Being with Busyness: Zen Ways to Transform Overwhelm and Burnout
This book came along at the perfect hour. When my life felt heavy with transition and setbacks, I received this small gem written by podcast hosts Brother Phap Huu and Jo Confino from the wonderful folks at Parallax press. Can you say “karma?” Despite its small size, Being with Busyness is packed with the perfect dose of wisdom to shore and guide the reader for any imaginable encounter and collective responsibilities.
Both authors have a storied history in the art of mindfulness, one a monk, the other a journalist.
They’ve fused their training and experiences to offer insightful guidance on finding joy amidst anxiety, burnout, stress, and overwhelm—society’s most common challenges. Even in the sacred confines of their Plum Village, signs of overwhelm and busyness are ever-present.
They remind us that even Buddha suffered, both emotionally and physically, and their goal is not to offer the impossible—a way out of suffering.
Rather, it begins with a way into oneself, recognizing and thoughtfully managing past scars, current discomfort, and future fears. They tell how they’ve faced setbacks and what those experiences taught them. Beautifully expressed, they address hard-to-face, uncomfortable issues with gentle grace, revealing how they learned to mindfully navigate through them—and how you can, too.
Learning to develop a practice in advance of setbacks is key.
Each chapter tackles common issues in the home, at work, and in the community and shares the Zen way of learning and governing setbacks. Surprisingly, these “teachings” and “tools” may include words or silence, but all stem from the soul. When you are clear on how your experiences and emotions shape your outcomes, you have the power to protect yourself moving forward. And when the time comes, thanks to Being with Busyness, you’ll be armed, aware, and ready to act.
Book and Image Courtesy of Parallax Press
