Here is another book I reviewed for the website "Reader Views." I really enjoyed the instructiveness of this one. It was definitely an interactive experience.
“Everyday Mindfulness” is more of a daybook than a traditional
self-help book. Author Melissa Steginus leads the readers through a
multitude of mindful exercises to help them attend to their thoughts, feelings
and emotions. In the simplest of terms, it is about training the self to
pay attention and live in the moment. Each day, for 108 days, the readers
engage in an activity and are asked to reflect and write about their
experiences within the pages of the book. The author’s choice of 108 is
purposeful. The significance of 108 is explained as a number relevant for
both self-enlightenment and at the cosmic levels of existence. During
this lengthy 108 day sojourn, the readers will explore 6 different facets of
themselves: the physical self, the emotional self, the rational self, the
spiritual self, their occupation, and their connection to others (called
Networking). The exercises range from deep breathing exercises to
managing one’s time using a calendar and setting a schedule. Some
exercises take less than 5 minutes while others can be significantly longer
depending upon the effort exerted by the individual. In addition to
inviting the reader to interact with the book, the author also has additional resources
on her website www.melissaateginus.com/mindful for those who need a little extra homework at night.
This journey is definitely worth the time and effort, but it does
take a commitment in order for the changes to be meaningful. The title
“Everyday Mindfulness” delivers just that, a different exercise every
day. The progression through the 6 facets from the physical self to one’s
relationship with others is seamless. Many of the exercises serve as building
blocks for future tasks, and the readers will find comfort in repeating a skill
they have already mastered before learning something new. During this
hectic time of COVID-19, shut downs, and vaccines, Ms. Steginus’s book is just
the tool one needs to retrain the overwhelmed brain, salvage one’s sanity, and
maybe not have a nervous breakdown. Many understand the need to take care
of themselves, but how many are actually doing that? This book, with it’s
one-step-at-a-time approach, is a great way to start one’s journey back to
mental stability. Isn’t that what anyone wants when they pick up a
self-help book?
“Everyday Mindfulness” by Melissa Steginus is highly recommended
for the readers who need to take control of their lives one positive step at a
time.
