The Art of Being: Reflections on the Beauty and the Risk of Embracing Who We Are

by Constance Rhodes

“There’s an art to being anxious for nothing. There’s an art to being at peace with God, your neighbor, your world, and yourself. Oh what a great friend, follower, and citizen you are if you are at peace just being you. Start there, and you can go anywhere.”
–from the foreword by Charlie Peacock

It’s Not What You Do. It’s Who You Are.

In today’s achievement-oriented culture, it can feel impossible to separate who we are from what we accomplish. We introduce ourselves by announcing what we do for a living. Endless “to do” lists drive us away from self-discovery and true contentment. We hope that our successes will cause our busyness to feel worthwhile, yet despite our accomplishments, we long for something more.

Featuring original essays and stories from a diverse list of contributors including Jonathan Foreman (Switchfoot), Sara Groves, Matthew Odmark (Jars of Clay), Gloria Gaither, Don and Lori Chaffer (Waterdeep), Tammy Trent, and Linford Detweiler (Over the Rhine), The Art of Being explores what it really means to “be” who we are. Here you will find an encouraging, challenging companion on your journey toward discovering your true identity–and toward finding a satisfaction that lasts.

Life Is Not a Resumé

Higher bank balances, stylish clothes, and popularity among our peers may look impressive on the surface, but these things don’t satisfy our craving for contentment. True satisfaction is found when our spirit is fed with a sense of purpose. The stories and reflections in The Art of Being will inspire you to resist the disappointing pursuit of the temporal and explore a deeper understanding of who you are as the unique artwork of your Creator.

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Constance Rhodes is the founder and CEO of FINDINGbalance. She is the author of "Life Inside the Thin Cage: A Personal Look into the Hidden World of the Chronic Dieter", "The Art of Being: Reflections on the Beauty and the Risk of Embracing Who We Are", and "Finding Balance with Food: A 12-Week Guided Journey to Greater Health and Freedom".

A former marketing director for EMI Christian Music Group, Constance's experience in the entertainment business has had a strong influence on the shaping of FINDINGbalance as a media-based resource for those seeking freedom from eating and body image issues. It has also informed her approach to presenting on these topics, and she has become a frequent and respected speaker on themes of eating, body image, recovery and healthy living. [Amazon.com]

Reviews

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is worth reading. I like that it's a quick read - good for someone who is on the go and doesn't have much time to sit down and read forever and ever. My favorite chapter was by Ginny Owens, a blind girl, who found a deep relationship with God in the midst of trying to find a job after college to now avail. She is now a singer/songwriter and testifies to how God is faithful in the midst of our darkest moments. I have been inspired beyond measure b/c of her story.

[Rylan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had no idea what the book was about before I started reading it and am not a Christian so at times I found it a little difficult to get through. However, the point was there and it was sweet

[Erin Estes · Rating 2 out of 5]

eh quick read (about a day) but it (the points it was trying to get across) just restated things I already knew and a lot of it is just rambling. But there are some interesting insights about other people in the book.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Art of Being was a nice book to read and quickly contemplate, but there was not a lot of new perspective or particularly insightful thought.

Some of the essays were very enjoyable, some were very basic and literal, and some just felt indulgent.