Jay Shetty, social media superstar and host of the #1 podcast On Purpose, distills the timeless wisdom he learned as a monk into practical steps anyone can take every day to live a less anxious, more meaningful life. When you think like a monk, you’ll understand: -How to overcome negativity -How to stop overthinking -Why comparison kills love -How to use your fear -Why you can’t find happiness … your fear
-Why you can’t find happiness by looking for it
-How to learn from everyone you meet
-Why you are not your thoughts
-How to find your purpose
-Why kindness is crucial to success
-And much more…
Shetty grew up in a family where you could become one of three things–a doctor, a lawyer, or a failure. His family was convinced he had chosen option three: instead of attending his college graduation ceremony, he headed to India to become a monk, to meditate every day for four to eight hours, and devote his life to helping others. After three years, one of his teachers told him that he would have more impact on the world if he left the monk’s path to share his experience and wisdom with others. Heavily in debt, and with no recognizable skills on his résumé, he moved back home in north London with his parents.
Shetty reconnected with old school friends–many working for some of the world’s largest corporations–who were experiencing tremendous stress, pressure, and unhappiness, and they invited Shetty to coach them on well-being, purpose, and mindfulness. Since then, Shetty has become one of the world’s most popular influencers. In 2017, he was named in the Forbes magazine 30-under-30 for being a game-changer in the world of media. In 2018, he had the #1 video on Facebook with over 360 million views. His social media following totals over 38 million, he has produced over 400 viral videos which have amassed more than 8 billion views, and his podcast, On Purpose, is consistently ranked the world’s #1 Health and Wellness podcast.
In this inspiring, empowering book, Shetty draws on his time as a monk to show us how we can clear the roadblocks to our potential and power. Combining ancient wisdom and his own rich experiences in the ashram, Think Like a Monk reveals how to overcome negative thoughts and habits, and access the calm and purpose that lie within all of us. He transforms abstract lessons into advice and exercises we can all apply to reduce stress, improve relationships, and give the gifts we find in ourselves to the world. Shetty proves that everyone can–and should–think like a monk.
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I went into this book unsure of how I would feel about another “self-help” book. I read them but most the time I walk away just feeling bad that I’m not doing better. This book was not that. The, I’m not doing everything but be doesn’t make me feel like I have to. He says I’m at how much you are already doing and now add one more thing. It doesn’t have to be hard and if you really know yourself it isn’t necessarily out of the comfort zone.
The chapter in Service was my favorite. So much we can do in this world just by looking at our community and where we are that moment. Service is the answer as it is good for the one doing and the one receiving. Blessings that cannot be numbered.
This book was out of my comfort zone but gave me lots to think about.
Jay Shetty is the narrator of Think Like a Monk and it truly feels like we are having a conversation in my living room. Shetty shares many personal stories of his three years spent training as a monk in an ashram in India. He shares the way a monk thinks (monk mind) and the ancient techniques still used today to have a more joyful, peaceful, purposeful life. I didn’t think I wouldn’t be able to do any of this in my own life because I don’t have the years of experience Shetty has, but through Shetty’s masterful story-telling, he gives you everyday examples and “try this” exercises that you can do easily with practice. As Shetty says, “You don’t have to be a monk to think like a monk!!”
Jay has a very soothing voice and I looked forward to the hour or two of “me time” with Jay!!! Yes, we are on a first name basis now!! I also found that when I had to miss a day of listening, I felt a little off. I’ll be listening to the audio again many times in the future.
Since listening, I now use a mantra that keeps me centered when I feel anxiety coming on. Although I may not be feeling the positive effects of all of the exercises yet, I can hear Jay telling me to keep practicing. These methods have also helped me to feel more in the present, calmer and more reflective which was a goal of mine.
If you’ve read a lot of self-help books, a lot of what Jay shares will not be new. However, the way that it is presented is new and fresh! A different perspective and way of looking at these ancient methods. I highly recommend the audio to anyone that wants to live a more purposeful balanced life.
Jay Shetty Quotes that resonate with me:
“Remember, saying whatever we want, whenever we want, however we want, is not freedom. Real freedom is not feeling the need to say these things.”
“Detachment is not that you own nothing, but that nothing should own you.”
“When your present in gratitude, you can’t be anywhere else.”
“If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.”
“If we try to be problem-solvers, then we become frustrated when people don’t take our brilliant advice. The desire to save others is ego-driven.”
“Failures are only failures when we don’t learn from them , because when we learn from them they become lessons.”
I love this book…I have the audiobook as well. Jay us just so honest and real with his audience. He truly speaks my language.
I love this book because it gives a fresh perspective on some old and perhaps forgotten ideas. If you want to live a better life, start with this book!
Jay Shetty gives us a treasure chest of wonderful advice to help us discover inner peace and wisdom The writer tells us living in service is the direct path to a meaningful life . When you’re living in service you feel grateful , your material attachments diminish The author quotes Nelson Mendala who instructs us just how we learned to hate we can learn to love , for love comes to the heart more naturally than its opposite Just as Mandala believed people were born to love , monks believe that we are born to serve , but the distractions of the external world make us forget our purpose .We need to reconnect with that instinct in order to feel life has meaning . Another vital aspect to understand is that we experience every emotion with the change of our breath. When you learn to navigate and manage your breath you can navigate any situation in life Perhaps it is time to evaluate our service to others and find a fresh breath of air
Amazing read! Ever wonder what it’s like to think like a monk? Jay Shetty is a communicable voice of reason in an age where not much makes sense. So many people wandering the earth completely disconnected and full of selfishness with zero purpose. I enjoyed this book immensely and will probably read it a few more times. Jay Shetty reminds me of Osho, with tales of mindfulness and lessons in service.
What did I like? I’m familiar with Jay because of his podcasts and Facebook messages that always felt uplifting and positive. Most of us can see that Jay’s calling was not that of a monk but as a speaker and spiritual leader. His stories on Facebook always stirred something in me and this book was no different. From breathing and meditation to finding a purpose and acts of service leading us into the lives of how to think like a monk. I felt the message in the book was quite clear, and enlightening. As always with these books one read is not enough, repetition until we understand and can give as we receive.
Would I recommend or buy? I believe Jay is popular enough that his book will be a big seller. I think he is a positive example of what we strive to be and this book reflects that. The world needs all the good service it can take. I will get a paper copy when this book comes out.
Five stars for a great book! I received a ARC to read and voluntarily left an opinion.