Love for Imperfect Things

September 24, 2018
Zen Buddhist teacher Sunim (The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down) looks tantalizingly at essential yet everyday aspects of the human experience in this lively book of reflections. Divided into broad chapters filled with anecdotes spanning the globe, the book is a multicultural offering for all readers, though the quality varies. Some chapters are relatable and valuable, such as “Family,” in which Sunim urges adult children to care for their elderly parents, and “Empathy,” in which he reminds readers of the power of hugs and listening as an act of love. Other sections are more questionable, such as the author’s view that depression is a natural part of life’s ups and downs and is easily fixable. In addition to stories from Sunim’s own life, the book contains thought-provoking aphorisms, poems, and simple messages: “Do not think of yourself as a crescent moon/waiting for someone else to fill in the missing part of you....” Others are simplistic and of questionable value: “If you take home a cat and care for it,/ it won’t be long before it becomes/ the cutest cat in the world.” This is a breezy book with generally helpful reminders, wise advice, and pithy sayings to soothe the challenges of hectic life.

November 15, 2018

Zen Buddhist teacher Sunim (The Things You See Only When You Slow Down) applies his own experiences and those of the people he's mentored to teach us to accept the imperfections of others and ourselves in a more compassionate way, paying close attention to self-care and the need to listen to and voice our own feelings as well as hearing the opinions of those around us. Chapters on "family," "relationships," "courage," and "enlightenment" feature stories and guidance on the topic as well as tidbits of wisdom to apply to everyday life. VERDICT Quick, easy lessons for developing and increasing our practice of empathy toward ourselves and others.

Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 1, 2018
Sunim (The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down, 2012), a Buddhist monk, writes with an inviting and gentle voice that is akin to a warm embrace. Rather than deny life's difficult events or our own negative qualities, Sunim advises, we should welcome them as we would a small child, even one who has disappointed us. Although many self-help books preach triumphal purpose-seeking, Sunim astonishes by saying, I don't think life has something grand in store for me. This may not be what many readers want to hear, but his tender insistence reassures that the day to be lived and the people to find connection with are more than enough. Practicing compassion (for others and for oneself) and detaching from things is work enough for a lifetime. Eight themed chapters are chockablock with short aphorisms and a few mini-essays. Sunim doesn't always hit the mark: there are some trite clunkers. But the majority of the book is worth repeated readings on a commuter train, at bedtime, or as part of a morning routine.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)