Soulfulness: Deepening the mindful life

by Brian Draper

'Brian Draper is Britain's foremost popular spiritual thinker; he has no equals in linking the inner with the political and personal outer. This is a remarkably practical exploration of elusive yet core elements of our existence.' - Oliver James

The beauty of mindfulness is that it's incredibly simple both to 'get' and to practise. And the results - increasingly backed by neuro-scientific evidence - are calmness and reduced stress, more creativity, greater awareness, compassion. . . And yet there's a danger that mindfulness can be used in a purely consumerist and self-serving way to help people to become better adapted cogs in a still-toxic model of work and life.

Brian Draper challenges us to live not just mindfully but soul fully. Not merely to be less stressed, but to flourish, dynamically and creatively - to be present - through living intentionally and compassionately.

Genres: Christian, Spirituality

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 19, 2016

Reviews

[F J Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was an excellent book which marries the practices and concepts of mindfulness with a Christian perspective. Draper speaks knowledgeably about both the Christian and mindful traditions, talking about the connections with Christianity and Buddhism, and shows how certain parts of the Bible, such as the Gospels and Psalms are inherently mindful in their outlook. He focuses a great deal on the importance of nature, and us all feeling part of nature, and provides some great, simple tips for connecting with nature, such as not taking a photograph of a beautiful scene but feeling that you are part of it, you are at one with it. He speaks personally about his own journey with mindfulness, and offers plenty of useful suggestions to make your life more mindful. For me, this was an important book in the way it linked different traditions and concepts, being very eclectic in its range, drawing upon neuroscience, business advice, psychology, environmentalism and different religions for its inspirations. Strongly recommended for anyone interested in mindfulness and improving their well-being.

[Rumi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very shallow and not inspired at all. The author may not deeply understand what mindfulness is. The author's point of view is, as if he found that soulfulness is more important than mindfulness. It does not go deeper into the topics.

[Jorgen Lundgren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent read would give it 3 1/2, my takeaways are,
- take breaks
- Exercise
- Enjoy nature
- Be kind
- 8 hugs a day

and do not forget to breathe..

[Sean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is less about being spiritual and more about being soulful. It will help you connect with yourself in a way you may have never done before. Recommended.

I like the way the author suggests practical ways to be mindful about what is happening around you and be present wherever you are. Because of the way different faith traditions have apprehended disciplines such as mindfulness, there is a suspicion of the practice. This is understandable but unnecessary. Although the author acknowledges contributions made by those from other traditions, he is clear of his roots and indebtedness to The Christian faith and is very good at demonstrating how Christian believers can ensure they care for their souls. This book represents a positive contribution to the growing library of books on the subject.

[Nina Tweddle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I purchased this book after attending one of the author's Soulfulness nature walks. Having said that, the book sat on my shelves for ages unread. It tries to encourage the reader to slow down, reconnect with their surroundings and essentially live a more soulful life. This sounds a little pompous, but the book comes up with many practical ways that this can be done.

I feel that the book is a little too long. Perhaps a good edit would help. I found that when I had read a bit I was in no hurry to get back to it. But perhaps that's part of it's charm.

I'd recommend reading it in small chunks and then reflect upon it. But all in all, an interesting version of the many meditation/mindfulness books that are around at this time.

[Michaela · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting and helpful read

I loved this book. It’s full of wisdom, anecdotes and principles and ideas of how to live well and soulfully. I also really like that the epilogue included a series of questions to help embed the learning from the book AND a nice little succinct quote, so if the only thing I remembered from the book was that, it would be pretty helpful too. On top of that, all the exercises and suggestions from every chapter are included at the end too. I whole heartedly recommend this book. I read through it slowly, savouring it in my quiet time. It’s worth lingering over :-D

[Helen Connell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book incredibly helpful. I recommend reading it slowly so you can gain maximum benefit. This is a great way to go deeper and prayerfully into mindfulness.

[Les Hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, a way of linking mindfulness and faith.