 I rarely watch television in the morning, but just moments ago I caught a few minutes of "The Today Show." One of the hosts was discussing, with the author, a new book, Crazy Busy. Their exchange reminded me that I've been neglectful in delivering this month's book review. The book I had chosen is In Praise of Slowness.
I have not read Crazy Busy, but based on the author's comments, it follows in the footsteps of In Praise of Slowness. In Praise of Slowness is a wonderful read, and like life, not an experience to be rushed through. This book moves to the heart of one of the Western world's fastest growing problems — the need for speed. Fast food, instant access, immediate gratification — this is a growing dilemma that, among other things has strained our health care system to the point of crisis. The author, Carl Honoré, admits his own guilt in this area. He caught himself reading one-minute bedtime stories to his two-year old in order to save time. Fortunately, his dawning of realization in this matter is what opened his consciousness to the fact that he, like many of us, was caught up in the web of speed and technology so vastly pervading modern culture, here and abroad. After all, the world's biggest KFC is located in China, the home of syrup-slow taiji. Honoré takes time to bow deeply to Carol Petrini, an Italian culinary writer and founder of the slow food movement in Italy, who has spearheaded the use of fresh local foods, grown with sustainable farming techniques, and ingested in a leisurely manner with good company. The author goes on to delve into other slow movements, such as the practice of Tantric sex (mindful sexual union as a road to enlightenment), complementary and alternative medicine, and the importance of incorporating leisurely creative activities such as painting and music into our daily lives. From good cheese to good wine, and aging gracefully, there is known benefit to slowing down. Honoré gives plenty of examples while pointing to numerous research studies that show rushing creates errors, muddled thinking and costs more in time and productivity over the long run. So, if you find yourself taking a leisurely stroll while talking on your cell phone — read this book. If you find yourself feeling naked without your Blackberry or Palm Pilot — read this book. If you find yourself not even slowing down for that "right on red" — read this book. If you find yourself working while on vacation, or forfeiting vacation days — read this book. If you find your health deteriorating — read this book. And, finally, if you find yourself skimming this review — read this book — assuming you got this far... |
