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A Book That Takes Its Time: An Unhurried Adventure in Creative Mindfulness
Take time to breathe. Take time to create. Take time to reflect, take time to let go. A book that’s unique in the way it mixes reading and doing, A Book That Takes Its Time is like a mindfulness retreat between two covers.
Created in partnership with Flow, the groundbreaking international magazine that celebrates creativity, beautiful illustration, a love of paper, and life’s little pleasures, A Book That Takes Its Time mixes articles, inspiring quotes, and what the editors call “goodies”—bound-in cards, mini-journals, stickers, posters, blank papers for collaging, and more—giving it a distinctly handcrafted, collectible feeling.
Read about the benefits of not multitasking, then turn to “The Joy of One Thing at a Time Notebook” tucked into the pages. After a short piece on the power of slowing down, fill in the designed notecards for a Beautiful Moments jar. Make a personal timeline. Learn the art of hand-lettering. Dig into your Beginner’s Mind. Embrace the art of quitting. Take the writing cure. And always smile. Move slowly and with intention through A Book That Takes Its Time, and discover that sweet place where life can be both thoughtful and playful.
Created in partnership with Flow, the groundbreaking international magazine that celebrates creativity, beautiful illustration, a love of paper, and life’s little pleasures, A Book That Takes Its Time mixes articles, inspiring quotes, and what the editors call “goodies”—bound-in cards, mini-journals, stickers, posters, blank papers for collaging, and more—giving it a distinctly handcrafted, collectible feeling.
Read about the benefits of not multitasking, then turn to “The Joy of One Thing at a Time Notebook” tucked into the pages. After a short piece on the power of slowing down, fill in the designed notecards for a Beautiful Moments jar. Make a personal timeline. Learn the art of hand-lettering. Dig into your Beginner’s Mind. Embrace the art of quitting. Take the writing cure. And always smile. Move slowly and with intention through A Book That Takes Its Time, and discover that sweet place where life can be both thoughtful and playful.
218 pages, Hardcover
First published October 3, 2017
244 people are currently reading
2287 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
October 30, 2017
I have only skimmed through this book at the bookstore...literally, sitting on the floor, thumbing through this entire book until I decided that I had to have it. There are so many little pop-outs and added features that make this book unique and fun and a must have for everyone who loves to journal and loves to explore mindfulness and creativity. I cannot wait to own my own copy and really dive in!
November 11, 2017
I'm a big fan of Flow magazine. This book is a collection of some of the articles that have appeared in the magazine along with some new ones on the subject of mindfulness and creativity. Some of the article I'd read before and others (even the older ones) I hadn't read. They were generally good, some of them inspiring. As with all the flow publications, the book is full fun inserts. If you are a fan of the magazine, creative projects or illustration you will probably enjoy this.
June 16, 2018
Finished reading the book, but I think the projects contained herein will take me the rest of 2018 to complete. I'll add photos as I finish them. :)
November 5, 2017
This is really a book of joy. It is constructed in such a unique, creative and fun way. It is filled with journals, stickers, posters, cards, all kind of punch-outs. It is a treasure with more treasures hidden inside. You can’t get bored with it. And while you work on your mindfulness, you also work on your creativity. Because mindfulness and creativity go together. There are articles in the book that talk and teach about mindfulness. There are poems, quotes, even recipes. And every page is accompanied by beautiful illustrations, photography or graphics.
The book is divided into six chapters. Each chapter aims to inspire to take time. Time to breath, time to learn, time to create, time to reflect, time to let go, and time to be kind.
As the title sugests, you must take time with the book. Because there are so many activities and there is so much to learn from it. I will try to follow each idea, one step at a time. Maybe one a day. I love the ideas that the book includes. F.ex. Beautiful Moments Jar.
“Celebrate those everyday things that make you happy for no reason at all. Write them down on these notecards, [included in the book] tear them out, and save them in a jar. Pull one out every now and again to revise and cherish a moment”.
There are many great ideas like this!
There are also tips on hand lettering. (I personally was looking into some tutorials on the subject, so I am happy I have found it in the book). There are also pictures and words to cut out, that can help create own collage. There are envelopes with colorful cards, or stickers. So many surprises on every page.
This book gives you not only ideas to write, or make some fun crafts, like paint stones, but also shows how to be mindful while taking photographs. I am person who loves to express herself using all kind of forms of media, so I was reading the essays with big interest.
I love all the little treasures hidden in this book. And it is a gold mine for typography lovers as well. Each page is thought through. Each page is creative and popping out. And each page contains beautiful graphics and illustrations.
The authors Irene Smit and Astrid van der Hulst are creative directors of Flow magazine. And they did incredible job putting together this book.
The Flow “celebrates the physical qualities of paper. (…) Expanding the notion of what a physical book can be through its innovative juxtaposition of essays and articles with poetry, inspiring quotes, bound-in cards, journals, stickers, collage paper, and other interactive sundries “A Book That Takes Its Time” employs a revolutionary physical format to explore the menatl, emotional, and spiritual benefits of mindfulness. ‘‘
I would recommend this book to everyone. It doesn’t only help to spark creativity, teaches mindfulness, but also inspires in many aspects of our busy lives. This book is like a therapy. So get your creative side on!
And let me tell you, that this book would make a wonderful gift. Put it on your shopping list!
The book is divided into six chapters. Each chapter aims to inspire to take time. Time to breath, time to learn, time to create, time to reflect, time to let go, and time to be kind.
As the title sugests, you must take time with the book. Because there are so many activities and there is so much to learn from it. I will try to follow each idea, one step at a time. Maybe one a day. I love the ideas that the book includes. F.ex. Beautiful Moments Jar.
“Celebrate those everyday things that make you happy for no reason at all. Write them down on these notecards, [included in the book] tear them out, and save them in a jar. Pull one out every now and again to revise and cherish a moment”.
There are many great ideas like this!
There are also tips on hand lettering. (I personally was looking into some tutorials on the subject, so I am happy I have found it in the book). There are also pictures and words to cut out, that can help create own collage. There are envelopes with colorful cards, or stickers. So many surprises on every page.
This book gives you not only ideas to write, or make some fun crafts, like paint stones, but also shows how to be mindful while taking photographs. I am person who loves to express herself using all kind of forms of media, so I was reading the essays with big interest.
I love all the little treasures hidden in this book. And it is a gold mine for typography lovers as well. Each page is thought through. Each page is creative and popping out. And each page contains beautiful graphics and illustrations.
The authors Irene Smit and Astrid van der Hulst are creative directors of Flow magazine. And they did incredible job putting together this book.
The Flow “celebrates the physical qualities of paper. (…) Expanding the notion of what a physical book can be through its innovative juxtaposition of essays and articles with poetry, inspiring quotes, bound-in cards, journals, stickers, collage paper, and other interactive sundries “A Book That Takes Its Time” employs a revolutionary physical format to explore the menatl, emotional, and spiritual benefits of mindfulness. ‘‘
I would recommend this book to everyone. It doesn’t only help to spark creativity, teaches mindfulness, but also inspires in many aspects of our busy lives. This book is like a therapy. So get your creative side on!
And let me tell you, that this book would make a wonderful gift. Put it on your shopping list!
December 27, 2017
I really enjoyed many of the creative aspects as well as the goal-setting/comfort zone portions. I found the mindfulness articles wanting. I knew the book would have a “find yourself through inner peace” component, but was disappointed with its emphasis. Personally, I would have enjoyed more emphasis on the creative aspects of the book and the emphasis on living life more fully as we slow time down by minimizing unhealthy commitments. My personal faith has prompted me to find a peace that doesn’t necessitate me jumping on the hamster wheel of dissatisfaction trying to “find myself”. Oftentimes the adage “just do you” really has a selfish component that works against that idea of building community and relationship, which is contrary to other portions of the book emphasizing the importance of togetherness, which I did really enjoy.
June 10, 2019
I had to HAVE THIS once I flipped through it at the bookstore. I couldn't pass it up! There are so many little pop-outs and added features that make this book a unique way to explore "me time", creativity, and mindfulness. And, of course, I took my time, and loved exploring its pages :)
August 31, 2018
Good collection of essays from the magazine Flow. This book has all sorts of goodies in it - little journals, stickers, etc. Not sure whether I'll use them or not, though.
June 19, 2020
This beautiful book has postcards, stickers, small posters, removable journal booklets, and a dozen other adorable things included! You can write lists, read poetry, make a collage, write in your thoughts, or learn to do your own creative hand-lettering. There are articles about following your dreams, letting go of stress, reaching out with kindness, slowing down, and being more creative.
There are inspirational stories, beautiful poetry, and famous quotes. You'll find common sense advice about how to get rid of old habits, how to find your life balance, how to start an exercise routine, how to connect with nature, how to be vulnerable, and how to be more grateful.
You can make your own timeline, cook up some of the recipes, send a postcard to a friend, or take a photograph. There are dozens of activities that you can choose from!
There are so many opportunities for writing in this book. There are lists, journal prompts, questions, and a whole bunch of space for writing in your thoughts. I especially love the removable journals, little booklets of stickers, and postcards and little notecards that you can cut out from the pages. Each one of these is like a special treasure that you discover as you flip through the pages!
I adore the lovely designs in this book. There are a lot of different styles of artwork, but it's all colorful and peaceful. There is a nostalgic and retro feeling to the art that I really like. There are also some truly gorgeous photos in big page spreads that really catch your eye.
I am so impressed with the design and content of this sweet book. It's really positive and fun! The writing is encouraging, and you can jump around to the different activities depending on what interests you.
It sort of feels like a magazine with all the articles, but it's also like a craft book, and a journal, and a poetry book, and a quote book. This book has everything!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
There are inspirational stories, beautiful poetry, and famous quotes. You'll find common sense advice about how to get rid of old habits, how to find your life balance, how to start an exercise routine, how to connect with nature, how to be vulnerable, and how to be more grateful.
You can make your own timeline, cook up some of the recipes, send a postcard to a friend, or take a photograph. There are dozens of activities that you can choose from!
There are so many opportunities for writing in this book. There are lists, journal prompts, questions, and a whole bunch of space for writing in your thoughts. I especially love the removable journals, little booklets of stickers, and postcards and little notecards that you can cut out from the pages. Each one of these is like a special treasure that you discover as you flip through the pages!
I adore the lovely designs in this book. There are a lot of different styles of artwork, but it's all colorful and peaceful. There is a nostalgic and retro feeling to the art that I really like. There are also some truly gorgeous photos in big page spreads that really catch your eye.
I am so impressed with the design and content of this sweet book. It's really positive and fun! The writing is encouraging, and you can jump around to the different activities depending on what interests you.
It sort of feels like a magazine with all the articles, but it's also like a craft book, and a journal, and a poetry book, and a quote book. This book has everything!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
April 20, 2019
The entire book is a beautiful, meaningful experience. I know there's the initial thought that this is self-indulgent "me time" — but it's really not. It's kind of a guided journal, with a lot of tactile lessons and excercises, like drawing, collage, and cards to tear out — some to send, some to keep.
This book should be read, explored, written in, highlighted, and loved as a real hardbound book. The manufacturing of this book is top-notch, and the authors obviously put a ton of time and work into creating this experience in mindfulness. The tone is very friendly, down-to-earth, sometimes wry and occasionally a little too true (about negative self-talk). This book is the friend who sits you down and repeats your own words back to you, so you can understand how ridiculous your expectations are. The friend who calls you up out of the blue to paint pottery together, or window-shop at places you could never afford.... Because it's just about putting a pause on worry and stress, and enjoying the time we've got.
The overall message here is to be kind. Be kind to others, be kind to yourself — and be *as kind* to yourself as you are to others.
That's the overall gist of the book. Specifically, though, I want to mention:
- - -
*** Everyone, everyone, EVERYONE should read the section called "How To Console Someone" — pages 204-205. ***
I'm still trying to resolve my feelings about the recent unexpected death of my father, and I seriously almost made copies of these two pages, to hand out before the memorial service. The advice is simple, concise, and absolutely spot on. I never realized how incredibly difficult it is to know what to say. Yet the advice is very simple and easy. I highly recommend taking the time to experience this entire book, but these two pages alone were worth the cover price.
- - -
To summarize, this book is a wonderful workbook/journal that you can pause to enjoy a little here and there. Take your time. Get to know it. You might just emerge a bit more mindful, a bit more forgiving, and a bit more kind.
This book should be read, explored, written in, highlighted, and loved as a real hardbound book. The manufacturing of this book is top-notch, and the authors obviously put a ton of time and work into creating this experience in mindfulness. The tone is very friendly, down-to-earth, sometimes wry and occasionally a little too true (about negative self-talk). This book is the friend who sits you down and repeats your own words back to you, so you can understand how ridiculous your expectations are. The friend who calls you up out of the blue to paint pottery together, or window-shop at places you could never afford.... Because it's just about putting a pause on worry and stress, and enjoying the time we've got.
The overall message here is to be kind. Be kind to others, be kind to yourself — and be *as kind* to yourself as you are to others.
That's the overall gist of the book. Specifically, though, I want to mention:
- - -
*** Everyone, everyone, EVERYONE should read the section called "How To Console Someone" — pages 204-205. ***
I'm still trying to resolve my feelings about the recent unexpected death of my father, and I seriously almost made copies of these two pages, to hand out before the memorial service. The advice is simple, concise, and absolutely spot on. I never realized how incredibly difficult it is to know what to say. Yet the advice is very simple and easy. I highly recommend taking the time to experience this entire book, but these two pages alone were worth the cover price.
- - -
To summarize, this book is a wonderful workbook/journal that you can pause to enjoy a little here and there. Take your time. Get to know it. You might just emerge a bit more mindful, a bit more forgiving, and a bit more kind.
November 26, 2019
A fun book that is a bit hard to describe, A Book That Takes Its Time is an eclectic offering of articles on mindfulness a d creativity, papercraft, simplifying, self care and savoring, hobbies and relationships. It is part activity book filled with craft and ideas and part meditation on life and philosophy. I read thru this in small bits, following some of the recipes or writing exercises in spirituality or letter writing and found a wealth of new resources to check out even as the basic concepts were not new. A delightful format with a clever twist.
June 30, 2019
Do you ever covet a book? I coveted this one.
I saw A Book That Takes Its Time at a book conference and I wanted to have it and read it right that minute. Of course it wasn't even published then, so it was impossible, but as soon as I could I bought it.
I read a bit of it. And closed it. Oh so reluctantly.
I read a bit more. Closed it. Waited. Read more. Closed it. And so on. For months.
What a wonderful reading experience.
I saw A Book That Takes Its Time at a book conference and I wanted to have it and read it right that minute. Of course it wasn't even published then, so it was impossible, but as soon as I could I bought it.
I read a bit of it. And closed it. Oh so reluctantly.
I read a bit more. Closed it. Waited. Read more. Closed it. And so on. For months.
What a wonderful reading experience.
September 15, 2019
It took me nearly two years to finish this. But it was worth taking time, as time presented itself. Lots of good questions for reflection.
February 24, 2020
I have had this book for 2 years in my living room... and wow- it does take some time! I avoided it for many months because it really forces you to reflect, slow down, and evaluate many areas in your life. It is a book from the “Flow” publications- crafty/ artsy/ creative. There are fun tear-out activities/ projects that focus on your life and thinking about your future experiences with purposeful goal setting. I still have several activities to complete, but this book is definitely valuable in asking the reader to slow down and be mindful. When I wasn’t afraid to pick it up, I liked reading this book- a lot! I have learned many things about myself through the process.
January 30, 2024
This book is a collection of crafts, journal prompts, and activities for mindfulness, gratitude, and other mental health practices. While those activities were sometimes interesting, I felt like most of this book was a fairly surface level exploration of many different ideas. I didn't really get a whole lot out of it, but someone else might.
February 19, 2019
This is a very inspiring book.
October 26, 2020
I did every one of the tasks mentioned in the book, all my friends have received their postcards cut out from this book and I have some 20 odd notes in my backpack stating a couple of different ways how this book changed me.
February 15, 2021
This book did take my time I slowly did the activities over time. So fun! I have loved the quotes so much!
October 10, 2021
A great collection of thoughts, ideas and activities that does indeed take its time!
December 2, 2019
When a reader dives deep in this book, they can get lost in the chance to reflect and create. With quotes and ideas, a person can sit back and ponder the pressures and pleasures of life. The book includes cut outs to hang up, journals, stickers and papers for collaging.
This book would make a wonderful gift for that favorite lady in your life. It is colorful and beautiful with wonderful suggestions on slowing down and moving with intention. Give the gift of time and relaxation.
@fourseasonreader
This book would make a wonderful gift for that favorite lady in your life. It is colorful and beautiful with wonderful suggestions on slowing down and moving with intention. Give the gift of time and relaxation.
@fourseasonreader
August 14, 2019
The best Flow book and the best book on mindfulness I have read so far. I highly recommend you to pick a copy of this thick book, and then take the time to breathe, to create, to reflect, and to let go while you read this book. It's a great mindfulness retreat with bound-in postcards, mini-journals, stickers, decorative papers for collaging, and many more surprises to encourage slowing down and appreciating the little things. Move slowly and with intention through the pages, and discover that sweet place where life can be both thoughtful and playful.
December 12, 2023
I simply can't say enough good things about this book/journal/crafty idea/DIY/Mindfulness book.Excellent for those who love to write, to write letters, for book lovers, for crafty people, the entire concept of the book is excellent for older readers and adults, to remind us to slow down and be in the moment, and help others be in the moment while doing art work or writing letters using the postcards or other novelty items included in this book.
March 5, 2018
It's borderline to call this a book. It is essentially a series of mindfulness articles, somewhat reminiscent of Oprah's O Magazine and Scientific American Mind with some crafting and creative projects thrown in for good measure. That's not to say I didn't enjoy reading it. It is what it is--pop psych lite.
January 14, 2018
I love this book! It is a compilation of magazine articles from the UK magazine about mindfulness and creativity called Flow. It is a beautiful book with lots of fun inserts and enjoyable articles.
March 3, 2018
This book was fun to read. I loved all the helpful ideas that came with it. There was some great advice that I am going to be using. It really is a take your time book. You don't want to rush through it.
May 29, 2018
I love all Flow books. This one was an incredible investment, from the articles on mindfulness and the writing prompts to the ephemera and postcards to be mailed or pasted into art journals. Love it so much.
July 15, 2018
This book is not a long read but it could take a lifetime to process all that it contains, but it will be a life well spent!
This book is for anyone interested in de-stressing their lives or even just making them a little brighter.
This book is for anyone interested in de-stressing their lives or even just making them a little brighter.
October 10, 2018
I thought this was going to be more creative/crafty but its a whole lot of mindfulness with some interactive tasks. There’s lots of good information, wtb studies sited on how it’s helpful. Definitely recommend. The artwork inside is amazing.
May 28, 2019
I’ve dipped in and out of this book for a long time and it is just beautiful. Very much inline with the magazine but with deeper dive articles and activities, curated and collected into sensible sections. A wonderful resource for self-care and quiet reflection.
January 24, 2018
Amazing. Full of lovely designs and words. One to revisit in the future.
February 19, 2018
LOVED IT! super cute journal with a new activity every page! Loved the post cards and all the little surprises.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews