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A More Beautiful Way to Live: Nine Practices to Unlearn Habits of Anxiety, Fear, and Urgency
What if you could move through life with more presence, attentiveness, and connection--without the constant pressure to do more, achieve more, and fix what's broken around you?
Many of us feel exhausted and anxious, but slowing down is possible with the right guide. In A More Beautiful Way to Live, spiritual director and recovering overachiever Bethaney B. Wilkinson offers a framework for reclaiming presence, rootedness, and rest. Weaving together rich storytelling and wisdom inspired by nature, she shares nine contemplative practices intended to help you
● cultivate rhythms of rest, healing, and deep connection;
● embrace a slower, gentler, and more life-giving pace;
● unlearn habits of anxiety, fear, and urgency; and
● show up wholeheartedly for what matters most to you.
With a foreword by Kaitlin B. Curtice, this book is an invitation to those longing for a slower, deeper, and more meaningful way to live.
Many of us feel exhausted and anxious, but slowing down is possible with the right guide. In A More Beautiful Way to Live, spiritual director and recovering overachiever Bethaney B. Wilkinson offers a framework for reclaiming presence, rootedness, and rest. Weaving together rich storytelling and wisdom inspired by nature, she shares nine contemplative practices intended to help you
● cultivate rhythms of rest, healing, and deep connection;
● embrace a slower, gentler, and more life-giving pace;
● unlearn habits of anxiety, fear, and urgency; and
● show up wholeheartedly for what matters most to you.
With a foreword by Kaitlin B. Curtice, this book is an invitation to those longing for a slower, deeper, and more meaningful way to live.
- GenresNonfiction
192 pages, Paperback
Published March 3, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 28, 2026
A More Beautiful Way to Live by Bethany B. Wilkinson was a beautiful book to read for me. A lot of what this author said resonated with me and while I am sure we have differences, she really felt like a kindred spirit.
A More Beautiful Way to Live is divided into three sections:
1. Groundwork
2. Cultivation
3. Sustenance
There are three practices within each section that make up the 9 practices the author recommends to unlearn anxiety, fear and urgency through time, body and soul.
I share interests with Wilkinson in that she likes to garden, write in her journal with a fountain pen and read, among other activities she shared. These are all activities that I enjoy too--well, I haven't used my fountain pen much, but I plan to use it more now :). At the end of each section, and in other parts in between, she gives suggestions for writing in a journal and self-reflection. I learn well this way so I especially liked that aspect of this book. I could also relate to some of her struggles from growing up and how she felt she had to perform to be loved. And we had a health issue that was the same that I could relate to.
I hadn't previously heard the term used of a spiritual director, which is one of Wilkinson's titles that she talks about. I have worked with Christian therapists but I think this is different. As she describes it, it sounds like another helpful spiritual person to talk to.
A More Beautiful Way to Live is a relatively short book but it is not a book that is short on quality material. There is a lot to offer in this book for your own spiritual growth and self-reflection.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
A More Beautiful Way to Live is divided into three sections:
1. Groundwork
2. Cultivation
3. Sustenance
There are three practices within each section that make up the 9 practices the author recommends to unlearn anxiety, fear and urgency through time, body and soul.
I share interests with Wilkinson in that she likes to garden, write in her journal with a fountain pen and read, among other activities she shared. These are all activities that I enjoy too--well, I haven't used my fountain pen much, but I plan to use it more now :). At the end of each section, and in other parts in between, she gives suggestions for writing in a journal and self-reflection. I learn well this way so I especially liked that aspect of this book. I could also relate to some of her struggles from growing up and how she felt she had to perform to be loved. And we had a health issue that was the same that I could relate to.
I hadn't previously heard the term used of a spiritual director, which is one of Wilkinson's titles that she talks about. I have worked with Christian therapists but I think this is different. As she describes it, it sounds like another helpful spiritual person to talk to.
A More Beautiful Way to Live is a relatively short book but it is not a book that is short on quality material. There is a lot to offer in this book for your own spiritual growth and self-reflection.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
May 12, 2026
We live in a world that is in desperate need of healing. Are you weary of the habits and patterns of anxiety, fear and urgency? I encourage you to read this book which will guide you along the path of a more beautiful way to live.
I was encouraged to slow down and spend time with the beautifully written thoughts, ideas and encouragements in this book. I learned about contemplating wisdom from each of the seasons. I especially loved the chapter called Making Room For New Growth, which explained the role and reasons for regular and good pruning.
I loved the thoughts of encountering and contemplating the beautiful. Our created world is so full of beauty!
This book will help you to sort out and find some balance in your life. It will encourage you to be more present, attentive and grateful. All around us, there is much beauty to appreciate and good work for us to do.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Brazos Press. All thoughts expressed in this review are mine.
I was encouraged to slow down and spend time with the beautifully written thoughts, ideas and encouragements in this book. I learned about contemplating wisdom from each of the seasons. I especially loved the chapter called Making Room For New Growth, which explained the role and reasons for regular and good pruning.
I loved the thoughts of encountering and contemplating the beautiful. Our created world is so full of beauty!
This book will help you to sort out and find some balance in your life. It will encourage you to be more present, attentive and grateful. All around us, there is much beauty to appreciate and good work for us to do.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Brazos Press. All thoughts expressed in this review are mine.
May 5, 2026
Such a gentle, grounded, and steady exploration of how slowness can anchor us in everyday life. It felt compassionate, acknowledging that slowing down is a privilege not everyone can access while encouraging everyone to seek it out in ways meaningful to them. How the author explored the way slowness flows from and through faith felt authentic (which is rare and a treasure to me in these types of books). Nothing revolutionary or groundbreaking, but I think everyone could benefit from reading and savoring.
April 18, 2026
“A More Beautiful Way to Live” aims to help readers find “a slower, more meaningful way to live” & to be “a framework for living that is characterized by . . . being grounded, being present, & receiving and accepting the life you've been given.”
It shares wisdom in areas I connected with such as embracing slower ways of living, being curious around longings that signal a need for change, & pruning for new growth in our lives. We’re reminded to pace ourselves, take time to pay attention, & seek what our longings reveal about ourselves & our lives.
The book included much encouragement & inspiration, but God alongside His truth & promises were not in the foreground. This caused me to feel unsure of the book & if it was mainly aimed toward Christians. It felt like a missed opportunity to remind us of Jesus & the wisdom, direction, & peace He alone can provide in the midst of anxiety, grief, & limitations.
Despite this, the book meets readers’ struggles with great compassion.
*A Note for Discernment*
Richard Rohr—a theologically contested author, particularly in his understanding of Christ—is cited once in the book. Though this does not appear to draw on the problematic aspects of his teaching, his inclusion calls for discernment.
Highlights:
“If you don't want to be present in your everyday life, you have a world of distractions at your fingertips. Living a more beautiful way, however, acknowledges how distraction perpetuates anxiety and fear in our lives and chooses presence instead, even when it's painful.”
“Before we can know what changes or adjustments might be possible, we have to slow down enough to be honest with ourselves and others about what's not working.”
“It’s frustrating to feel as if your body and its limitations are preventing you from keeping up with all your told you’re supposed to be and do.”
“Grief is the price we pay for loving.”
“The truly beautiful can serve as an antidote to the mayhem by compelling you to fix your eyes not on the chaos but on the goodness and inspiration in the created world around you.”
Thank you to the publisher for gifting me a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
It shares wisdom in areas I connected with such as embracing slower ways of living, being curious around longings that signal a need for change, & pruning for new growth in our lives. We’re reminded to pace ourselves, take time to pay attention, & seek what our longings reveal about ourselves & our lives.
The book included much encouragement & inspiration, but God alongside His truth & promises were not in the foreground. This caused me to feel unsure of the book & if it was mainly aimed toward Christians. It felt like a missed opportunity to remind us of Jesus & the wisdom, direction, & peace He alone can provide in the midst of anxiety, grief, & limitations.
Despite this, the book meets readers’ struggles with great compassion.
*A Note for Discernment*
Richard Rohr—a theologically contested author, particularly in his understanding of Christ—is cited once in the book. Though this does not appear to draw on the problematic aspects of his teaching, his inclusion calls for discernment.
Highlights:
“If you don't want to be present in your everyday life, you have a world of distractions at your fingertips. Living a more beautiful way, however, acknowledges how distraction perpetuates anxiety and fear in our lives and chooses presence instead, even when it's painful.”
“Before we can know what changes or adjustments might be possible, we have to slow down enough to be honest with ourselves and others about what's not working.”
“It’s frustrating to feel as if your body and its limitations are preventing you from keeping up with all your told you’re supposed to be and do.”
“Grief is the price we pay for loving.”
“The truly beautiful can serve as an antidote to the mayhem by compelling you to fix your eyes not on the chaos but on the goodness and inspiration in the created world around you.”
Thank you to the publisher for gifting me a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
May 3, 2026
I really enjoyed A More Beautiful Way to Live. It is one of those books that feels calming, but also makes you pause and think about the way you are choosing to live day to day. I liked that it wasn’t about doing more or trying to become a better version of yourself through another checklist. It felt more like an invitation to slow down, pay attention, and notice what really matters.
The writing is thoughtful and gentle, and I liked the focus on unlearning anxiety, urgency, and the pressure to always be productive. It is so easy to fall into that trap. This book is great for those who feel overwhelmed or stretched thin. I also appreciated the emphasis on rest, beauty, connection, and creating a life with more intention.
I would recommend not rushing through reading A More Beautiful Way to Live. It is the kind of book that it is better to read through slowly, and give yourself time to reflect while you're going through reading it. I think it would be beneficial for people who are in a season of burnout, transition, or just wanting a quieter and more grounded way to live.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. My review reflects my honest opinion.
The writing is thoughtful and gentle, and I liked the focus on unlearning anxiety, urgency, and the pressure to always be productive. It is so easy to fall into that trap. This book is great for those who feel overwhelmed or stretched thin. I also appreciated the emphasis on rest, beauty, connection, and creating a life with more intention.
I would recommend not rushing through reading A More Beautiful Way to Live. It is the kind of book that it is better to read through slowly, and give yourself time to reflect while you're going through reading it. I think it would be beneficial for people who are in a season of burnout, transition, or just wanting a quieter and more grounded way to live.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. My review reflects my honest opinion.
May 5, 2026
If you are looking for positive, encouraging ideas for changing your habits and thinking, this book is wonderful. The author offers many ways to retrain your mind in the ways you react to the world around you. She very logically walks you through how to slow your pace and work space into your life for the different seasons we all face as humans. Her illustrations and the examples from her life were helpful to see how it can look in everyday life.
However, if like me, you pick up this book expecting it to be unashamedly Christian, full of Biblical support, you will be sadly disappointed. While there are a few verses mentioned, the author repeatedly refers to “the Divine” rather than God and her “faith tradition” instead of Christianity. I understand than these can be seen as merely semantics, but as we know words matter. If someone is trying to reach a broader audience, and thereby avoiding using “Christian” terms, one questions labeling as a Christian book. Is it useful? Yes. Christian? Maybe not.
However, if like me, you pick up this book expecting it to be unashamedly Christian, full of Biblical support, you will be sadly disappointed. While there are a few verses mentioned, the author repeatedly refers to “the Divine” rather than God and her “faith tradition” instead of Christianity. I understand than these can be seen as merely semantics, but as we know words matter. If someone is trying to reach a broader audience, and thereby avoiding using “Christian” terms, one questions labeling as a Christian book. Is it useful? Yes. Christian? Maybe not.
April 26, 2026
The book itself was exactly what I felt like the author was hoping it would be, a roadmap for a more beautiful way to live. The book was broken up into three sections, with exercises and questions throughout and at the end of each section. I found the questions and exercises actually helpful (I generally skip questions in books), but Wilkinson’s questions were formative and pointed, and I knew that if I skipped them, I’d be skipping out on the healing my soul could find through this book.
If you find yourself strung out, wandering around, aimless, burnt out, confused…Then I suggest this book! Early in the chapter, Wilkinson writes, “You know you’re living a more beautiful way when you feel firmly planted, settled, and at home in the earth - even as the storms come and the seasons change.” If that’s what you long for out of life, then this book is for you.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. My review reflects my honest opinion.
If you find yourself strung out, wandering around, aimless, burnt out, confused…Then I suggest this book! Early in the chapter, Wilkinson writes, “You know you’re living a more beautiful way when you feel firmly planted, settled, and at home in the earth - even as the storms come and the seasons change.” If that’s what you long for out of life, then this book is for you.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. My review reflects my honest opinion.
May 2, 2026
A More Beautiful Way to Live is a helpful resource as I navigate overcoming anxieties and fears. It has challenged me to slow down and embrace the seasons of my life that I find myself in.
I have enjoyed Bethaney’s style of storytelling throughout this written work. One of the most fascinating subjects she thoroughly covered pertains to seasons of life, and how they can parallel the seasons of our earthly dwelling.
If you have been needing to ditch habits of anxiety, fear, and overwhelm, I recommend A More Beautiful Way to Live. It’s definitely a written work that encourages slowing your pace for optimum well-being — living a gentle life and remaining present for what matters most to you.
Dive into this book today to develop a more life-giving pace.
There is a more beautiful way to live than rushing through life and not taking life in for the blessing it is.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. My review reflects my honest opinion.
I have enjoyed Bethaney’s style of storytelling throughout this written work. One of the most fascinating subjects she thoroughly covered pertains to seasons of life, and how they can parallel the seasons of our earthly dwelling.
If you have been needing to ditch habits of anxiety, fear, and overwhelm, I recommend A More Beautiful Way to Live. It’s definitely a written work that encourages slowing your pace for optimum well-being — living a gentle life and remaining present for what matters most to you.
Dive into this book today to develop a more life-giving pace.
There is a more beautiful way to live than rushing through life and not taking life in for the blessing it is.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. My review reflects my honest opinion.
March 29, 2026
This book is a generous, kind companion for those who are looking for a way to practice deep listening in their life. Bethaney offers readers her own story alongside her practical, lived-wisdom as a spiritual director and writer. There are so many entry points into contemplative faith, and her work here offers us another doorway to enter into slow, seasonal time, connect with our bodies and inner landscapes, and listen to our longings. I definitely will be sharing this book with others!
April 20, 2026
As a type A, oldest daughter, recovering perfectionist, this book was everything I needed and more! An invitation to slow down and invite rest into our lives. And that actually leads to a more full, fulfilling life! Truly, cannot recommend enough!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. My review reflects my honest opinion.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. My review reflects my honest opinion.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews