Finding Your Way: Meditations, Thoughts, and Wisdom for Living an Authentic Life

by Sharon Salzberg

Find a sense of calm and hope with this illustrated gift book from the world renowned and bestselling meditation teacher as she offers bite-sized tidbits of inspiring advice.

Finding Your Way is the newest book from the one of the most beloved and bestselling meditation teachers.  In dozens of clear and inspiring entries, readers will be reminded that there are many ways to stay calm and move forward.  From choosing to simply "do the good that is in front of you," to reading a meaningful piece from an interview with a kind leader, to quotes from people Sharon admires, and reminders of how to practice meditation, Finding Your Way will show readers that they are always on the right path, because it is their own.  Each thought, whether a single quote or a short essay, is presented in a visually calm manner, with dozens of four color illustrations to enhance and inspire the experience throughout the book.  

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Spirituality, Philosophy, Buddhism

112 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 10, 2023

About the author

One of America’s leading spiritual teachers and authors, Sharon Salzberg is cofounder of the Insight Meditation Society (IMS) in Barre, Massachusetts. She has played a crucial role in bringing Asian meditation practices to the West. The ancient Buddhist practices of vipassana (mindfulness) and metta (lovingkindness) are the foundations of her work.

Reviews

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t express enough how much this book mean to me. It’s perfectly compiled and well written. The contents give more than anyone could think of.

The entire energy this book gives is more than anything in the world when you desperately search for something you can rely on to feel okay about everything that is going on in your life. Things do get overwhelming and exhausting. But this is the perfect book if you are looking for something that would help you the most rather than social media or anyone else.

I assure you books like this make me help reflect most about myself than any advice another person can offer. The company of loved ones is a must but also books like this are a must next to you.


This book is all about kindness, purpose, appreciation and calmness. It’s everything for me now.


Thank you, Workman Publishing Company, for the advance reading copy.

[Tali Satlow · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Danijs Boguss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gratitude as Real Magic — A Reflection Inspired by Finding Your Way by Sharon Salzberg

Reading Finding Your Way felt like being gently handed a lantern in the dark—small, unassuming, but capable of illuminating everything if held close. Sharon Salzberg’s words are simple yet resonant, and one truth echoed louder than the rest: that gratitude may be the closest we ever come to real magic.

This wasn't a new idea to me. I’ve always felt a deep pull toward the act of saying “thank you”—a knowing that to genuinely express gratitude is not only to honor the other, but to honor the soul’s light itself. I’ve long believed that you cannot truly reject a thank you. When it is real, when it carries weight and presence, it becomes a sacred offering, and denying it is like turning away from a gift of light.

Her book reminded me that each moment of sincere thankfulness is like a drop of light into the soul’s cup—a well we draw from in times of alignment, misalignment, joy, and despair. When we act out of integrity, when we live in kindness, we replenish that well. But when we draw from it while living in contradiction or self-betrayal, the emptiness reveals itself: through misfortunes, pain, or disconnection from our deeper path.

The act of expressing true gratitude costs nothing—and yet, it blesses everything. But there’s a catch, as life always provides: when gratitude is used as a currency—out of politics, manipulation, or self-interest—it loses its soul. Instead of filling the cup, it drains it. Just like a lie, it distorts rather than uplifts. Awareness is the alchemy. When we give thanks from a place of presence, with no need for return, something profound unfolds. Blessings, often unseen or quietly delivered, arrive. Not as rewards, but as echoes—Creator’s own way of saying “thank you” in return.

Finding Your Way is more than a book—it’s a doorway. And through it, I walked into a deeper knowing I’ve carried all along. That gratitude, when true, is light. And every light offered in sincerity lights the path home.

[Alannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely, beautiful little book. Sometimes mindfulness books can feel intimidating... not this one! Tucked into the simple, easy-to-read pages are relatable words and necessary reminders. I can't help but describe the pages as soothing, a mix of color, illustrations, and minimalist pages with each thought or topic conveyed briefly in a way that makes it easy to pour over the pages.

Another aspect that I appreciate about this book is the focus on self and interaction with others. This was a great read as the holiday season ramps up, and I look forward to adding this to my gift-giving book. It's approachable, and not too "woo-woo" for the average recipient.

I received a free copy from Workman Publishing in exchange for a free and unbiased review.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read other books by Sharon Salzberg, and this one kind of skims the surface of her other works. She even admits to calling it a "gift book." A perfect book to give to someone who needs a pick me up, or a different way to see things. I read it over time which is how it is meant to be read as something on one page isn't dependent on another page. If you end up checking out this book and liking it, I encourage you to check out her other writing or her podcast. I'm not sure I found my way after reading it, but it definitely will leave you with a cozy, warm feeling.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a consolidated Sharon Salzberg life quote book. You can open it anywhere and receive your passage for today. Sharon's meditation courses are well respected and her lovingkindness meditations a cornerstone of awareness and forgiveness.

A short book with passages including conversations with other spiritual thinkers, this could be carried around in your back pocket for inspiration at any time.

Thanks to Net Galley for the eARC.

[Anna Bussabarger-Graf · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book did have some really cute excerpts from conversations and other authors, as well as a whole introduction to lovingkindness. The illustrations with quotes was very much a fun coffee table book vibe. I was looking for more of a deeper self-help/mindfulness novel, which this wasn't quite it. Highly recommend for those looking into self-help, those who prefer quick & tranquil reads, and anyone with any interest in Buddhism.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book to start the new year. Written by Sharon Salzburg, a meditation teacher, this book would be a good gift. The book is comprised of inspiring entries to inspire mindfulness and tranquility. It is not a deep self help novel, but rather more of an introduction to loving kindness.

Thank you to NetGalley and workman Publishing Group for the opportunity to read this preliminary copy so I could provide an honest review.

[Thomas Noonan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice pocketbook with meditations and quips and lovely little illustrations. I like all of the work I've read from the Insight instructors, but this is surface level. I look forward to reading deeper things later in the year.

"We give because we want a better world, and we do our part to make it better when we receive in that same spirit."

"The reason we have gratitude is to shape the future, not the past."

"Remorse is a forward-thinking emotion."

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely book of Sharon Salzberg’s thoughts on issues ranging from perfectionism to feeling overwhelmed to lovingkindness, applied to others and oneself, to the illusion that we are in control … Open the book at random to read a thought of the day or dive into a short essay on a specific topic — choose your own adventure!

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.

[Kelly Pramberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Give me all the books that Sharon writes. I always feel inspired reading them! This one is no exception. Lovingkindess, learning how to find your way post pandemic, and more. I just loved the content. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Corinne Rodrigues · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently had the pleasure of delving into "Finding Your Way," a beautifully crafted gift book authored by Sharon Salzberg, the renowned meditation teacher whose wisdom has touched countless lives. From the moment I started the book, I was immersed in a world of serenity and optimism.

This book, composed of a series of concise and inspiring entries, serves as a gentle reminder that tranquility and personal progress can be attained through a multitude of avenues. The author offers sage advice, encouraging us to focus on "doing the good that is in front of us." It's in these simple yet profound words that the seeds of calm and self-improvement are sown.

As I continued my journey through the book, I found myself captivated by excerpts from interviews with compassionate leaders, heartfelt quotes from individuals admired by the author, and practical meditation guidance. These passages illuminated the path towards inner peace, reaffirming the idea that each of us is inherently on the right track, charting our unique course through life.

What truly distinguishes "Finding Your Way" is the thoughtfully integrated visual experience. Every piece of wisdom, whether it be a poignant quote or a brief essay, is presented in a visually soothing manner. The book is adorned with numerous four-color illustrations that effortlessly enhance and elevate the reader's engagement with the content. These illustrations add an extra layer of inspiration to the already profound messages contained within the book's pages.

In the midst of life's hustle and bustle, "Finding Your Way" is a precious gem, offering solace, encouragement, and the promise of a brighter journey ahead. It's a reminder that, indeed, we possess the capacity to find our own way towards a more fulfilling and tranquil existence. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone seeking to infuse their life with the grace of meditation and the wisdom of a revered teacher.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This books is full of good little tidbits. It doesn’t have an overarching narrative drive (more like leaves floating on a breeze vs a path through the woods). The font of the main text is small. The books could have easily been full sized with a bigger font and kept the same layout.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any book with Sharon Salzberg’s name on it is worth having. Open to any page and expect a moment in that moment.

Thank you to NetGalley and Workman Publishing Group for an ARC of this book.

[The_J · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would not recommend using this as your roadmap.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharon Salzberg is one of my all time favorite mindfulness teachers. This little book is a great gift for anyone exploring meditation and personal awareness.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small bits of meaningful reflections.

[Godbout · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's nothing particularly new about this little book, but I loved how it was laid out so you can open to a random section and reflect on various topics.

[Douglas E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book with meditations and thoughts for each day.

[Jill Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple, lovely, and helpful. Small snippets of wisdom and reflection written in an accessible way. Great graphics too. A lovely little book!

[Katy Cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely little book on being authentic to yourself. I read this as a preparation for creating my goals for the new year, and it helped me keep my want for simplicity and kindness in my mind.

[Mischa Decker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect book to start off the new year.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This woman makes my life better every time I experience her. Her ability to offer simple truth without being trite is a gift. I find a lot of her thinking helpful in my work with students.

[SaraV16 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely and soothing. The kind of book to grab and read a few pages for inspiration regularly.

[Lauren B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was perfect 🥹❤️

[Ronda Canary · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.3

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ehhh. This book really isn’t that much different from any other self-help, short book. It almost felt redundant.