journey with research findings. Using the Finnish concept of Sisu, you will find moments on every page to consider what can be possible when we take big chances against small odds by unearthing something exquisite within ourselves when a lot (our humanness) is at stake.
Engaging, beautifully written, and practically imagined, Gentle Power will help you elevate yourself and uplift others. You can make decisions from courage, completeness, and healthy self-worth.
August 5, 2025
Gāja grūti, tomēr vaļā nelaida. Domājamā grāmata. Lasīju, lasīju, bet tā arī nebiju pārliecināta, vai spēju pateikt, kas īsti ir sisu.
3 lietas sev:
".. turēties pie sevis paša izvēlētu standartu kopuma." (37)
"Ja jūtat, ka nemitīgi cenšaties pielāgoties tempam, ko diktē darbs, ģimene, draugi, vaļasprieki un tā tālāk, kad dzīve rada ilgstošu spriedzi, apsveriet iespēju samazināt ātrumu un uz brīdi vienkārši iet savā tempā. [..] ... dažreiz ir jāpārslēdzas tikai uz pašu minimālāko pienākumu veikšanu, lai atpūstos un atjaunotos." (63)
"... uzvedoties jauki, mēs cenšamies iepatikties citiem cilvēkiem. Tā ir rīcība, kādu, mūsuprāt, citi no mums sagaida, un tā saistās ar vēlmi no citiem saņemt pretim to, ko esam iecerējuši gūt. Šādas uzvedības pamatā ir bailes. Savukārt laipnība ir saistīta ar to, kas reāli nepieciešams konkrētajā situācijā. [..] ...esot jauki, mēs atdodam savu spēku otram cilvēkam. Viņa potenciālā neapmierinātība var padarīt mūs par ķīlniekiem. Turpretim, esot laipni, mēs vairojam spēku sevī, jo mūsu panākumi nav atkarīgi no tā, ko citi par mums domā." (135)
Un,protams, to, ka jāspēj vadīt sevi, lai vadītu citus.
3 lietas sev:
".. turēties pie sevis paša izvēlētu standartu kopuma." (37)
"Ja jūtat, ka nemitīgi cenšaties pielāgoties tempam, ko diktē darbs, ģimene, draugi, vaļasprieki un tā tālāk, kad dzīve rada ilgstošu spriedzi, apsveriet iespēju samazināt ātrumu un uz brīdi vienkārši iet savā tempā. [..] ... dažreiz ir jāpārslēdzas tikai uz pašu minimālāko pienākumu veikšanu, lai atpūstos un atjaunotos." (63)
"... uzvedoties jauki, mēs cenšamies iepatikties citiem cilvēkiem. Tā ir rīcība, kādu, mūsuprāt, citi no mums sagaida, un tā saistās ar vēlmi no citiem saņemt pretim to, ko esam iecerējuši gūt. Šādas uzvedības pamatā ir bailes. Savukārt laipnība ir saistīta ar to, kas reāli nepieciešams konkrētajā situācijā. [..] ...esot jauki, mēs atdodam savu spēku otram cilvēkam. Viņa potenciālā neapmierinātība var padarīt mūs par ķīlniekiem. Turpretim, esot laipni, mēs vairojam spēku sevī, jo mūsu panākumi nav atkarīgi no tā, ko citi par mums domā." (135)
Un,protams, to, ka jāspēj vadīt sevi, lai vadītu citus.
June 9, 2023
I love a good 'self-help' book, but I found myself disappointed in Gentle Power. I found the topics covered to be very surface level and repetitive. Within the first chapter, I had grasped the concept and, unfortunately, could have put the book down there. While the author's personal experiences do add to the book, I wanted to see more research or hear more stories from others. I am no longer impressed by the idea that Scandanavian and other White communities have everything sorted out perfectly. I struggled to get myself to finish this book, so maybe my next read will have to be about self-discipline.
February 24, 2025
- เป็นเหมือนหนังสือเพิ่มเติมจากปรัชญาซิสุที่พูดคุยกันโดยทั่วไป โดยรอบนี้จะเน้นถึงความอ่อนโยนและเมตตาตัวเองแบบที่ยังคงเป็นความซิสุอยู่
- ปกติแล้วซิสุคือการดึงขุมพลังงานสำรองมาใช้ในสถานการณ์ที่ยากลำบาก การที่คนทั่วไปนำซิสุมาใช้ อาจจะทำให้เกิดผลเสียตามมาได้ถ้าไม่ระวัง
- นั่นคือการเสพย์ติดการเลือกทางที่ลำบากหรือเคี่ยวเข็ญตัวเองทั้งๆที่ตนไม่อยากทำ
- จนทำให้ไม่สามารถเป็นตัวของตัวเองได้ และไม่สามารถใช้ชีวิตที่เป็นสุขตามที่อยากเป็น เพราะจะใช้ชีวิตตามความคาดหวังของคนอื่นๆเสมอ
- ดังนั้นจงเมตตาและอ่อนโยนกับตัวเอง ทำในสิ่งที่ใช่สำหรับตัวเอง
- ปกติแล้วซิสุคือการดึงขุมพลังงานสำรองมาใช้ในสถานการณ์ที่ยากลำบาก การที่คนทั่วไปนำซิสุมาใช้ อาจจะทำให้เกิดผลเสียตามมาได้ถ้าไม่ระวัง
- นั่นคือการเสพย์ติดการเลือกทางที่ลำบากหรือเคี่ยวเข็ญตัวเองทั้งๆที่ตนไม่อยากทำ
- จนทำให้ไม่สามารถเป็นตัวของตัวเองได้ และไม่สามารถใช้ชีวิตที่เป็นสุขตามที่อยากเป็น เพราะจะใช้ชีวิตตามความคาดหวังของคนอื่นๆเสมอ
- ดังนั้นจงเมตตาและอ่อนโยนกับตัวเอง ทำในสิ่งที่ใช่สำหรับตัวเอง
April 18, 2023
A deeply researched and deeply personal book, full of insights and practical ways to apply the principle of gentle power in our lives and work.
One of the things I appreciate the most about this work is the way the author explores the light AND dark sides of the concepts of sisu, power, and gentleness. She encourages the reader to reflect on the narratives they bring to their life, and to experiment with different approaches to dial up their gentle power.
One of the things I appreciate the most about this work is the way the author explores the light AND dark sides of the concepts of sisu, power, and gentleness. She encourages the reader to reflect on the narratives they bring to their life, and to experiment with different approaches to dial up their gentle power.
May 15, 2023
This has almost nothing to do with leadership, and way too much to do about how highly the author thinks of herself. The language comes off as cultish, and the concepts don't seem particularly grounded in real research. Not a good book, but mercifully short as an audiobook played at 2x.
July 11, 2024
I listened to this book, and while I found it rather interesting, it seemed like there was more I could learn about Sisu. I think I'm going to buy the book and do some homework with it, so I may change/update this review in the future. As of right now, I'm comfortable to say that I liked it.
June 28, 2023
Love yourself, find your gentle power, establish boundaries, lift each other up. Lots to process from this one. I dig the message
October 2, 2024
“Embody our sovereignty” “conscious connecting”. This book is beautiful. I want to live in a world that embodies this book
July 30, 2023
I read this book a few months ago, but have still been thinking about it and ended up re-listening to some chapters today. "Nothing is so strong as gentleness, and nothing is so gentle as real strength". It is so rare to encounter true gentleness and vulnerability, and I think this book has re-defined for me what leadership can look like. Lots of little gold nuggets in this one!
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