The Art of Effortless Living: Discover Health, Emotional Well-Being, and Happiness

by Ingrid Bacci

Book Overview

Most of us believe that in order to achieve anything worthwhile, whether in our careers, family life, health or even on the sports field, we have to work hard and apply a lot of effort. In fact, just... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0399527931
• ISBN13: 9780399527937
• Release Date: June 2002
• Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.4"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Stands Out

Among the many emotional, spiritual and healing self-help books available today "The Art of Effortless Living" stands out from others I've read because Ingrid Bacci combines all three with a fresh, experienced and knowledable approach. Since this book is eminently readable I would strongly recommend it not only to those interested in a practical program for healing and personal growth but also as an interesting, thought provoking addition to anyone's reading experience.

This book has been like a big sister to me.

Dear Reader to be: As I was reading The Art of Effortless Living, I was hoping it was true. That my life could be effortless. I have grown up struggling and striving to do right, be happy and just get through the daily requirements of life. Every page offered me new perspective as well as encouragement and suggested actions to move away from striving and toward what I like to call"gliding." Now that I've read this book: same life, same stuff, with more confidence, looseness, liveliness. Here are a couple of my favorite excerpts from this wonderful book: "It's the gap between who you are and who you want to be that gives you leverage. The essence of right living lies in believing that your life is so important and has so much promise that you ask more of yourself than anyone else would ask of you. Not because you want to prove yourself but because you want to be everything that you really can be." To be oneself "...as fully, openly, grandly and freely as possible." I do hope you order this book, enjoy absorbing it and then maybe you'll report in here about your new "effortless" life. (P.S. If I did have a big sister, I would hope she'd be just like this book.)

All the good stuff in life always was effortless.

My life had the usual struggles at work and with relationships from family to the clerk at the Motor Vehicle Department. Those struggles began to change as I read Effortless Living. I began to look at my relationship to the issues that I struggled with. I found that what I was doing that wasn't working was being generated by who I was being. If I was being fearful then I my words or behavior were skewed by the fear that was partnering my experience. Ingrid's book isn't a "how to change" book - rather it's an invitation to become present to what is happening. The awareness that has grown in me during my reading of Effortless Living has transformed my ability to wake up to my repetitive behaviors, see who I'm being and allow transformation to enter my life. The most positive outcome has been letting go of a successful career in New York and moving to Maui to begin a new life that is in line with who I (and my family have grown to be). Like all great teachers, Dr. Bacci doesn't tell us how to be - she leads us to the threshold of our own mind.

This is a Breakthrough book

There are only a handful of books in my whole life that have made a significant difference-- causing a major shift - a growth spurt. A kind of book that as I read it and even after Im finished I must keep it with me at all times. THE ART OF EFFORTLESS LIVING is that kind of book.It addressses Fear and identifies how we allow it to paralyze us in so many aspects of our life - work, relationships, health, etc. Dr. Bacci explains the significance of making friends with our Fear rather than having it be our enemy. Thus using Fear to our benefit - to live our lives effortlessly and to its fullest. Dr. Bacci provides various exericises and techniques that actually result in the releasing of one's fears, thus living a life filled with energy and passion -- not anxiety. Dr. Bacci's personal experience is incredibly inspiring in itself. As I reader - I feel fortunate she choose to share it. This book has made a major contribution to my life and to those who I have shared it with.

Relaxation: the key to successful living

Blending scientific research and case histories from hundreds of clients she has helped, Dr. Bacci shows that the best way to handle stress, frustration and creative blocks is by focusing on relaxing mind and body. The prescription is so simple that you may be tempted to dismiss it--until you try it for yourself and discover that it works. Dr. Bacci makes a very convincing case that by doing less--by focusing on becoming peaceful and calm--you can actually achieve more, whether at work, in sports or in your personal relationships. You can become more effective and more productive while putting out less effort. It seems magical, however there are some very sound scientific principles at work. This is the first book I've come across that explains the science in clear, accessible language. The Art of Effortless Living is an important, inspiring and practical book, with easy-to-follow techniques listed at the end of every chapter. I read it at a time when I was working hard and feeling anxious and frustrated; overnight, with the help of Dr. Bacci's techniques, I learned a new, healthier and far more effective and pleasant way to handle life's challenges.