1st Edition
The Psychology of Slow Living Rediscovering a Happier Pace of Life
This fascinating book explores the concept of slow living, offering a philosophical and psychological exploration of the need for a slower pace of life. It advocates for reclaiming and rediscovering more natural and human ways of being.
In a digital age, that is dominated by an increasingly tyrannical trinity of speed, efficiency and productivity, the author challenges the pernicious ideal of instant gratification, perpetuated by modern consumer culture. This book examines alternative ways of being through re-examining the Wisdom Traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Daoism and Judaism through an ongoing and engaging dialogue with psychology and psychotherapy, including insights from environmental psychology, ecopsychology and cyberpsychology. The book argues against the trend for personal responsibility, adaptability and resilience, and the idea that stress is the ‘new normal.’ Instead, it proposes a radical shift in paradigm, promoting not for collectively rising up and overthrowing this system, but for communally sitting down and reimagining.
Psychological Perspectives on Slow Living is a unique exploration of the benefits of the slow living movement and taps into contemporary debates around the way we should be living our lives, making it an ideal resource for students and academics in psychology, philosophy, and the social sciences, as well as individuals interested in alternative lifestyles and spirituality.
Preface
Acknowledgements
1. Slow and Fast Living
2. Kali Yuga – Living in the Age of Speed
3. Citta Slow – Settling the Mindstream
4. The Dao of Deceleration
5. Rediscovering and Reclaiming the Pace of Nature
6. Streams of Consciousness, Streams of Data
7. The Sabbath as a Template for Slow Living
Index
Biography
Dr Elliot Cohen is a Chartered Psychologist and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society, senior lecturer in Social Psychology and Interdisciplinary Psychology at Leeds Beckett University, and is the current Chair of the British Psychological Society’s Transpersonal Psychology Section. He has over twenty years’ experience in Hindu, Buddhist, Daoist contemplative traditions and is an authorised teacher of mindfulness meditation (Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Academy). He has previously lectured in comparative religion at Manchester University and worked as a researcher for BBC Religion and Ethics.
'Dr. Elliot Cohen draws on contemporary psychology and time-honored spiritual traditions, East and West, to help slow our lives meaningfully. In this way, we gain joy and wholeness'.
Edward Hoffman, Ph.D., Author of Paths to Happiness: 50 Ways to Add Joy to Your Life Every Day'What a beautiful book!
Dr Cohen reminds us of a wisdom and a way of being which transcends and cuts through the malignant rush of modern living. Through unparalleled insights into Hinduism, Buddhism, Daoism and Judaism, we are invited to rediscover the "still, small voice of calm", often unheard but always present, if we have the presence of mind to listen. These are insights which are too often overlooked when considering why we struggle, in the way that we struggle and when we struggle.
An essential read for psychiatrists, psychologists and anyone wishing to understand more about Slow Living, this book is an absolute joy'.
Dr Anoop Mohan, MRCPsych, Consultant Psychiatrist
Eloquent and learned, ' offers us multiple perspectives from worldwide wisdom traditions on how we might learn to live in time, live more meditatively, more sensually and more consciously. Along the way Elliot Cohen introduces helpful interconnections between diverse systems of thought--- from Tibetan Buddhism and Daoism to the biophilia of Fromm and Wilson to his own reflections and experiences of the Jewish day of rest, and its deeper implications worked out in the kabbalah of the Zohar.This is a book to savor and contemplate as it leads us to slow down and contemplate the world and our lives with greater care and love'.
Professor Rodger Kamenetz, PhD., author of The Jew in the Lotus and The History of Last Night's Dream
'This book was a practical masterpiece, written in a clear, simple language, to inspire and invite the reader to cultivate a culture of slowing down - for one's life and wellbeing.
The author navigates admirably through the ancient wisdoms of Hinduism, Buddhism, Daoism and Judaism, explaining their interconnectedness.
Stillness is the gateway to serenity, clarity, harmony and authenticity. This is an outstanding explanation of the deep spiritual and psychological essence of slow living'.
Venerable Akurala Samitha, Head Monk at the Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Academy
