The Effortless Life Audiobook By Leo Babauta cover art

The Effortless Life

A Concise Manual for Contentment, Mindfulness, and Flow

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The Effortless Life

By: Leo Babauta
Narrated by: Fred Stella
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This book shares ways to make life less of a struggle, to help you find contentment in a world where little exists, to instill a bit of mindfulness in an age of distractions.

If you’ve had problems with:

  • frustration
  • struggle
  • distraction
  • anger
  • impatience
  • unhappiness
  • relationships
  • goals
  • work
  • being present

...this book is for you.

©2012 Leo Babauta (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc. Personal Development Personal Success Stress Management Meditation Mindfulness
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I liked how simple and succinct the book is. I can listen multiple times and if I miss something, no worries, I can just listen again.

Simplicity and an easy listen.

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This collection of essays gives a lot to think on! Readers of the zen habits blog will be familiar with Leo Babautas writing. i.e. his deep thoughts contrasted with only occasional condescension and high handedness. A lot of good work here though, a must for anyone who craves a simpler minimal lifestyle

Food for thought

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The Effortless Life is a great overview of Leo’s philosophy and style once he got past his productivity obsession. Along with the Power of Less this is arguably some of the best writing on lifestyle minimalism, along with Goodbye Things by Fumio Sasaki. Unfortunately it’s read by a robot. Stella sounds almost bored sometimes, which is frustrating given the quality of material he’s given to work with. I’m pretty sure Babauta would have been willing to narrate. He’s got a wonderful, warm speaking voice, and it’s not like he’s a hermit.

Great content, read by a robot

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Fun, original; in-your-face DIFFERENT type of 'life-plan'.
enthusiastic/inspiring narrator
If you're in to Minimalism~~AND saving money--you're gonna like*

live Zen, save money

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I've heard better and have been more inspired but he did clarify a few things or put them in different perspective

Good

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Would you try another book from Leo Babauta and/or Fred Stella?

Never again would I waise money for Leo's cliam on insanity!

What was most disappointing about Leo Babauta’s story?

Uneducated (or could that be overeducated to the point of madness?) author speaks of thinks that he has no clue about.
In general, ideas are good for the zoo monkey that's been fed by someone and has nothing to do in life, no aspirations, no dreams, no goals - just eat the banana you have no idea where it comes from.

Which scene was your favorite?

I'd say there were coulpe points I would've live, but the whole book's poor idea really outshone it...

What character would you cut from The Effortless Life?

Author

The Zoo Monkey's Mantra

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Don't worry, be happy! While you are at it, don't educate your kids, don't set expectations for anything or anybody, don't have goals. In fact do whatever you want when you want. Basically live like they did back in the sixties. Just run around like a free spirit and let the wind plow you where it may. Don't get me wrong. I love the Dalia Lama and he even suggests reading the Art of Happiness. The difference for me is the Dalia Lama believes in science and education. He stands on principles. He's not a free spirit without goal.

If this is the type of thing you are interested in stick to the Dalia Lama or Matthieu Richard.

What a wack job.

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