How to be content by Dr. Arlene K. Unger
How to be content is something that can take a life time to work out. This seems such a shame. As we get older we realise that life is all too short and we would be wise to make the most of it. I am actively seeking happiness rather than just expecting it to happen these days. I was delighted to get a copy of “How to be Content” to review.
Beautiful book
The first thing that struck me about the book is that it is so attractive with a green hardback and a purple heart cut-out. It just puts you in a good mood as soon as you look at it and I think it would make a lovely gift for any occasion. There are stunning illustrations throughout the book by Joanne Parry. I cannot get over to you what joy these give.
How to be content
The book is by Dr. Arlene K. Unger and you can see the amount of research that has gone into it. It is easy to read whilst covering some very deep topics. There are four sections to the book covering the Natural World, Cultures Around the World, Mythology and Folklore and Philosophers, Writers and Poets. Each of these is broken down into sub-sections of around 2 pages each so it is really easy to dip in and out of. Having said that I kept it by my side and read it all in a few days. It has a magical quality to it that means you make time for it perhaps because you are seeking contentment, perhaps because it contains great wisdom or perhaps because it is so good to look at.
What next?
Now that I have read the book, I immediately want to go back and really focus on one topic at a time drawing the learning from it. I like to think this book acts as a bit of a launch pad into further investigation, reflection and self-care practice.
Practical action
The book gives so much inspiration but also gives practical and simple steps for you to improve your happiness perhaps by meditating, doing good deeds for others, singing or paring back on your needs. It is a small book really of just 175 pages and yet I can already see how life-changing this book can be.
Author and Illustrator
Dr. Arlene Unger is a California-based clinical psychologist and wellness coach, with thirty years of experience in the field. In her busy practice, The Empowerment Centre, she emphasises the need to find life balance – and to let go of the judgment and self-criticism that can hold us back. She blends clinical expertise with her intuition and imagination, treating people face-to-face but also specialising in online coaching and counselling. She uses a wide range of therapeutic tools, including Mindfulness, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Emotional Brain Training.
Jo Parry is a professional illustrator and artist. She describes her artwork as “fun, bold, colour-inspired and unpretentious” and usually works in soft pastels. Her hobbies outside the artistic field include photography, travel, sport and cooking.
3 Comments
Chantelle Hazelden (@MamaMummyMum)
Actually think I might like reading this one, I find a lot of books too forceful but this seems like it guides rather than simply tells you what to do, thanks for sharing with #readwithme
mumjd
Sounds interesting, although I don’t really think I could get into this genre of book #readwithme
sarahmo3w
I don’t generally read self-help books, but this does sound worth a read!