Every Drop of Water and Every Grain of Salt on the Way to Authentic Happiness

by Armando S. Garcia

Our happiness is the result of our intentions and reactions toward others, our thoughts, and circumstances. This is because human consciousness is essentially a Nothingness, a No-thingness, and therefore becomes its intentions. We become the hatred we direct at others, and the kindness we treat others with. Every Drop of Water and Every Grain of Salt on the Way to Authentic Happiness reveals that the personal universe is fundamentally moral: that to be truly happy, you must be a good person.

Drawing from his many years of observing young minds, training in introspection, and existential philosophy, Dr. Garcia offers new insights into the origin of our suffering, fears, and unhappiness. He shows how our unawareness of our existential Nothingness conditions a grasping of the world as Self, causing unnecessary stress and suffering; and how, by realizing a centeredness in Being, we find peace of mind and authentic happiness.

Genres: Nonfiction

166 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 17, 2019

About the author

Dr. Garcia writes with a clarity and authority gained from many years of methodical introspection and the keen observation of young minds. His work is motivated by the recognition that the greatest affliction of the modern age comes not from disease but from the loss of the natural happiness and sense of meaningfulness that we were born with. Dr. Garcia is a practicing pediatrician in Orlando, Florida.

Reviews

[Hannah Barry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Something that I really value about this book and the way that the author, Armando S. Garcia, approaches the topics of the self, enlightenment, happiness, et al. is that he does not shy away from the idea of the darkness, the nothingness, the abyss. In many "self-help" books there is this arbitrary notion that we must turn towards the light, that we must ground and meditate and become our truest selves and follow our bliss. I think there is a lot to be said about understanding ourselves, our psyches, and trying to find our way back to our child-like minds; which, too, does not preclude the darkness.

Garcia is clearly an eloquent man with years of life and experience under his belt, and he certainly writes as such, but I think what's missing is a more coherent thread of philosophical thought throughout. The language used, while easy to grasp, bounces around a bit in terms of academic verse casual tone, which isn't a problem per se, but something I did notice. And while I think the salt in water metaphor is apt and even easily accessible, it felt a bit tired by the end of the book.

Overall, a very solid read. A clarifying, validating read that will go a long way for those pondering the meaning of happiness or seeking contentment in their lives.

[Bobbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is deep with philosophy. I can't say that I understand all of it, and parts of it left me puzzled. But I really like the chapter on finding happiness. And also the part about living by the golden rule, not only to benefit others, but also in turn to benefit yourself. It's the idea that what goes around, comes around, and you are indeed doing to yourself what you are doing to others. I do like Garcias' definition of Mindfulness, because that seems to be the new catch-all phrase. And all that he explains leads up to the final chapters on finding the way to authentic happiness. It was an interesting book, but I could have done without some of the chapters on philosophy though I did find some of Sartre's views compelling. I'd suggest you check it out for yourself, for your opinion may not be the same as mine.

[Johanna Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book wonderfully distills basic tenets from both Western and Eastern philosophies on the conscious self, Being, and authentic happiness. It presents a strong case for how existentialism, positive psychology, and Mahayana Buddhism can all be linked into one functioning philosophy. Separated into three parts, the book examines and categorizes factors that contribute to emotional pain or salt and the conditions which help to alleviate suffering in the form of water. The ideas are written in a clear manner; however, a rereading will most likely be required to fully comprehend the ideas and put into action. In an age of constant distraction and comparison, the strategies presented here are great reminders of how to achieve a more peaceful and authentic state of being. 

[Laura Clementz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a mind exploring read that blends psychology, philosophy, religion and the author’s experiences as a pediatrician. It examines a possible map to happiness by accepting our consciousness is nothingness, so we are able to detach from the materialistic world around us. Then in a metaphor from the title, we can add more water (positive) to ourselves so there is less of a proportion of the salt (negative). Then the self-shifts to becoming authentic, and we experience authentic happiness. The map emphasizes a blend of traditional existentialism as developed by Sartre and portions of Buddhism. Where these views meet results in an intense focus upon the suffering, not-self, and “I create the universe in my mind” points of view.

[CR · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed how this author didn't shy away from the darkness that lies within us all. You are more than just the happiness that we show the world and this book shows that. I think that the kids movie about emotions said it best that you don't have to always be happy. I would recommend this book to those who are looking to learn to be well rounded and to find a great way to be happy and balanced.

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every Drop of Water and Every Grain of Salt on the Way to Authentic Happiness by Dr. Armando S. Garcia. I found this book very helpful. It isn't a simple read so it will be something I will need to go back to and re-read to go over some parts that I feel I need additional understanding and help with. But I am happy to have this in my library of self help books.

[Diana Beckham · Rating 2 out of 5]

A deep read.

[Best Indie Book Award · Rating 5 out of 5]

🏆 2020 BIBA® Self-Help/Existential Philosophy Winner!