Key Takeaways
1. Slow Down to Reclaim Time and Find Inner Peace
"However much we have to do, we don't have to be in a hurry."
Modern life's mania for speed has created a paradox where we try to fit more into our fixed 24 hours, only to find we have less and less time. This hurried state leaves us unable to truly enjoy life's moments or connect with others. By consciously slowing down, we can:
- Reclaim time for what truly matters
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Improve our relationships and overall well-being
To practice slowing down:
- Wake up earlier to start your day calmly
- Give yourself more time for tasks and transitions
- Pause to reflect before reacting
- Cultivate patience in daily interactions
2. Practice One-Pointed Attention for Greater Effectiveness
"When the mind is not rushing about in a hurry, it is calm, alert, and ready for anything."
One-pointed attention is the ability to focus completely on the task at hand without distraction. This skill is essential for:
- Increased productivity and effectiveness
- Improved learning and retention
- Enhanced emotional stability
- Deeper enjoyment of life's experiences
To develop one-pointed attention:
- Practice doing one thing at a time, giving it your full focus
- When multitasking is necessary, consciously shift your attention between tasks
- During conversations, listen actively without planning your response
- Regularly engage in activities that require sustained concentration, like reading or puzzles
3. Cultivate Balance Between Energy and Stillness
"When harmony predominates, it means your mind is at peace, so you cannot be disappointed."
Life oscillates between periods of high energy and inertia, but true balance lies in learning to harness and direct our energy effectively. This balance allows us to:
- Respond to life's challenges with equanimity
- Maintain enthusiasm without becoming frantic
- Find fulfillment in both action and rest
To cultivate this balance:
- Observe your energy patterns throughout the day
- Engage fully in activities when energized, but allow for periods of rest
- Practice mindfulness to become aware of when you're becoming overly agitated or lethargic
- Develop the ability to calm your mind through meditation or deep breathing
4. Free Yourself from Rigid Likes and Dislikes
"Training the senses does not mean depriving them. It means educating them – teaching them not to demand things at our expense."
Rigid preferences often lead to disappointment, conflict, and a narrowing of life experiences. By loosening our grip on likes and dislikes, we can:
- Adapt more easily to change
- Expand our enjoyment of life
- Improve relationships by being more accommodating
To practice flexibility:
- Consciously try new experiences, especially those you think you won't like
- When faced with a disliked situation, look for positive aspects
- Practice accepting small inconveniences without complaint
- Reflect on how your preferences might be limiting your growth
5. Nurture Meaningful Relationships Through Undivided Attention
"Children need this kind of attention, and we need time for listening to their stories. Our undivided attention is more precious to them than any gift we could buy them."
Quality relationships are fundamental to human happiness and require intentional nurturing. By giving our undivided attention to others, we can:
- Deepen our connections and understanding
- Create a sense of value and importance in others
- Improve communication and reduce misunderstandings
To strengthen relationships:
- Practice active listening without interrupting or planning your response
- Put away distractions (like phones) during conversations
- Show genuine interest in others' experiences and perspectives
- Make time for regular, unrushed interactions with loved ones
6. Discover Your True Self Beyond the Physical
"We are not imperfect physical creatures. Our essence is spiritual, and our greatest need is simply to discover our real nature."
Understanding our true nature as spiritual beings can transform our approach to life. This realization helps us:
- Find deeper meaning and purpose
- Overcome feelings of inadequacy or limitation
- Connect more profoundly with others and the world around us
To explore your true self:
- Engage in regular spiritual reading from various traditions
- Practice self-reflection through journaling or meditation
- Seek experiences that expand your sense of self beyond the physical
- Cultivate compassion and empathy as expressions of your spiritual nature
7. Develop a Still Mind for Healing and Clarity
"When the mind grows still, it is full of healing power."
A still mind is not an idle mind, but one that can observe thoughts and emotions without being swept away by them. This stillness allows for:
- Greater emotional resilience
- Clearer decision-making
- Enhanced problem-solving abilities
- A deeper sense of peace and well-being
To cultivate mental stillness:
- Practice regular meditation or mindfulness exercises
- Create moments of quiet throughout your day
- Learn to observe your thoughts without judgment
- Engage in activities that naturally quiet your mind, like walking in nature
8. Use Mantras and Meditation to Tame the Racing Mind
"The mantram has immense power to slow down the speed of the mind and lift its attention from any problem that is troubling us."
Mantras and meditation are powerful tools for calming the mind and accessing inner wisdom. Regular practice can lead to:
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Improved focus and concentration
- Greater self-awareness and emotional regulation
- Access to deeper states of consciousness
To incorporate these practices:
- Choose a mantra that resonates with you and repeat it regularly, especially during stressful times
- Establish a daily meditation practice, even if it's just for a few minutes
- Use guided meditations to help you get started
- Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you
Last updated:
FAQ
What's "Take Your Time: The Wisdom of Slowing Down" about?
- Core Message: The book emphasizes the spiritual and practical benefits of slowing down in a fast-paced world. It suggests that an unhurried mind can lead to a more meaningful and intentional life.
- Author's Background: Eknath Easwaran, the author, was a spiritual teacher who developed an eight-point program for living a balanced life, which includes slowing down as a key component.
- Practical Guidance: The book offers practical advice and stories to help readers incorporate the practice of slowing down into their daily lives, enhancing their relationships and personal well-being.
Why should I read "Take Your Time: The Wisdom of Slowing Down"?
- Improve Quality of Life: The book provides insights into how slowing down can improve your quality of life by reducing stress and increasing mindfulness.
- Enhance Relationships: Easwaran discusses how taking time for relationships can lead to deeper connections and more fulfilling interactions with others.
- Spiritual Growth: It offers a pathway to spiritual growth by encouraging readers to live in the present moment and find joy in everyday activities.
What are the key takeaways of "Take Your Time: The Wisdom of Slowing Down"?
- Slowing Down: The book emphasizes the importance of slowing down to achieve a more intentional and meaningful life.
- One-Pointed Attention: Easwaran advocates for focusing on one task at a time to improve concentration and reduce stress.
- Living in the Present: The book encourages living in the present moment as a way to find peace and fulfillment.
How does Eknath Easwaran suggest we slow down in our daily lives?
- Morning Routine: Easwaran suggests getting up earlier to set a calm pace for the day, allowing time for reflection and a leisurely breakfast.
- Avoid Multitasking: He advises against doing multiple things at once, recommending instead to focus on one task with full attention.
- Use of Mantram: Repeating a mantram can help slow down the mind and bring focus, especially during stressful situations.
What is the Eight-Point Program mentioned in "Take Your Time"?
- Meditation on a Passage: This involves silent repetition of memorized inspirational passages to deepen spiritual awareness.
- Repetition of a Mantram: Using a spiritual word or phrase to calm the mind and focus attention throughout the day.
- Slowing Down and One-Pointed Attention: These points emphasize reducing hurry and focusing on one task at a time to improve concentration and reduce stress.
How does "Take Your Time" address the concept of "hurry sickness"?
- Definition: "Hurry sickness" is described as a syndrome of time-driven behavior closely associated with stress and heart disease.
- Cultural Critique: Easwaran critiques modern society's obsession with speed and efficiency, which often leads to stress and a lack of fulfillment.
- Solution: The book suggests slowing down and focusing on one task at a time as a remedy for hurry sickness.
What are some practical exercises from "Take Your Time" to help slow down?
- Red Pencil Exercise: This involves listing daily activities and using a red pencil to cross out non-essential tasks, freeing up time for more meaningful activities.
- Mindful Eating: Easwaran recommends eating meals without distractions to fully enjoy the experience and practice mindfulness.
- Reflection Time: Setting aside regular time for reflection can help prioritize what's truly important and reduce the feeling of being rushed.
How does Eknath Easwaran use stories to convey his message in "Take Your Time"?
- Personal Anecdotes: Easwaran shares personal stories, such as his experiences with his grandmother, to illustrate the benefits of a slower, more intentional life.
- Relatable Scenarios: The book includes everyday situations, like waiting in line or dealing with traffic, to show how slowing down can transform these experiences.
- Teaching Through Stories: Easwaran uses stories to make abstract concepts more relatable and to provide practical examples of how to apply his teachings.
What are the benefits of living in the present, according to "Take Your Time"?
- Increased Joy: Living in the present moment allows for a deeper appreciation of life's simple pleasures and can lead to greater joy.
- Reduced Stress: By focusing on the present, individuals can reduce anxiety about the future and regrets about the past.
- Enhanced Relationships: Being present in interactions with others can lead to more meaningful and fulfilling relationships.
What are the best quotes from "Take Your Time" and what do they mean?
- "Every moment is a doorway to meaning, purpose, and joy. The key is an unhurried mind." This quote encapsulates the book's central message that slowing down can unlock a more meaningful and joyful life.
- "Living without hurry is a skill that everyone can learn." Easwaran emphasizes that slowing down is not an innate talent but a skill that can be developed with practice.
- "When we live one hundred percent in the present, we are one hundred percent alive." This quote highlights the importance of being fully present to experience life to its fullest.
How does "Take Your Time" suggest we handle modern distractions?
- Limit Information Overload: Easwaran advises being selective about what information we consume to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
- Mindful Technology Use: He suggests setting boundaries for technology use, such as limiting TV and internet time, to reduce distractions.
- Focus on Essentials: The book encourages focusing on essential tasks and activities that align with personal values and goals.
How can "Take Your Time" help improve personal relationships?
- Prioritize Time Together: Easwaran emphasizes the importance of spending quality time with loved ones to strengthen relationships.
- Practice Patience: The book suggests practicing patience and understanding in interactions to foster deeper connections.
- Listen Actively: Easwaran advocates for giving full attention to others during conversations to enhance communication and empathy.
Review Summary
Readers praise Take Your Time for its practical wisdom and transformative potential. Many describe it as life-changing, offering simple yet powerful techniques to slow down and find peace. The book's easy-to-read style and relatable examples make it accessible to all. While some found parts repetitive, most appreciated its gentle guidance and profound insights, often returning to it for inspiration and guidance.
Similar Books
About the Author
Other books by Eknath Easwaran
Download PDF
Download EPUB
.epub digital book format is ideal for reading ebooks on phones, tablets, and e-readers.