1 SENTENCE SUMMARY: In Waking Up, Sam Harris explores how to cultivate a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us through meditation and self-inquiry.
“The only way to know what is true is to be willing to let go of what you think is true.”
Quick Info
Category: Mindfulness
Publish Date: 2015-06-16
# Pages: 256
ISBN: 1451636024
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Table of Contents
Overview
In Waking Up: A Guide to Spirituality without Religion, Sam Harris examines the possibility of achieving spiritual fulfillment without being religious.
Through several compelling arguments and interviews with scientists, philosophers, and religious leaders, Harris argues that the inner journey of self-discovery can be as meaningful and beneficial as any other established faith, and can transcend traditional religious boundaries.
He further encourages readers to explore their own spiritual identity, free of the restrictive frameworks of religious dogma.
4 Key Lessons from Waking Up by Sam Harris
1. Meditation can be a powerful tool for self-transformation
Through meditation, one can gain insight into the inner workings of the mind and body, and use that knowledge to become aware of mental and physical habits that can be changed for the better.
Harris outlines how to practice mindful meditation, and how it can be used to cultivate an ongoing sense of presence, clarity, and peace of mind.
2. We can all benefit from living more carefully
In Waking Up, Harris encourages readers to pay attention to their own mental and physical states, and to pay attention to their actions and reactions.
He stresses the importance of being mindful of our habits and intentions, and to be mindful of our speech and actions.
This can help us to be more conscious of our own behavior and the consequences of our actions.
3. We can use the power of our minds to break free from the shackles of our habits
In Waking Up, Harris reminds readers that we have the power to break free from our habits, if we are willing to be mindful and conscious of our own behavior.
He also outlines how to use mindfulness to help us break free from unhealthy habits and create healthier ones.
4. We can use the power of our minds to understand our own beliefs and values
Harris encourages readers to be mindful of their values and beliefs, and to examine them critically.
He stresses the importance of understanding why we believe what we do, and how our beliefs shape our actions and reactions.
This can help us to become more conscious of our own values, and to make decisions based on our own personal values and beliefs rather than on external influences.
Who Should Read It
This book should be read by anyone interested in exploring their own spiritual journey, both from an Eastern and a Western perspective.
It is also a great resource for those interested in understanding the power of meditation, the science behind it, and how to apply it in their life.
Additionally, it can be a great resource for those who are looking to break out of their habitual ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving and move towards a more mindful and conscious way of living.
Where to Get It
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About Sam Harris
Sam Harris is an American author, philosopher, and neuroscientist who has written extensively on topics such as morality, religion, and mindfulness.
Harris is the author of several books, including Waking Up, which explores the science of meditation and the power of mindful awareness.
Harris is known for his passionate and thought-provoking writing style and has been featured in publications such as The New York Times, The Atlantic, and The Washington Post.
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Other Mindfulness Books you may Like:
- Best Mindfulness Books
- Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? by Julie Smith
- Why We Meditate by Daniel Goleman
- You Are Not Your Brain by Jeffrey M. Schwartz
- 10-Minute Mindfulness by S. J. Scott
Over to You
If you already read Waking Up by Sam Harris, 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
Welcome to DailyBitsOfWisdom.com, my passion project inspired by my own battle with depression. Here, I share resources on journaling, positive affirmations, self-help insights, and book summaries, creating a nurturing space where we can connect, learn, and grow together on our journey to self-discovery and personal growth.