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The Will to Do Nothing: An expression of the Heart
When you genuinely do nothing, only then can you truly do anything.
Stop moving forward.
Slow down and realize why you're moving.
Then move with balance.
Move for the fun of it.
Or, take a moment to just sit.
Learn the ancient paradoxical art of doing nothing, & become more effortlessly natural, authentic, mindful, & free in your relationships, work, & everyday life, only ever Now.
The Will to Do Nothing is popular among books on Zen Buddhism, Taoism, & spiritual self-help, but it is not about those things. Readers will explore the ancient art of stillness & find the unexpected key to inner peace, authenticity, & presence, found nowhere other than the present moment. Charles Freligh, a young dynamic author with a PhD in Clinical Psychology alongside expertise in mindfulness & meditation, offers a unique blend of ancient wisdom, contemporary insight, personal story, & scientific understanding, to help you connect with your true self & unlock the power of now that lives inside deep stillness. Think Alan Watts (The Wisdom of Insecurity) meets Parahamsa Yogananda (Autobiography of a Yogi) meets Carlos Castaneda (The Teachings of Don Juan).
In today's fast-paced world, we are bombarded with endless distractions & obligations that leave little time for honest introspection. Many of us struggle with feelings of overwhelm, stress, & disconnection from our true selves, leading to a sense of dis-ease & unrest. And we tend only to do more in an effort to fix our problems. But what if the secret to finding peace & authenticity lies in doing less... way less?
The Will to Do Nothing is the will it takes to let go of control and embrace the uncontrollable gift of right now, & the art of "doing nothing" is the book's central thread. In Taoism this art is called wu wei - not forcing . Readers will learn this art. They will learn to slow down, stop overthinking, let go of external attachments, & fully enter the present. Charles draws on wisdom from many spiritual traditions, as well as philosophy, psychology, & psychotherapy, to reveal the secrets of dissolving past & future worries, & connecting to something beyond oneself.
One of the most compelling aspects of the book is Charles' ability to blend science, spiritual wisdom, & story. As a trained psychologist & spiritual philosopher, he invites readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery. He draws on research from neuroscience, positive psychology, mindfulness, & meditation, and offers readers a well-rounded perspective on the benefits of deep stillness & silence, the benefits of "doing nothing."
Throughout the book, Charles shares personal anecdotes & insights that make the content relatable and accessible. He speaks from a place of vulnerability, for example, by sharing his own struggles with stillness & anxiety, & how he continues to overcome them. This approach creates a sense of intimacy between reader & author, & encourages the reader to explore & embrace their own vulnerability.
The Will to Do Nothing reminds the reader why life is truly worth living. It offers a transformative journey into the heart of pure presence, where readers can dissolve past & future worries, & discover a sense of universal harmony that is only available Now. Whether seeking peace of mind, calm, deeper authenticity, or a connection to something greater than oneself, this more-than-a coffee table book, more-than-a self help book, more-than-a mindfulness book, provides a roadmap to the essential truth of being human. Whether you're looking to gift this spirituality book to a loved one or keep it as a treasured possession, it's perfect for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of themselves & the world around them.
Stop moving forward.
Slow down and realize why you're moving.
Then move with balance.
Move for the fun of it.
Or, take a moment to just sit.
Learn the ancient paradoxical art of doing nothing, & become more effortlessly natural, authentic, mindful, & free in your relationships, work, & everyday life, only ever Now.
The Will to Do Nothing is popular among books on Zen Buddhism, Taoism, & spiritual self-help, but it is not about those things. Readers will explore the ancient art of stillness & find the unexpected key to inner peace, authenticity, & presence, found nowhere other than the present moment. Charles Freligh, a young dynamic author with a PhD in Clinical Psychology alongside expertise in mindfulness & meditation, offers a unique blend of ancient wisdom, contemporary insight, personal story, & scientific understanding, to help you connect with your true self & unlock the power of now that lives inside deep stillness. Think Alan Watts (The Wisdom of Insecurity) meets Parahamsa Yogananda (Autobiography of a Yogi) meets Carlos Castaneda (The Teachings of Don Juan).
In today's fast-paced world, we are bombarded with endless distractions & obligations that leave little time for honest introspection. Many of us struggle with feelings of overwhelm, stress, & disconnection from our true selves, leading to a sense of dis-ease & unrest. And we tend only to do more in an effort to fix our problems. But what if the secret to finding peace & authenticity lies in doing less... way less?
The Will to Do Nothing is the will it takes to let go of control and embrace the uncontrollable gift of right now, & the art of "doing nothing" is the book's central thread. In Taoism this art is called wu wei - not forcing . Readers will learn this art. They will learn to slow down, stop overthinking, let go of external attachments, & fully enter the present. Charles draws on wisdom from many spiritual traditions, as well as philosophy, psychology, & psychotherapy, to reveal the secrets of dissolving past & future worries, & connecting to something beyond oneself.
One of the most compelling aspects of the book is Charles' ability to blend science, spiritual wisdom, & story. As a trained psychologist & spiritual philosopher, he invites readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery. He draws on research from neuroscience, positive psychology, mindfulness, & meditation, and offers readers a well-rounded perspective on the benefits of deep stillness & silence, the benefits of "doing nothing."
Throughout the book, Charles shares personal anecdotes & insights that make the content relatable and accessible. He speaks from a place of vulnerability, for example, by sharing his own struggles with stillness & anxiety, & how he continues to overcome them. This approach creates a sense of intimacy between reader & author, & encourages the reader to explore & embrace their own vulnerability.
The Will to Do Nothing reminds the reader why life is truly worth living. It offers a transformative journey into the heart of pure presence, where readers can dissolve past & future worries, & discover a sense of universal harmony that is only available Now. Whether seeking peace of mind, calm, deeper authenticity, or a connection to something greater than oneself, this more-than-a coffee table book, more-than-a self help book, more-than-a mindfulness book, provides a roadmap to the essential truth of being human. Whether you're looking to gift this spirituality book to a loved one or keep it as a treasured possession, it's perfect for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of themselves & the world around them.
- GenresPhilosophy
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 5, 2025
Reread 9/2026:
I've been rereading this a few pages at a time with the author's original copy, marked up with his thoughts & notes etc, and stretching it through most of this year has been such a great experience. I maintain that this is one of, if not the most influential books I've read. I've been meeting with Charles individually for over a year now, have gone to one of his meditation retreats, and am gearing up to go on the second in just a few days. This journey has been so significant in my life, and it started iwth this book. 10000/10.
First read 2025:
This is the single most impactful book I have read in my almost 35 years of life.
I've been rereading this a few pages at a time with the author's original copy, marked up with his thoughts & notes etc, and stretching it through most of this year has been such a great experience. I maintain that this is one of, if not the most influential books I've read. I've been meeting with Charles individually for over a year now, have gone to one of his meditation retreats, and am gearing up to go on the second in just a few days. This journey has been so significant in my life, and it started iwth this book. 10000/10.
First read 2025:
This is the single most impactful book I have read in my almost 35 years of life.
I am an avid reader of both fiction and non fiction, and am notorious for gushing to friends and family about how a book "changed my life." Yes, I have been impacted by books on a core level in the past (namely Brene Brown's works when I was in my early 20s and everything boundaries related by Nedra Glover Tawwab), but my entire psychological, physical, emotional, and spiritual foundation has been fundamentally and forever altered.
I cannot recommend this book enough - if it calls to you. I have to remember that the teacher will only arise when the student is willing to be taught, or open to the lessons. Despite wanting to shove this book into everyone I know's tightly closed fists, I have to remember that unless their hand is open, they cannot receive it.
Also, let me be clear - this book is not about "doing nothing." It's so, so, so, so much more. It's an incredibly detailed and beautifully untangled synopsis of Eastern philosophy and our Western/human condition which has led us to what is referred to in Buddhism as "the root assumption:" that we are separate. From everything.
It's so hard to put into words what this book is about - but it's impact has leaked into moments I experience every day. I cried (full body sobbed) numerous times while reading this book. If you do read it, and you get towards the end with a story about the apple (Maslow), please message me. I long to connect with anyone else who has read this.
I've signed up to meet with the author (who is a teacher on the app Insight Timer with whom I'm taking a course on The Zen Path as well as on the Tao Te Ching), and more can be found about him and his work here. I'm meeting with him tomorrow for the second time and cannot wait to express all of this to him. BAHHHHH
June 26, 2023
There are only a few books that transform you as a person. The Will To Do Nothing is one of those books. It has made me much more calm and centered, and at the same time it has brought more flow and creativity to my life. It was also inspiring to read about the transformation of the author. Thank you!
January 12, 2026
“The answer is found by remaining at the level of the question”. So many highlights and aha moments. I hope I can remember to return to the wisdom of the here and now.
October 10, 2024
Buckle Up. This is the how-to of staying present.
Full of invaluable observations, my copy may now have more highlighted areas than plain text. One page after an other, the author explains ways to stay in the present, and observe the ego. Terrific storytelling and overall writing. Charles Freligh PhD is a contemporary mystic!
Full of invaluable observations, my copy may now have more highlighted areas than plain text. One page after an other, the author explains ways to stay in the present, and observe the ego. Terrific storytelling and overall writing. Charles Freligh PhD is a contemporary mystic!
October 13, 2025
This book is a profound revelation. I’ve read a lot of spiritual and “self help” books and none have distilled what is necessary to live a joyous life like this book. This. Read it. Absorb it. Learn. Live.
July 26, 2025
Dieses Buch ist anders als viele andere Bücher, die ich bisher gelesen habe.
"The Will To Do Nothing" habe ich als spirituelles Buch erlebt, das versucht in Worten etwas zu vermitteln, was letztlich nicht in Worten vermittelt werden kann. Der Autor Charles Freligh ist sich dessen sehr wohl bewusst. So entsteht hier ein Dialog zwischen Autor und Leser, der genau Jetzt stattfindet - im Hier und Jetzt geschrieben, im Hier und Jetzt gelesen. Es geht nicht darum, kognitiv neues Wissen aufzunehmen. Es geht um eine Erfahrung mit diesem Buch.
Der Inhalt in a nutshell:
Eigentlich sind wir alle Ausdruck einer das Universum durchdringenden Lebensenergie (Lebensenergie ist an der Stelle mein Wort/Begriff). Alternativ kann man das auch Gott, Tao oder wie der Autor im Englischen "Current" nennen. Unser Ego, die Regeln, "Muss", "Sollte", die wir im Lauf unseres Lebens lernen, schneiden uns in unserer Wahrnehmung zunehmend ab von dem großen Ganzen, von dem wir eigentlich Teil sind. Wir bauen ein falsches Selbst um unser wahres Selbst auf, zum Schutz. Wir versuchen krampfhaft, die vermeintlichen Regeln zu erfüllen, irgendwie anders zu werden, irgendwann irgendwo anzukommen. Dabei sind wir vollkommen, so wie wir sind. Es gibt nichts zu erreichen. Mit den Bestrebungen unseres Ego stehen wir oft genug dem Lebensfluss im Weg. Daher die Empfehlung nichts zu tun. Zu sein, dem Leben in seinem momentanen Ausdruck in Form meiner Empfindungen zu lauschen. Darauf aufbauend kann ich dann handeln, oder auch nicht. Ich entscheide. Tief drinnen bin ich eigentlich frei von allen erlernten Regeln und gesellschaftlichen Zwängen.
Die Wortwahl und Sprache, auch die für das Englische eigenwillige Großschreibung mancher Wörter hat mich sehr angesprochen. Das Buch hat mich berührt.
"The Will To Do Nothing" habe ich als spirituelles Buch erlebt, das versucht in Worten etwas zu vermitteln, was letztlich nicht in Worten vermittelt werden kann. Der Autor Charles Freligh ist sich dessen sehr wohl bewusst. So entsteht hier ein Dialog zwischen Autor und Leser, der genau Jetzt stattfindet - im Hier und Jetzt geschrieben, im Hier und Jetzt gelesen. Es geht nicht darum, kognitiv neues Wissen aufzunehmen. Es geht um eine Erfahrung mit diesem Buch.
Der Inhalt in a nutshell:
Eigentlich sind wir alle Ausdruck einer das Universum durchdringenden Lebensenergie (Lebensenergie ist an der Stelle mein Wort/Begriff). Alternativ kann man das auch Gott, Tao oder wie der Autor im Englischen "Current" nennen. Unser Ego, die Regeln, "Muss", "Sollte", die wir im Lauf unseres Lebens lernen, schneiden uns in unserer Wahrnehmung zunehmend ab von dem großen Ganzen, von dem wir eigentlich Teil sind. Wir bauen ein falsches Selbst um unser wahres Selbst auf, zum Schutz. Wir versuchen krampfhaft, die vermeintlichen Regeln zu erfüllen, irgendwie anders zu werden, irgendwann irgendwo anzukommen. Dabei sind wir vollkommen, so wie wir sind. Es gibt nichts zu erreichen. Mit den Bestrebungen unseres Ego stehen wir oft genug dem Lebensfluss im Weg. Daher die Empfehlung nichts zu tun. Zu sein, dem Leben in seinem momentanen Ausdruck in Form meiner Empfindungen zu lauschen. Darauf aufbauend kann ich dann handeln, oder auch nicht. Ich entscheide. Tief drinnen bin ich eigentlich frei von allen erlernten Regeln und gesellschaftlichen Zwängen.
Die Wortwahl und Sprache, auch die für das Englische eigenwillige Großschreibung mancher Wörter hat mich sehr angesprochen. Das Buch hat mich berührt.
October 3, 2026
I love his meditation series on Insight timer and consequently bought the book. It elaborates nicely on all the ideas and concepts that he talks about in the mediations, while the mediations help to put the ideas from the book into practice, they're really compatible.
My main criticism, and reason for 4 stars instead of 5, is that he gets a bit carried away with the metaphors, taking them sometimes too far, and at other moments layering multiple metaphors on top of each other. My generally quite imaginative mind was struggling to keep up with being an apple with a spacesuit, while my lower-case self is arguing with my upper-case Self about being the ocean rather than a wave. Anyway, there's surely something in there for everyone!
Overall it inspired me and I recommend it.
My main criticism, and reason for 4 stars instead of 5, is that he gets a bit carried away with the metaphors, taking them sometimes too far, and at other moments layering multiple metaphors on top of each other. My generally quite imaginative mind was struggling to keep up with being an apple with a spacesuit, while my lower-case self is arguing with my upper-case Self about being the ocean rather than a wave. Anyway, there's surely something in there for everyone!
Overall it inspired me and I recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews