Two Good Reads

It always seems like a good book is hard to find when you need it most… so below are two recommended reads.

Buddhist Boot Camp

By Timber Hawkeye

Almost 7 years ago, I declared my New Year’s resolution was “to be more awesome,” in response, an old high school friend living 20,000km away in France sent me this book for my birthday that March. Years later, this book is still something I read and reread, the quintessential values of simplicity, clarity, and conscious action never aging and always seeming relevant. 

You don’t have to be a buddhist, or particularly spiritual to appreciate this book. This isn’t about dogma, religious guilt or ritual. You can read the chapters in any order, open any page on any given day and simply read for just a few minutes, the book is easy to understand, providing a clear non-sectarian approach to being at peace with the world.

Timber Hawkeye, the author, is a real person who once-upon-a-time was deeply entrenched in the corporate world and had a light bulb moment regarding his purpose and focus in life. He shares in this book his experiences without preaching, or becoming condescending, reinforcing again the beauty of this book being not only it’s easy to read structure but also its relatability. His approach towards spirituality is simply yet well thought out, Timber states “The name you give God is not as important as the appreciation you have for it.”

Again, despite the title, this book isn’t purely for Buddhist, it’s about training your mind, and a boot camp is often considered the ideal training method for those of us who are time-poor or with limited attention spans. Through merging the ideas of Buddhism with practical, straightforward wisdom, Timber Hawkeye has created an accessible guide for anyone seeking clarity, purpose and a sense of peace. 

As the Dalai Lama says, “Don’t try to use what you learn from Buddhism to be a Buddhist; use it to be a better whatever-you-already-are.” Take the lessons and advice laid out in this book and use them as encouragement to reexamine, reflect and embrace, allowing you to look forward with renewed gratitude and understanding that small shifts in perspective can make the world of difference. 

Buddhism isn’t just about meditating, it’s about being present in the world and rolling up your sleeves to help.

Where to buy: Paper Plus $34

Ikigai – The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life

By Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles

A great gift, a bookshelf staple, and always easily re-readable, I was given this book by my Mum, although from memory it wasn’t my birthday, or Christmas or any other special occasion. I’ve never asked what drove her to buy it, why she thought I needed it or even if she’s ever read it herself. Regardless, I’m grateful.

In Japanese Ikigai may directly translate to purpose in life, but it’s so much more than that. The true gravitas behind it, is the belief that everyone has it . . . a reason to jump out of bed each morning and that ultimately try as we might work and life aren’t entirely separate things, they’re intrinsically linked.

The book is not the answer to life’s problems, it’s meant to provoke thought, and drive readers to assess their four ‘whats …’ paying attention to the how you can take these BIG ‘whats’ and create a life that will have mean and joy.

1. What you love.
2. What the world needs
3. What you can be paid for
4. What are you good at

The secret sauce in life, is Ikigai, where the four ‘whats‘ converge and illuminate that reason to jump out of bed each morning. Ikigai won’t give you answers, or even talk you through how to find them (which is disappointing) but instead includes advice about exercise and healthy eating as well as insights and interviews from Japanese centenarians. It motivates you to live simply but think deeply and provides practical insights suitable for anyone.