The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down: How to Be Calm in a Busy World

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Before I go, I want to share with you the quote (out of so, so many) that I will take away and remind myself every day! The monk most venerated by other monks is not the one who appears most holy, preaches the best, runs the largest temple, most accurately predicts the future, has the ability to cure illness. He is the one who teaches through his own actions. He possesses no aura of self-importance, and sacrifices himself first for the community. Spirituality must be practiced not just in solitude but also among people. Open up to people around you and feel connected. This is the true challenge of spiritual practice.” Ingeniously simple tips from a zen monk that'll boost your mood, career - and relationships Daily Mail

The great Korean Zen master Kyeongbong (1892–1982) once said: ‘Those who have not realized their True Self live like the blind, unintentionally scratching someone else’s leg. If you would like to scratch your own leg, first awaken to your True Self.’” (Note: Try creating your own purpose by following the Japanese concept of Ikigai) Do not try to control those around you. When you cannot control even your own mind, what makes you think you can control others?” - Haemin Sunim, The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down, p. 52 A majestic tree is the first to be cut down and used for lumber, whereas a modest one lives on. Likewise, a real master conceals his virtue and never boasts of his excellence.” - Haemin Sunim, The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down, p. 192 It makes sense that Scandinavia should be famous for furniture design, some people in a cold climate spend more time inside their homes. Similarly, Italy is renowned for designer apparel; it makes sense that people in a warm climate should pay more attention to how they appear outdoors. Life is like jazz. Much of it is improvised; we cannot control all the variables. We must live it with panache and flair, regardless of what it throws at us.” (Note: Life as improv was a key message in one of the top viewed commencement speeches)You are beautiful not because you are better than others but because these is only you who can smile like that. May you fall in love with your unique self.” - Haemin Sunim, The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down, p. 160 A bad driver brakes often. A bad conversationalist also brakes often - - interrupting the flow with his own stories.” - Haemin Sunim, The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down, p. 196 I say that in my book. If you can pay attention to somebody, without being carried away by your thoughts, that’s an expression of love. Only when you love somebody can you do that. Krishnamurti tells us to go out and get any stone in the world, and put it in your living room, and to pay attention to it every time you pass by. And after two months that will be the most important stone in the world. Because you paid attention to it.” It is divided in eight chapters, each focussing on a different topic: Rest, Mindfulness, Passion, Relationships, Love, Life, The Future, Spirituality. Each part starts with a short personal story by Sunim before moving on to a collection of advices and occasionally relevant quotes from other influential people. I guess it is one of the books that make the most sense if you refer to it whenever you find yourself in a situation of needing some words of wisdom on something specific, as it just quite dense with information and sometimes too specific to gain from if there is no relevance. Do not turn down too many opportunities. If you insist you need more preparation, you may not be invited again when you finally feel ready. You are ready. You can take up the challenge.” - Haemin Sunim, The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down, p. 214

There is a saying in an early Buddhist scripture: ‘Paper wrapped around incense smells of incense, and string binding fish smells of fish.’ Whether we like it or not, we naturally become influenced by our surrounding. Ask yourself, ‘Who do I want to emulate? Is that person physically or mentally nearby?’” - Haemin Sunim, The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down, p. 117 Whew! That’s a long book title. I suppose slowness is embodied in this book from the title to the very last word.It is hard to find one’s calling because many mistakenly believe they need to look only within to discover their passion. Although it is true that we have innate interests and talents, we often do not know what they are until we have real-life experiences. Having a wide range of experiences can help you uncover your inner passion.” - Haemin Sunim, The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down, p. 219 A cruel irony: The reward for someone who works hard is more work.” - Haemin Sunim, The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down, p. 198 Pain caused by one person can be healed by another. But before you get out to meet someone new, make sure you give yourself time to be whole again. Otherwise you may end up using the new person you need.” - Haemin Sunim, The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down, p. 156