- A Book a Week
- Posts
- 📙 Slow Down, See More
📙 Slow Down, See More
‘The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down’
Hey everyone 🙂
This week, we're focusing on "The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down: How to Be Calm in a Busy World" by Haemin Sunim. This book is a gentle reminder that happiness and clarity often elude us because we are too busy chasing them. Written by Haemin Sunim, a Zen Buddhist teacher, the book offers wisdom on mindfulness, love, relationships, and spirituality. It encourages readers to slow down, reflect, and cultivate inner calm amidst the busyness of life.
This book will teach you how to live more mindfully, embrace stillness, and cultivate a sense of peace in your everyday life. If you often feel rushed, stressed, or overwhelmed, Haemin Sunim’s wisdom will guide you to create space for reflection and help you find balance. You will learn that slowing down allows you to truly see life’s beauty, connect more deeply with yourself and others, and lead a more fulfilling and calm life.
Principle #1: Inner Calm Is the Key to Outer Clarity
Sunim emphasizes that when you are at peace within yourself, you will see the world with more clarity. Your external reality is a reflection of your internal state. The more you cultivate calm and mindfulness, the more you will experience harmony in your relationships, work, and daily life.
Principle #2: Slow Down to Speed Up Personal Growth
By rushing through life, you often miss important lessons and opportunities for growth. Slowing down allows you to truly absorb and reflect on your experiences, making it easier to develop self-awareness, compassion, and wisdom.
Principle #3: Mindfulness Is a Practice, Not a Destination
True mindfulness isn’t about reaching a perfect state of peace; it’s about the daily practice of being present. Sunim reminds us that mindfulness is ongoing—it requires patience, persistence, and the willingness to let go of perfectionism.
“Life isn’t a hundred-meter race against your friends, but a lifelong marathon against yourself.”
“The more grateful we feel, the happier we become. This is because gratitude helps us realize we are all connected. Nobody feels like an island when feeling grateful. Gratitude awakens us to the truth of our interdependent nature.”
“Life teaches us through our mistakes.”
Take Mindful Breaks: Set aside 5-10 minutes each day to pause and simply be. Whether it’s through deep breathing, mindful observation, or silence, this practice helps reset your mind and body.
Limit Multitasking: Make an effort to focus on one task at a time. Slowing down and giving your full attention to the present task allows for greater efficiency and quality in your work.
Check in with Your Emotions: Throughout the day, pause to acknowledge how you're feeling. By naming and accepting your emotions without judgment, you can cultivate self-compassion and reduce stress.
For the next week, challenge yourself to do one task—whether it’s eating, walking, or even washing dishes—completely mindfully. Pay attention to the sensations, thoughts, and emotions that arise. Notice how being fully present transforms the experience. Reflect on the impact this mindfulness practice has on your mood and mindset.
Haemin Sunim, born in South Korea and educated in the United States, became a Zen Buddhist monk after years of academic study. This unique blend of Eastern spirituality and Western thought influenced his writing, allowing him to connect with readers globally. The book was written at a time when the world was becoming increasingly fast-paced, with technology and social media driving an "always-on" culture. Sunim's gentle but firm message to slow down resonated deeply with people looking for an antidote to their busy, stressful lives. His teachings are rooted in both ancient Buddhist wisdom and modern psychological insights, making the book accessible to readers from diverse backgrounds. His other works, such as "Love for Imperfect Things", continue to inspire readers around the world.
We hope you enjoyed learning more about The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down, and are feeling encouraged to slow down in your own life 🙏
As always, if you have any feedback or questions, just hit reply.
A Book a Week Team
If you’re enjoying A Book a Week, spread the word by sharing the sign up link with a colleague or friend. We really appreciate the support 🙏
Partner with A Book a Week and reach 700+ readers & professionals' inboxes.
Contact us to learn more.