Tag: MIndfulness

Book Review: ‘Civil Living’ and the Power of Personal Transformation

‘Civil Living’ by Pete Wiley: why true civility begins within. Photo: Pete Wiley, used with permission.

Book Review: Civil Living by Pete Wiley

Finding Civility in Society, in Our Interactions, and Within Ourselves

Synopsis

From global conflicts to political shouting matches, it’s easy to believe the world is becoming less civil. But real change begins at the individual level.

Drawing on timeless human values and grounded insight, Civil Living explores how self-knowledge, inner peace, open-mindedness, and self-love form the foundation of civil behavior—not just in society, but within ourselves. Through thoughtful reflection and practical guidance, this book shows how personal transformation can ripple outward to foster healthier relationships, stronger communities, and a more compassionate world. (Barnes & Noble, 2025)

Civil Living is part of the Blocks of Life series, which includes:

  • Blocks of Life
  • Blocks of Life Volume 2: Know Yourself
  • Blocks of Life Volume 3: Embracing Change
  • Life Tides: Understanding Your Ebb and Flow (Blocks of Life)
  • Civil Living: Finding Civility in Society, in Our Interactions, and Within Ourselves

What’s Inside

  • Divisions – Finding A Way Back From The Brink
  • The State of Humanity – To Evolve Or Not To Evolve
  • How to Be Friendly in a Divisive World – And Why
  • Forces of Evil – Why Bad Things Happen
  • Getting Past the Ideal – To The Heart Of Who People Are
  • And More…

Highlights

  • How to Be Friendly in a Divisive World (And Why) – Wiley explains that we should strive to be friendly to people who are unfriendly to us—because that’s the only way we move forward. Plus, friendliness boosts inner peace, improves health, and simply feels good.

“Because friendliness is directly tied to inner peace and serenity, it is natural to work toward these with mindfulness practices, which also have a host of other benefits.”

  • The Fluidity of Friendship – The Evolving Nature of Our Connections – We all change over time, so we should remain open to growth in ourselves and others.

“Our friendships are like floating down a river: we experience twists and turns and encounter tumultuous areas, but ultimately, the ride is worth it.”

About The Author

Pete Wiley takes advantage of his varied interests and experiences to learn about people and how they behave, interact, and grow. He applies these insights to creating Blocks of Life books, poetry, videos, music, and a blog, and interacting with his audience. He lives in Maryland with his wife and son.

Review

In Civil Living, Pete Wiley offers a refreshing and timely reminder that true civility begins within. Instead of presenting rigid rules or superficial politeness, Wiley encourages readers to look inward and explore how self-knowledge, inner peace, open-mindedness, and self-love shape how we interact with the world. His central principle, that personal growth is inseparable from building a compassionate society, is inspiring and practical.

Wiley provides tangible steps to translate insights into daily action. Whether it’s cultivating healthier relationships, contributing to stronger communities, or simply practicing patience in small exchanges, the book illustrates how inner transformation leads to outward impact.

His writing style is relaxed and conversational, making complex ideas approachable without losing depth. With short, focused chapters, the book blends philosophy, personal anecdotes, and practical wisdom into a helpful guide for improving civility.

In a world where division and incivility dominate headlines, Civil Living stands as a guide and a gentle call to action. By nurturing our inner selves, we lay the foundation for a more compassionate and connected society.

Recommended for readers of self-improvement, personal growth, and mental wellness.

“While we have seen gains in some areas, there have not been coinciding advances in critical aspects of human nature, such as wisdom and compassion. Without these, we are seriously at risk.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

*Thank you to Pete Wiley for the gifted copy for review consideration. I have not been compensated for this review and all opinions expressed here are my own

Wisdom for the Future: A Review of ‘The Potentialist’ by Ben Lytle

‘The Potentialist: The Pursuit of Wisdom’ is Ben Lytle’s second book in The Potentialist series. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Ben Lytle’s “The Potentialist: The Pursuit of Wisdom” is a thought-provoking guide that explores how individuals can unlock their full potential by cultivating wisdom. The book serves as a practical roadmap, offering insights on self-awareness, lifelong learning, and personal growth. Lytle breaks down the often elusive concepts of wisdom and human potential, making them accessible to anyone willing to embrace change and self-improvement.

It begins with the goal of the book: “This book will show you how to achieve your potential, become wise, make better decisions, have deeper relationships, and live well with only a small investment in time.” After he defines wisdom, he goes into how we can cultivate consciousness and explains several natural laws, such as the Law of Cause and Effect and the Law of Polarity. Finally, he ends with a list of discussion questions for further personal examination for individuals or discussion/book clubs such as Why is life so hard and sometimes seemingly cruel? and Why do some people suffer more than others?

The book is divided as such:

Part 1 – Your Place in the World

  • Potential, Wisdom, and the Art of Living Well
  • Life’s Unavoidable Questions
  • Natural Law
  • The Inner World of Your Psychological Body

Part II – Advanced Skills

  • Cultivating Consciousness
  • Conscious Intention
  • Learning States
  • Intimacy

Part III – Approaching Potential

  • Reframing Fear
  • Getting Out of Your Way
  • Your Potential and Wisdom

Highlight:

Chapter 6 – Conscious Intention – where the author examines the Law of Cause and Effect in the modern age of electronic communications. It has increased the denial of cause and effect when it comes to people who run scams because they “see faceless victims as opportunities without consequences.” This also has to do with people who get angry on social media or in emails and take risks they wouldn’t normally do in person.

I appreciate how he combines philosophical wisdom with actionable advice. Lytle emphasizes the importance of curiosity, adaptability, and resilience in navigating an ever-evolving world. Readers are encouraged to adopt a mindset of continuous growth, shedding limiting beliefs, and embracing opportunities for self-improvement. His writing is engaging, insightful, and filled with real-world examples that make complex ideas easy to grasp.

Overall, “The Potentialist” highlights the importance of inner fulfillment. It challenges readers to look beyond traditional measures of achievement and focus on personal evolution. Whether you are an entrepreneur, professional, or someone on a journey of self-discovery, this book offers valuable insights on living a life of purpose and meaning. It is recommended for readers who are seeking to reach their highest potential.

“Greet every new positive or adverse development as a puzzle piece, increasing comprehension of the inner and outer worlds comprising your life. Instead of responding to change with “Now what?” welcome it with “What can this teach me?”

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Explore Tranquility and Creativity with ‘Bold & Easy Coloring Book’ | Review

‘Bold & Easy Coloring Book’ is fun for adults and kids. Photo: Amazon

Coloring books offer a serene escape into a world of tranquility and creativity. They allow for creative expression without pressure and provide a mindful reprieve from the chaos of daily life. Engaging in the simple act of coloring promotes focus and mindfulness, allowing worries to melt away as strokes of color fill the page and fostering a sense of calm and relaxation. Through the gentle rhythm of coloring, stress dissipates, leaving behind a peaceful mind and rejuvenated spirit. In this meditative journey, the canvas becomes a sanctuary for self-expression and inner peace. With a wide variety of themes available, from intricate mandalas to whimsical animals, these books cater to many tastes and can be enjoyed for short bursts or longer sessions.

Coloring books for relaxation and mindfulness activities have surged in popularity in recent years as a simple and effective way to unwind. The repetitive motions of coloring and the focus required to stay within the lines can induce a meditative state, promoting relaxation and reducing stress.

“Bold & Easy Coloring Book” by Inkers Fun contains large print designs that both adults and children can enjoy, but the thick lines are suitable for beginners. The theme is ‘Food & Snacks’ and it features 50 food and snack images. On one page is the numbered image with a description and the image to be colored is on the opposite page. I like that the description guides us regarding which colors to use, for example, image 34 “A bottle of refreshing water with lemon slices and mint leaves” Of course, they’re just suggestions, you can always be an original and use unique colors. The designs are big so it doesn’t take too long to finish. The blank pages at the end are an excellent way to make sure the color ink doesn’t bleed through, just cut and place the page behind the design you’re working on. The overall size is not too big or bulky, making it easy to handle, especially if children are using it.

Overall, this “Bold & Easy Coloring Book” is an excellent way to relax and be creative, regardless of age. So next time you need a break from the daily grind, grab some crayons, or markers, and let your worries melt away. Hopefully, it won’t make you hungry looking at all those snacks.

*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Book review: ‘Journey Within’ by Ansh Verma

‘The Journey Within’ is an excellent guide for personal growth and development. Photo: Amazon

Ansh Verma is a researcher, author, and philosopher based in Dhanbad, Jharkhand (India). He researches almost everything that can be observed, felt and/or read, including technology, politics, divine, war, behavioral, engineering, investments, military, finance, and mathematics. Post graduation, Verma has almost 20 years of experience in thinking and making sense of the world. His book “Journey Within” is an eye opening guide that examines the profound significance of self-discovery and purpose in leading a fulfilling and prosperous life. 

‘Journey Within’ by Ansh Verma – Personal growth and development begins with getting to know yourself, your values, and your purpose in life. This is important not just for personal reasons since being a well rounded and fulfilled person affects those around us. In Chapter 1: Introduction, the author explains that individuals who are happy with themselves can inspire others and that “this ripple effect of positive impact contributes to creating a more harmonious and fulfilling society.”

Readers are guided in this transformative journey of self discovery beginning with Chapter 2: Understanding The Inner Self by learning to recognize just how important it is to truly get to know themselves. In Chapter 3: Embracing Mindfulness and Meditation the author explains that by practicing mindfulness and focusing on the present, they lessen the regrets about the past and the worries about the future. In Chapter 7: Embracing Change and Transformation readers learn about the importance of adopting a growth mindset because it makes them more resilient when faced with challenges and helps them view failures as opportunities to grow. Other notable chapters include Chapter 10: Embracing Gratitude and Abundance, Chapter 13: Living with Purpose and Intention, and Chapter 19: Empowering Others on Their Journey.

Since the chapters are short, it is easy to read through and reference back to specific topics. The most important lesson to be learned from “Journey Within” is that working on yourself can make a big impact in the world because “a healthy relationship with oneself is a foundation for healthy relationships with others.” This is an excellent book to read if you are working on self improvement because it emphasizes the importance of exploring who we are, fully understanding our values, passions, and strengths, and aligning our actions with our authentic selves.

*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

New book release: ‘Mindful Communication’ by Asher Blythe

“Mindful Communication: Mastering Personal and Professional Interactions: A Guide to Promoting Openness and Understanding with Mindfulness Techniques” by Asher Blythe. Photo: Amazon

Today’s new book release is about communication. Mindfulness is a type of meditation in which you intensely focus on what you are sensing and feeling in the moment without interpretation or judgement. When applied to communication, it means talking less and listening more and focusing on connecting with others, among other skills. If you would like to learn more about this topic, consider “Mindful Communication: Mastering Personal and Professional Interactions: A Guide to Promoting Openness and Understanding with Mindfulness Techniques” by Asher Blythe.

Asher Blythe is a passionate writer dedicated to exploring meaningful themes in personal development, mindfulness, and work-life balance. His focus is on providing actionable insights and practical advice to empower readers to lead more fulfilling, balanced lives. He believes in combining research-driven information with accessible writing to ensure complex concepts are comprehensible to all. He is also a firm believer that books can act as catalysts for personal growth and transformation and he is committed to providing thoughtful, impactful content. When he is not writing, he enjoys reading, exploring nature, and pursuing continuous learning. Join him on this journey towards personal growth and transformation. His new book is “Mindful Communication: Mastering Personal and Professional Interactions: A Guide to Promoting Openness and Understanding with Mindfulness Techniques” focuses on applying mindfulness to communication. (Asher Blythe, 2023)

“Mindful Communication” – This guide explores mindful communication and provides practical applications for improved skills in personal and professional interactions. Topics include mindful listening, speech, non-verbal cues, overcoming barriers, and the long-term benefits of incorporating mindfulness.

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Diversifying your plate: tips for introducing new foods to your diet

Woman in purple eating. Photo: Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels, used with permission.

We often stick to the tried and tested when it comes to our dietary habits. However, opening up your taste buds to new flavors not only broadens your culinary horizons but gives you a range of health benefits. Here are five strategies to break the monotony and introduce new foods to your diet effectively.

Start Small: Embrace Baby Steps

Introducing new foods into your diet can feel like a culinary adventure. To make this journey smooth and enjoyable, it’s essential to start with small servings. Our palate sometimes needs time to adjust to unfamiliar flavors and small portions can make this adjustment period more manageable.

Imagine you’ve stumbled across a tantalizing lamb burgers recipe, and you’re eager to give it a try. Go all-in and prepare a full meal around this new dish; or you could consider starting with just a mini burger or two, pairing them with familiar side dishes. This step-by-step approach allows your taste buds to familiarize themselves with the new flavors gradually, enhancing your chances of developing a liking for the new food.

Pair With Favorites: Use The Trojan Horse Method

Pairing new foods with your all-time favorites can be a smart way to experiment. This technique not only enhances the flavor profile of your dishes but also makes the unfamiliar, more familiar.

You might love your grilled chicken and use it regularly in your salads. So, when introducing a new vegetable like kale, pair it with your grilled chicken salad. The familiar taste of chicken can help mask the bitterness of kale, aiding your taste buds to get accustomed to it.

Explore Cultural Dishes: The World Is Your Oyster

Every culture has a unique culinary repertoire that can open a whole new world of flavors. Exploring international cuisines not only widens your food choices but also exposes you to a range of nutritious options.

Japanese cuisine, for example, is known for its use of seafood and fermented foods that are excellent for gut health. On the other hand, Mediterranean cuisine utilizes a plethora of fresh vegetables, legumes, and olive oil, which are renowned for heart health. So why not try a traditional Greek moussaka or an Indian lentil curry and bring the world to your kitchen?

Engage Your Senses: Make Eating A Mindful Activity

Mindful eating is a powerful strategy to accept new foods. Paying attention to the colors, smells, and textures of your food can enhance your overall eating experience.

Think of it as a sensory exploration. Say, for a new fruit like dragon fruit, observe its vibrant color, feel its leathery skin, smell its fresh aroma, and then take a bite. This sensory engagement can make the unfamiliar food more appealing and enjoyable.

Be Patient: Accept That It’s A Process

The journey of diversifying your plate is a gradual process. It’s completely natural to not like a new food the first time you try it. Research suggests it may take up to 15 times of trying a new food before you develop a liking for it. So, don’t give up on the first try.

Remember, every step you take towards introducing new foods to your diet is a victory. And over time, your palate will grow to appreciate the variety, leading to a more nourishing and satisfying eating experience.

To sum it up, introducing new foods to your diet doesn’t need to be a daunting task. By following these tips, you can gradually expand your culinary landscape, making your meals not just healthier, but also more interesting and enjoyable.

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