The art of simple living 100 daily practices from a Japanese Zen monk for a lifetime of calm and joy

Zen monk and garden designer Masuno (Zen and Art of Minimalism) does for mental clutter what Marie Kondo has done for household clutter: pare down and simplify. Masuno offers 100 directives that he insists are small and subtle: "With really only minor effort, it is possible to savor the extraordinary," he promises. Readers will indeed find some easy-to-implement suggestions, such as joining one's hands together to temper irritation. The format underscores the theme of simplicity. Each directive is accompanied by a page of explanation and a minimalist line drawing by Harriet Lee-Merrion, making for daily bite-size reflections. Not every instruction is equally obvious: "see things for what they are," "make time to be alone," and "give up the need to be liked by everyone." Some of the ideas require elaboration, but, unfortunately, Masuno's own explanations never extend beyond a page for each directive. A bestseller in Japan, this will certainly resonate with fans of Zen practice, or those simply looking to declutter a busy mind. Agent: Chandler Crawford, Chandler Crawford. (Apr.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

1 MAKE TIME FOR EMPTINESS. First, observe yourself. Be with yourself as you are, but without haste, without impatience. In our everyday lives, do any of us have time to think about nothing? I imagine most people would say, "I don't have a moment to spare for that." We're pressed for time, pressured by work and everything else in our lives. Modern life is busier than ever. All day, every day, we try our best just to do what has to get done. If we immerse ourselves in this kind of routine, unconsciously but inevitably we lose sight of our true selves, and of true happiness. Any given day, a mere ten minutes is all you need. Try making time for emptiness, for not thinking about anything. Just try clearing your mind, and not being caught up in the things around you.Various thoughts will float up in your mind, but try to send them away, one by one. When you do so, you will begin to notice the present moment, the subtle shifts in nature that are keeping you alive. When you are not distracted by other things, your pure and honest self can be revealed. Making time for not thinking about anything. That is the first step toward creating a simple life. Excerpted from The Art of Simple Living: 100 Daily Practices from a Japanese Monk for a Lifetime of Calm and Joy by Shunmyo Masuno All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.