How to Train a Wild Elephant: 2 Minutes Summary

1 SENTENCE SUMMARY: This book offers gentle, mindful techniques to help us take control of our lives and learn to live in harmony with our inner wildness.

“By learning to be aware of our present- time experience, we can train ourselves to live in the present, with whatever arises.”

Quick Info

Overview

How to Train a Wild Elephant, by Jan Chozen Bays, is an insightful and inspiring guide that teaches readers how to use the power of mindfulness to create lasting and beneficial changes in our lives.

Through various mindfulness practices, Bays suggests that we can learn to use our minds to observe our thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations, and to respond to them with more clarity, curiosity, and compassion.

With this clarity comes the ability to make mindful and wise decisions, and to act with intention.

The book demonstrates the power of mindfulness to create lasting changes, such as increased focus and concentration, improved relationships, and a greater sense of peace and contentment.

By learning to practice mindfulness and meditation, readers can learn to be fully present in their lives, and to take ownership of their inner world.

4 Key Lessons from How to Train a Wild Elephant by Jan Chozen Bays

1. Be Mindful of the Present Moment

This lesson encourages the reader to focus on their current experience and not be distracted by thoughts of the past or future.

It encourages them to pay attention to their environment and to be aware of their thoughts and emotions.

This will help them to become more mindful of their choices and actions, and better able to make decisions that are both beneficial and constructive.

2. Strive for Balance

This lesson focuses on the importance of finding balance in life.

It encourages readers to create a healthy balance between work, leisure, and other activities, as well as to strive for healthy relationships and to take care of their physical and mental well-being.

This will help them to live a more fulfilling and satisfying life.

3. Cultivate Compassion

This lesson encourages the reader to cultivate compassion towards themselves and others.

It encourages them to practice self-compassion, empathy, and understanding, and to use these skills to create strong relationships with those around them.

This will help them to gain a better understanding of themselves and those around them, and to create meaningful connections with others.

4. Live with Intention

This lesson encourages the reader to live with intention and to be aware of their actions and choices.

It encourages them to take the time to reflect on their goals and values and to be intentional in their choices and actions.

This will help them to live a life that is meaningful and purposeful.

Who Should Read It

This book is suitable for anyone who is interested in understanding mindfulness and incorporating it into their daily lives.

It is particularly helpful for those who are looking to practice meditation, as the book offers tools and instructions to do so.

Additionally, those who are looking to gain insight into their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors and learn how to cultivate loving kindness towards themselves and others may benefit from this book.

Where to Get It

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About Jan Chozen Bays

Jan Chozen Bays is an American physician and Zen teacher.

She is the co-abbot of Great Vow Zen Monastery and the author of several books, including Mindful Eating and How to Train a Wild Elephant.

Her book How to Train a Wild Elephant offers a collection of mindfulness practices to help readers unlock their inner potential and live a more conscious life.

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Other Mindfulness Books you may Like:

• Best Mindfulness Books
• How We Grow Through What We Go Through by Christopher Willard
• Into the Heart of Mindfulness by Ed Halliwell
• Let Your Light Shine by Ali Smith
• Make Peace with Your Mind by Mark Coleman

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Over to You

If you already read How to Train a Wild Elephant by Jan Chozen Bays, please take a moment to rate it and maybe write your feedback in the comments. You’ll help other readers make the best choice.

Thanks a lot,
Simon

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