Good reads
just one thing
by Anne Dimon
If you believe, as I do, that the brain is the new frontier for wellness and well-being, then read Rick Hanson’s Just One Thing published by New Harbinger.
In this self-help book, the neuropsychologist and author of the best selling Buddha’s Brain, neatly lays out, chapter by chapter, 52 ways to manage the mind in order to shape and "sculpt" the brain. (You might also be interested in other Good Reads )
In the introduction he writes: "This is a book of practices – simple things you can do routinely, mainly inside your mind, that will support and increase your mindfulness, sense of security and worth, resilience, effectiveness in the world, well-being, insight and inner peace."
It’s the type of book you can pick up anytime and read just one chapter – and concentrate on that one practice for the day or week – hence the title.
In every chapter I found at least one small gem of inspiration.
For instance, in Chapter Five, titled Slow Down, Hanson remarks on the North American “need for speed.” He chronicles the bad effects of chronic speediness – such as the release of stress hormones – and then in the How section (there’s one in each chapter) gives us various little ways to practice the art slowing down. I’ve ear-marked this chapter.
In Chapter 31, titled Keep Going, Hanson writes: “Of all the factors that lead to happiness and success – class origins, intelligence, personality, character, looks, luck, race, etc. – the one that typically makes the most difference is persistence. “ But he also advices that we each find the pace we can sustain. “Life’s a marathon, not a sprint.”
This is a great little book filled with sound advice and gems of information about how you can use your mind to change your brain – “for better or worse,” says Hanson.
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