The Art of Stopping Time

April 24, 2017
Shojai, an ordained priest of Yellow Dragon Monastery and doctor of oriental medicine behind the bestselling The Urban Monk, now focuses on time and our unhealthy relationship to it (and how we never have enough of it), aiming to show readers how to reclaim and “reprioritize” this resource via his “proven methodology.” Shojai seeks to lead readers toward “time prosperity”—having the time to do what you desire in life without feeling rushed or stressed—and the resultant increase in fulfillment and productivity. His guide is structured on gong, a traditional Chinese practice in which one designates a time for performing a specific task each day; Shojai offers a 100-day gong practice, unveiled over 100 alphabetically ordered chapters. Two of Shojai’s gongs are “Assembling Your Life Garden,” in which readers assess the amount of energy required for what’s important to them, and “Dream Time,” about keeping a dream journal. Also included are chapters on awareness, “Learning Animal Tracks,” and “Listening to Noise,” as well as chapters that address digital life: “Podcasts and Audiobooks” and “Social Media Day Off.” While it may seem silly that Shojai reminds us to smile or make love, readers should find him an appealing guide to improving their quality of life.