Elizabeth Whitworth, Author at Shortform Books

How to Practice Zen Buddhism: Keys to Everyday Awakening

Have you ever experienced Zen? Where’s the place to start? How is the Zen practice of meditation different from other methods? Alan Watts says that there’s more to Zen than just a set of philosophical principles or a chronology of religious movements that you can understand on an intellectual level. Zen is also something that you can practice in your own life, at the level of your embodied experiences in the world. Continue reading to learn how to practice Zen Buddhism according to The Way of Zen.

3 Reasons Why Interruption Marketing Doesn’t Work (Seth Godin)

What do billboards and TV commercials have in common? How much are you annoyed by their intrusion? Even if you haven’t heard the specific term before, “Interruption Marketing” probably sounds familiar. You’ve had your experience disrupted by ads that you don’t expect or want. You certainly didn’t ask for them. Seth Godin explains why this type of marketing had its heyday—but it’s finally time to move on. Read more to learn three reasons why Interruption Marketing is no longer as effective as it used to be.

What Is the Goal of Meditation? Sam Harris on Enlightenment

Apotheosis—The Hero's Journey Leads to Nirvana

What is the goal of meditation? Can meditation be practiced, and its goal achieved, outside of religion? Sam Harris explains that seeking transcendental states of mind has historically been the domain of religion. But, he argues, the contemplative aspects of faith traditions can be practiced in a secular context. Thus, the contentment that results can be enjoyed by anyone. Continue reading to learn what meditation and spiritual enlightenment look like from Harris’s secular worldview.

How to Go Easy on Yourself on the Difficult Path to Success

Where’s that sweet spot between pushing yourself to achieve and being too hard on yourself? How might you bring more lightheartedness into your self-discipline? In Tribe of Mentors, Tim Ferriss shares advice from scores of experts in various fields on how to identify what matters most to you, how to navigate non-traditional career paths, how to appreciate failure, and more. Some of the counsel is about being kind to yourself in the process of pursuing your goals. Read more for advice on how to go easy on yourself and stop worrying that you’re not smashing all expectations perfectly.

How to Rest Your Mind: Healing From Directed Attention Fatigue

Is your mind always “on”? How often does it get a chance to rest and repair? How can you invite such opportunities? In Blue Mind, Wallace J. Nichols explains that water—looking at it, being near it, and being in it—reduces stress and allows the mind to heal. He discusses the theory of directed attention fatigue and shows how water can give your mind a break and a chance to rejuvenate. Keep reading to learn how to rest your mind by engaging with water.

The Effects of Chronic Stress: When “Red Mind” Is in Overdrive

Why do humans have stress responses? When do these responses cross the line from being helpful to being harmful? What impact does chronic stress have on our minds and bodies? In Blue Mind, Wallace J. Nichols advocates the Blue Mind state—a serene experience that we sometimes have when we’re around water. The opposite is the Red Mind state, and he explains what happens when we’re in that state on an ongoing basis. Read more to learn about the effects of chronic stress.

How to Begin a Speech: Dale Carnegie’s Timeless Strategies

What common mistakes do people make when beginning a presentation? What must you do well before your speech to help it get off to a strong start? How you begin your speech sets the tone for the entire presentation. In Public Speaking for Success, author and lecturer Dale Carnegie shares practical strategies you can use to grab your audience’s attention and make them want to hear more. Keep reading to learn how to begin a speech in a way that people won’t soon forget.

The Origins of Zen Buddhism: Indian & Chinese Traditions Meet

Where did Zen come from? What ideas did Zen borrow from Taoism, Confucianism, and Mahayana Buddhism? Zen created a synthesis of Chinese and Indian traditions. It continues to be practiced by millions of people around the world today. To find the origins of Zen Buddhism, we must go back to sixth-century China. Keep reading to learn how Zen Buddhism got its start in a culture already rich with ideas.

What Is Permission Marketing & Why Is It So Profitable?

What is permission marketing? Why is it more effective than old-style “Interruption Marketing”? Seth Godin says that the primary advertising method of the 20th century is no longer the most effective approach. He advocates building relationships through what he calls “permission marketing.” He explains what it is and why it’s so much more profitable in today’s brand-saturated market. Keep reading to understand what permission marketing is as well as the philosophies that are behind it.

The Meditation Journey: Why Distractedness Is Progress

Are you fairly new to meditation, or are you considering getting started? Do you get discouraged and wonder whether you should be experiencing more results sooner? If you’ve started on your meditation journey or you’re thinking of taking the first step, Sam Harris has some advice for you. In Waking Up, he shares some insights that will help you know what to expect from this spiritual practice. Read more to find encouragement for your meditation journey.