Zen and the Art of happiness - Bookclub #46

eldergill (52)in #bookclub • 5 years ago

About the Author

Chris Prentiss is the Co-Founder & Co-Director, Passages Addiction Treatment Centers. His son Pax, when 18 years old approached Chris to tell him that he was addicted to heroin. This started their journey together as father and son to save Pax's life. Chris said, "Don't worry Pax, we'll fix you right up." Little did he know, that he was in a fight to save Pax's life and it would last for many years. Several times Pax nearly died after he overdosed; and once, he was severely beaten by drug dealers to the point of hospitalization.

After listening to therapists and psychologists advice to take Pax to various 12-step programs around the country, Chris found that all of them were unsuccessful. He then decided to take matters into his own hands and created his own 12 step program and earnt the trust of his son to take part in it. This program focuses primarily on finding out the "why" behind a person's addiction. Chris is quick to state that of course, finding out the "why" is not the end of it. There is more to it than that. But unless the "why" is discovered and healed, relapse is nearly certain. This eventually ended up leading to his son's healing and allowed Pax to get over the addiction to get his life back on track. They subsequently founded the Passages Addiction Treatment Centers together.

Chris Prentiss has also written a dozen books on Chinese Philosophy and personal growth. He's led personal empowerment workshops in southern California and has written, produced, and directed a feature film. He currently lives in Malibu California.

A little bit about the book

Zen and the Art of Happiness provides you with the tools to think and feel so that what you think and feel creates happiness and vibrancy in your life, rather than gloominess and depression.

Step by step you learn how to adapt to life's inevitable changes. How to deal with stress in a healthy way, and how to nurture mindful happiness in your daily life. Most importantly, the gentle wisdom of Zen and the Art of Happiness will show you how to invite magnificent experiences into your life and create a personal philosophy that will sustain you through anything.

There are 10 chapters that link to self-development and the book is perfect for anyone currently finding everyday life stressful, living in the past or worrying too much about the future. It is a very easy read of only approximately 140 pages and the information is very easy to follow.