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In Search of Balance
In Search of Balance by Richard A. Swenson, MD, author of the best-selling book Margin, helps us understand the dangers of living in a fast-paced world and gives us hope for recovering a foundational sense of equilibrium. Dr. Swenson offers not only important organizing principles for making sense of our priorities but also scores of practical tips for finding rest and contentment in a world that emphasizes materialism and busyness. His advice is grounded in the daily realities we all experience, but his wisdom has been honed by the big-picture perspective of an exhaustive study of the stresses of modern life. Let Dr. Swenson be your gentle guide for reaching a new stage of personal balance.
232 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 16, 2014
Some good thoughts and ideas, but could easily have been 100 pages shorter.
July 5, 2020
Thought-provoking, but I would have liked more meat around the "prescriptions". Much more of the book was spent describing the problem but I was already convinced of the problem before I began reading. Still, I enjoyed the book tremendously and thought the author made some excellent points.
May 1, 2011
When my friends ask what they can pray about for me, I almost always say "balance." Juggling work and family is a real circus act sometimes. I was immediately drawn in by the title of this book, and I was not disappointed. I underlined more passages than I can count, and refer back to them frequently. This is an example of a book that has actually helped shape the way I live.
October 4, 2018
Excellent! Should read every year!
July 14, 2024
Not as good as Margin and Overload Syndrome (his earlier books) but still a great and helpful read
May 30, 2016
In the words of Richard Swenson, regarding the idea of life balance, many have given up the fight for it while a few "have even trivialized it as a convenient fiction for the weak who do not wish to do the difficult work of life." Yet, I agree with the author that the issue arising from misplaced life priorities via behaviors and choices are real, and as Dr. Swenson notes, "many problems in life are best served by solving them rather than yielding to them."
Swenson's books are easy and enjoyable reads. His concept of balance is a natural partner to his already well developed idea of margin. Apropos to the discussion of life priorities was his touching story of the brief and beloved life of his grandson, Nico. I came close to tearing up merely upon seeing the picture of this bright, beautiful baby in the dedication found amid the opening pages of the book.
After developing his concept of balance in the first half of the book, the second half is spent in providing advice as to practical applications. These come in the form of Rxs, something appropriate for a MD. Speaking of all things medical, one comment of his that I found particularly helpful (given my work in the medical field and love of problem solving) was the following: "I've come to realize that my main purpose on earth is not so much to be a problem solver as to be a lover of problem bearers." I can only add "amen."
There are numerous tips the author provides, such as identifying one's prime time for energy to work and planning accordingly. He encourages decreased consumption of television and food as well as increased exercise and sleep. Swenson recommends resisting the urge to check email (or texts for that matter) frequently but instead giving one's full attention to the person(s) with whom one is present. There are more specific suggestions housed in the book, but the above serve as a representative sampling.
Overall, I rate this book as 4 out of 5 stars because it is enjoyable and helpful. I still like "Margin" better because it blew my socks off and was extremely beneficial. "In Search of Balance" is not a "must read" but then again it's perfect for vacation (which is when I read it) or for leisure. Reading this work is not a waste of time, and it may, indeed, prove instrumental in making your life a more rich and stable one.
Swenson's books are easy and enjoyable reads. His concept of balance is a natural partner to his already well developed idea of margin. Apropos to the discussion of life priorities was his touching story of the brief and beloved life of his grandson, Nico. I came close to tearing up merely upon seeing the picture of this bright, beautiful baby in the dedication found amid the opening pages of the book.
After developing his concept of balance in the first half of the book, the second half is spent in providing advice as to practical applications. These come in the form of Rxs, something appropriate for a MD. Speaking of all things medical, one comment of his that I found particularly helpful (given my work in the medical field and love of problem solving) was the following: "I've come to realize that my main purpose on earth is not so much to be a problem solver as to be a lover of problem bearers." I can only add "amen."
There are numerous tips the author provides, such as identifying one's prime time for energy to work and planning accordingly. He encourages decreased consumption of television and food as well as increased exercise and sleep. Swenson recommends resisting the urge to check email (or texts for that matter) frequently but instead giving one's full attention to the person(s) with whom one is present. There are more specific suggestions housed in the book, but the above serve as a representative sampling.
Overall, I rate this book as 4 out of 5 stars because it is enjoyable and helpful. I still like "Margin" better because it blew my socks off and was extremely beneficial. "In Search of Balance" is not a "must read" but then again it's perfect for vacation (which is when I read it) or for leisure. Reading this work is not a waste of time, and it may, indeed, prove instrumental in making your life a more rich and stable one.
January 5, 2015
"In the past, there was a closure on the end of every day. . . . It was called night. There also existed a closure on the end of every week - it was called Sabbath, or the Lord’s Day, or weekend. Technology, with our permission,has blasted that landscape clean. Today there are no natural closures, just as there is no natural solitude. How do we find our way back?" (from p. 167)
Whereas Margin was a book on the overall benefits of establishing space in our lives, In Search of Balance is a book that tries to explain how our present culture makes that practically impossible. Swenson does not say there is no hope. But he spends a lot of time explaining how “turbocharged” progress inevitably leads to no space in our lives for the things that really matter.
"The only question is whether [overload] will be stopped by wisdom or by crisis." (p. 102) Swenson advises his readers to pursue the difficult disciplines of simplicity and contentment. Only when we consciously get off the default treadmill of modern times and devote ourselves to things of eternal importance, will we find personal peace and freedom.
Whereas Margin was a book on the overall benefits of establishing space in our lives, In Search of Balance is a book that tries to explain how our present culture makes that practically impossible. Swenson does not say there is no hope. But he spends a lot of time explaining how “turbocharged” progress inevitably leads to no space in our lives for the things that really matter.
"The only question is whether [overload] will be stopped by wisdom or by crisis." (p. 102) Swenson advises his readers to pursue the difficult disciplines of simplicity and contentment. Only when we consciously get off the default treadmill of modern times and devote ourselves to things of eternal importance, will we find personal peace and freedom.
February 11, 2012
Now that the demands of the sandwich generation mean that the responsibility of ageing parents-in-law have been added to the responsibility of raising my family the title "In Search of Balance" immediately caught my eye. I have read, and am reading, a number of similar books and I got more helpful information out of "In Search for Balance" than any of the others so far. My kindle copy is covered in yellow highlights and notes. I will refer to it frequently I'm sure.
January 20, 2013
The book started out a little slow to me, and I didn't think I was going to like it, but the more I read, the better it got. The author addresses the struggle of work-life balance and burnout, encouraging us to not always be seeking more, better, faster. The last few chapters were the most helpful with his lists of prescriptions for recovering balance.
February 7, 2013
Although I am still searching I really enjoyed this book and took quite a few notes while reading it. Some good thought provoking ideas and suggestions that I am trying to incorporate into my life. I always try to read one or two non-fiction books each summer for personal improvement!
December 21, 2010
One of the books I read this year in prep for my "Pause" (Sabbath) message.
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February 6, 2013Highly recommend! Great book on how to not let culture dictate how you live. How to live balanced and peaceful life.
July 12, 2015
Decent info - but the "humble brag" autobiographical tone gets tiring.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews