The Force for Good

The key message in this book:

In a world of rampant cruelty and suffering, it’s time to make a change — and it all starts with you. The power for change lies with individuals and their ability to shift away from self-interest and negativity, and toward compassion and positive action.

Actionable advice:

Breath deeply to eliminate fear and anxiety.

Next time you need to calm down, try this. Take a deep breath, filling your lungs; hold it in for two or three seconds and then let the air out slowly. Take five to ten deep breaths this way. If you need help focusing fully on your breathing, you can think of mental cues: “in” while inhaling, “out” while exhaling. Or, imagine tension draining from your body as you exhale.

Suggested further reading: The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama

The Art of Happinessis based on interviews of His Holiness the Dalai Lama conducted by the psychiatrist Howard C. Cutler. The combination of Tibetan Buddhist spiritual tradition with Dr. Cutler’s knowledge of Western therapeutic methods and scientific studies makes this a very accessible guide to everyday happiness. The book spent 97 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list.