I still cannot believe I downloaded this book by Paul Farrell for free. The Internet has been the best response to those who say there is nothing in life that is free. Farrell used to be a highly stressed and highly paid investment banker before he walked away and pursued his true passion - writing. The book is a compendium of nearly every type of activity that can be considered as meditation - running, martial arts, writing, painting, acting - anything at all that allows one to lose oneself and be one with the moment.
Farrell agrees that meditation is one of the best ways to reduce stress and live a full, wakeful life, but argues that traditional sitting meditation may not work for everyone. Indeed, even for someone like me who has read several books on meditation and Buddhism, it is still a challenge to concentrate and watch my thoughts while meditating. Farrell gives countless examples of active meditation where any activity, provided one is focusing on what one is doing at that moment and nothing else, can serve as a path to enlightenment.
I like Farrell's approach. He shows true compassion for the predicament of millions of individuals who feel trapped in the relentless pace of corporate life. He does not tell us to run away and live in a monastery. He gives us hope that we can see our work for what it is and be happy. Reading his book has itself been a great meditation for me.
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