099 - 25 Lessons (in 25 Minutes) for 2025

In 'Everyday Zen: Love and Work,' Charlotte Joko Beck presents a series of dharma talks that emphasize the integration of Zen practice into daily life. The book addresses various aspects of human experience, including love, relationships, work, fear, ambition, and suffering. Beck's approach is characterized by its straightforward and compassionate tone, encouraging readers to practice Zen in a way that is relevant and effective in modern American culture. The talks are organized by themes and include discussions on embracing human feelings, the importance of consistent practice, and finding fulfillment in everyday activities. Beck's teaching stresses the importance of facing emotional realities and cultivating compassion and mindfulness in all aspects of life.

In 'Wintering', Katherine May shares her personal experiences of coping with illness, career changes, and family challenges, and how she found strength and healing through the concept of 'wintering'. The book draws on lessons from literature, mythology, and the natural world, highlighting the importance of rest, retreat, and embracing the cyclical nature of life. May discusses various cultural and spiritual practices related to winter, as well as her own experiences with cold-water swimming and other winter activities, to illustrate how winter can be a time of renewal and growth.

In 'Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind', Shunryu Suzuki explores the core principles of Zen Buddhism, focusing on the concept of 'shoshin' or 'beginner’s mind'. This mind is empty, free of the habits of the expert, and open to all possibilities. The book discusses various aspects of Zen practice, including zazen (sitting meditation), breathing techniques, and the importance of maintaining a non-dualistic and compassionate mindset. Suzuki uses simple language and everyday examples to illustrate how to apply Zen principles in daily life, emphasizing the need to approach each experience with freshness and openness, rather than preconceptions or a sense of achievement.

In 'The Extended Mind: The Power of Thinking Outside the Brain,' Annie Murphy Paul argues that our minds are not confined to the brain but extend into our bodies, surroundings, and social relationships. The book explores embodied, situated, and distributed cognition, providing practical advice on how to think better by utilizing 'extra-neural' resources such as bodily sensations, physical spaces, and the minds of others. Paul draws on research from neuroscientists, cognitive scientists, and psychologists, as well as examples from artists, scientists, and leaders who have successfully used these mental extensions to solve problems and create new works[2][4][5].

A book about time management and how to live a more fulfilling life.