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Awakening Joy: 10 Steps That Will Put You on the Road to Real Happiness
Joy is not for just the lucky few–it’s a choice anyone can make. In this groundbreaking book, based on his popular course, James Baraz helps you discover a path to the happiness that’s right in front of you, offering a step-by-step program that will reorient your mind away from dissatisfaction and distraction and toward the contentment and delight that is abundantly available in our everyday lives.
You can decide to be happy. For years, James Baraz’s online Awakening Joy course has offered participants from around the world the benefits of this simple but profoundly radical proposition. Grounded in simple Buddhist principles but accessible to people of all faiths–or no faith at all–this concept provides the jumping-off point for a transformational journey toward a richer, more meaningful, more positive outlook on life. Now readers everywhere can follow the same ten steps Baraz teaches to his program participants. In this practical down-to-earth guide, you will learn how to
• make happiness a habit by inclining your mind toward states that lead to well-being
• find joy even during difficult times and avoid the pitfalls that prevent you from achieving the contentment you seek
• cultivate effective practices for sustaining joyfulness, such as reclaiming your natural sense of wonder and finding joy in the midst of everyday experiences
Each chapter of Awakening Joy consists of one step in Baraz’s ten-step program and includes engaging exercises and practical advice to make happiness your natural default setting. For everyone from the cynic despondent over life’s many sorrows to the harried commuter raging at freeway traffic, this book offers up a simple yet powerful message of hope grounded in the realization that joy already exists inside every one of us. Like a precious child, it only needs to be recognized, embraced, and nurtured in order to grow to its full potential.
Praise
"I've personally taken the Awakening Joy program and can say this It's fabulous and it works! This book, filled with moving stories and rich teachings, will give you wonderful tools to experience true happiness and well-being. It's a gem!"— Marci Shimoff, New York Times bestselling author of Happy for No Reason
"Opening to joy takes courage and intention. This book will inspire you to discover genuine happiness, and show you how. Drawing on perennial wisdom and accessible meditative practices, James and Shoshana offer teachings that can awaken your love of life."— Tara Brach, author of Radical Acceptance
" Awakening Joy is an important guide to transforming our everyday experience into genuine happiness. James and Shoshana's insight, kindness, and clear and practical language make this a direct, pragmatic and valuable manual for a better life."—Sharon Salzberg, author of The Revolutionary Art of Happiness
"In this beautiful and heartwarming book, James Baraz and Shoshana Alexander take us on a journey that truly awakens joy. There are stories that bring tears to our eyes and practices that transform our lives. This is a loving, wise, and compassionate testament to what is possible for each one of us. Highly recommended."—Joseph Goldstein, author of A Heart Full of Peace
"I'm so happy that James Baraz's Awakening Joy class is now available in book form. His class has been helpful to thousands of people. I plan to give it to all my clients who are struggling with creating a life of meaning and happiness. Joyfulness is our birthright. This book shows you how to reclaim it."—M.J. Ryan, author of AdaptAbility
"This is a life-changing book that not only teaches practical, useful strategies for increasing your awareness, but also illuminates choices about how you can lead your emotional life." —Paul Ekman, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, University of California, San Francisco, co-author of Emotional Awareness and author of Emotions Revealed
"To awaken joy in oneself and others is one of life's great skills, a skill taught by sages across the centuries, and now distilled in this book."—Roger Walsh M.D., Ph.D., University of California Medical School, author of Essential The Seven Central Practices
"This book is an inspiring gift that will open your heart to the presence of love and joy in everyday life."—Frances Vaughan, Ph.D., psychologist, author of Shadows of the Sacred
"Every page of this wonderful book has something that inspires faith or a new story, a memorable quote, an exercise that invites participation....From beginning to end, it is a joy to read."—Sylvia Boorstein, author of Happiness Is An Inside Practicing for a Joyful Life
"This book should be read by every person who cares about making this a better world. It can enhance the joys of working to develop a wiser and more compassionate society, and help make us both happier and more effective in challenging times."—Daniel Ellsberg, author of A Memoir of Vietnam and the Pentagon Papers
"This is an important book—and a great read! With its unique mix of story, philosophy, and practice we can explore our needs, free ourselves from the bonds of suffering, and innovate new ways of being that will last our lifetimes. And, because James has woven himself and his characteristic smile throughout the book, we can have a lot of fun in the process."—Rick Foster, co-author of How We Choose to Be Happy
"Faith, hope, and love have long been considered the essential virtues of the religious life. James Baraz has done us all a great service by elevating joy to its rightful place alongside the trinity of sacred emotions. What a gift is it, to be surprised by joy, and to awaken, in the midst of a difficult world, the impulse to rejoice."—Patricia E. de Jong, Senior Minister, First Congregational Church of Berkeley
" Awakening Joy is an inspirational and practical resource which helps us identify where we are or are not experiencing joy in our lives. This original book addresses the primary obstacles or beliefs that hinder our access to joy, and includes timeless practices and ways in which we can expand, cultivate, express, and experience more joy in our lives and within our own nature. Well-written, informative, and a significant contribution to everyone's well-being."—Angeles Arrien, Ph.D., cultural anthropologist, and author of award-winning Second Half of Opening to the Eight Gates of Wisdom
"In our pursuit of happiness, this moving book should be a dog eared, worn out companion....As you work through this elegant material, you will find yourself laughing a little longer, dancing a little more, and awakening to the beauty of what lies inside you and in those nearby."—Dacher Keltner, Professor of Psychology, UC Berkeley, and author, Born To Be The Science of a Meaningful Life
"I have been deeply touched and inspired by James Baraz's accessible, practical wisdom. His genuine caring for people and enthusiasm for life generously pour forth and permeate everything that he teaches--now in the pages of this book."—Rabbi Margie Jacobs, Institute for Jewish Spirituality
" Awakening Joy is a wise treasure house of valuable information, anecdotes, potent quotes, and creative suggestions to step into one's power and live life to the max. This book is a rich, inspiring resource I'm excited to share with my yoga students."—Gabriel Halpern, founder and director of the Yoga Circle [Chicago]
You can decide to be happy. For years, James Baraz’s online Awakening Joy course has offered participants from around the world the benefits of this simple but profoundly radical proposition. Grounded in simple Buddhist principles but accessible to people of all faiths–or no faith at all–this concept provides the jumping-off point for a transformational journey toward a richer, more meaningful, more positive outlook on life. Now readers everywhere can follow the same ten steps Baraz teaches to his program participants. In this practical down-to-earth guide, you will learn how to
• make happiness a habit by inclining your mind toward states that lead to well-being
• find joy even during difficult times and avoid the pitfalls that prevent you from achieving the contentment you seek
• cultivate effective practices for sustaining joyfulness, such as reclaiming your natural sense of wonder and finding joy in the midst of everyday experiences
Each chapter of Awakening Joy consists of one step in Baraz’s ten-step program and includes engaging exercises and practical advice to make happiness your natural default setting. For everyone from the cynic despondent over life’s many sorrows to the harried commuter raging at freeway traffic, this book offers up a simple yet powerful message of hope grounded in the realization that joy already exists inside every one of us. Like a precious child, it only needs to be recognized, embraced, and nurtured in order to grow to its full potential.
Praise
"I've personally taken the Awakening Joy program and can say this It's fabulous and it works! This book, filled with moving stories and rich teachings, will give you wonderful tools to experience true happiness and well-being. It's a gem!"— Marci Shimoff, New York Times bestselling author of Happy for No Reason
"Opening to joy takes courage and intention. This book will inspire you to discover genuine happiness, and show you how. Drawing on perennial wisdom and accessible meditative practices, James and Shoshana offer teachings that can awaken your love of life."— Tara Brach, author of Radical Acceptance
" Awakening Joy is an important guide to transforming our everyday experience into genuine happiness. James and Shoshana's insight, kindness, and clear and practical language make this a direct, pragmatic and valuable manual for a better life."—Sharon Salzberg, author of The Revolutionary Art of Happiness
"In this beautiful and heartwarming book, James Baraz and Shoshana Alexander take us on a journey that truly awakens joy. There are stories that bring tears to our eyes and practices that transform our lives. This is a loving, wise, and compassionate testament to what is possible for each one of us. Highly recommended."—Joseph Goldstein, author of A Heart Full of Peace
"I'm so happy that James Baraz's Awakening Joy class is now available in book form. His class has been helpful to thousands of people. I plan to give it to all my clients who are struggling with creating a life of meaning and happiness. Joyfulness is our birthright. This book shows you how to reclaim it."—M.J. Ryan, author of AdaptAbility
"This is a life-changing book that not only teaches practical, useful strategies for increasing your awareness, but also illuminates choices about how you can lead your emotional life." —Paul Ekman, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, University of California, San Francisco, co-author of Emotional Awareness and author of Emotions Revealed
"To awaken joy in oneself and others is one of life's great skills, a skill taught by sages across the centuries, and now distilled in this book."—Roger Walsh M.D., Ph.D., University of California Medical School, author of Essential The Seven Central Practices
"This book is an inspiring gift that will open your heart to the presence of love and joy in everyday life."—Frances Vaughan, Ph.D., psychologist, author of Shadows of the Sacred
"Every page of this wonderful book has something that inspires faith or a new story, a memorable quote, an exercise that invites participation....From beginning to end, it is a joy to read."—Sylvia Boorstein, author of Happiness Is An Inside Practicing for a Joyful Life
"This book should be read by every person who cares about making this a better world. It can enhance the joys of working to develop a wiser and more compassionate society, and help make us both happier and more effective in challenging times."—Daniel Ellsberg, author of A Memoir of Vietnam and the Pentagon Papers
"This is an important book—and a great read! With its unique mix of story, philosophy, and practice we can explore our needs, free ourselves from the bonds of suffering, and innovate new ways of being that will last our lifetimes. And, because James has woven himself and his characteristic smile throughout the book, we can have a lot of fun in the process."—Rick Foster, co-author of How We Choose to Be Happy
"Faith, hope, and love have long been considered the essential virtues of the religious life. James Baraz has done us all a great service by elevating joy to its rightful place alongside the trinity of sacred emotions. What a gift is it, to be surprised by joy, and to awaken, in the midst of a difficult world, the impulse to rejoice."—Patricia E. de Jong, Senior Minister, First Congregational Church of Berkeley
" Awakening Joy is an inspirational and practical resource which helps us identify where we are or are not experiencing joy in our lives. This original book addresses the primary obstacles or beliefs that hinder our access to joy, and includes timeless practices and ways in which we can expand, cultivate, express, and experience more joy in our lives and within our own nature. Well-written, informative, and a significant contribution to everyone's well-being."—Angeles Arrien, Ph.D., cultural anthropologist, and author of award-winning Second Half of Opening to the Eight Gates of Wisdom
"In our pursuit of happiness, this moving book should be a dog eared, worn out companion....As you work through this elegant material, you will find yourself laughing a little longer, dancing a little more, and awakening to the beauty of what lies inside you and in those nearby."—Dacher Keltner, Professor of Psychology, UC Berkeley, and author, Born To Be The Science of a Meaningful Life
"I have been deeply touched and inspired by James Baraz's accessible, practical wisdom. His genuine caring for people and enthusiasm for life generously pour forth and permeate everything that he teaches--now in the pages of this book."—Rabbi Margie Jacobs, Institute for Jewish Spirituality
" Awakening Joy is a wise treasure house of valuable information, anecdotes, potent quotes, and creative suggestions to step into one's power and live life to the max. This book is a rich, inspiring resource I'm excited to share with my yoga students."—Gabriel Halpern, founder and director of the Yoga Circle [Chicago]
336 pages, Hardcover
First published December 17, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
June 22, 2011
This book really got "in there" for me. Here's an example, from p.199
.... As Catherine recognized, being kind to ourselves includes not condemning ourselves for the feelings that arise. It doesn't make sense to say, "I shouldn't be feeling what I'm feeling." Feelings arise in response to a complex of conditions. You don't say, "I could go for some fear right now" or, "How about a little self-hatred for a minute?" It's not like you have a choice about what pops into your mind. But you do have a choice as to how you respond to the fear or self-hatred when they're present. And that's where you can either deepen your suffering with self-criticism or hold the suffering kindly......
.... As Catherine recognized, being kind to ourselves includes not condemning ourselves for the feelings that arise. It doesn't make sense to say, "I shouldn't be feeling what I'm feeling." Feelings arise in response to a complex of conditions. You don't say, "I could go for some fear right now" or, "How about a little self-hatred for a minute?" It's not like you have a choice about what pops into your mind. But you do have a choice as to how you respond to the fear or self-hatred when they're present. And that's where you can either deepen your suffering with self-criticism or hold the suffering kindly......
September 22, 2012
This book covers the basics of Buddhist meditation practice with an emphasis on cultivating joy. It is good but not spectacular, although it does contain some gems. It probably works better for beginning students as opposed to advanced practitioners. It has almost no technical Buddhist terminology in it. What lowers the rating for me is that I don't really like the format--it has a lot of inserts and sidebars. And, it is written by two people. Each of these makes it jarring to read--the flow is often interrupted. I'm not a fan of books that share information in the format of a personal story of someone the author knows. I find that hokey. If that doesn't bother you, you might enjoy the book more than I did.
February 24, 2017
I really enjoyed James Baraz's 4-part talk on Happiness so I was happy to see that he just published a book based on his happiness workshops. You would think a book about joy would be an easy read. The writing style is accessible yet the content is hardcore in a helpful way. The book offers practical methods for facing what's difficult in life so that you can clear a path to a more fulfilling life - and that includes stories that will bring tears to your eyes. For instance, the story of the mother whose 14 year-old daughter committed suicide and how she healed. The chapter on integrity and his own heartfelt story about making amends. The integrity chapter, for instance, does an excellent job of discussing the emotional benefits of living a truthful life, of "acting with integrity in the moment of choice" and considering how you want to feel and how you need to conduct yourself to create the conditions for those feelings. The book is an emotional roller coaster and yet in ends in a place of peace, just like the practice itself. The last chapter on finding peace in just being was the perfect endnote. A lovely, practical guide to awakening joy by facing what's difficult.
July 8, 2010
Who knew that remembering a positive experience could actually change your brain? Research shows that our gray matter is entirely susceptible to being rewired by pleasing thoughts. Better yet, the more we dwell on them, the more the brain begins to develop a habit or “inclination” to joy.
Authors James Baraz and Shoshana Alexander proffer a wealth of such facts to underscore the value of a happiness practice; they also help to show that real joyfulness is an easier state to maintain than you might think. Their book is based on the 10-step course by the same name, in which participants learn the basic skills they need to foster a greater sense of pleasure in their lives — from establishing a gratitude practice to learning to deal more thoughtfully with disappointments.
Built on a Buddhist framework (though one need not be interested in the philosophy to benefit), the steps are coupled with easy exercises, like practicing well-wishing for an unfamiliar neighbor or taking pleasure in doing the dishes.
The research-centered approach will appeal to interested realists. The program’s spiritual dimension helps anchor the research in a bigger picture. A handy set of tools for amping up your enjoyment of everyday life.
Authors James Baraz and Shoshana Alexander proffer a wealth of such facts to underscore the value of a happiness practice; they also help to show that real joyfulness is an easier state to maintain than you might think. Their book is based on the 10-step course by the same name, in which participants learn the basic skills they need to foster a greater sense of pleasure in their lives — from establishing a gratitude practice to learning to deal more thoughtfully with disappointments.
Built on a Buddhist framework (though one need not be interested in the philosophy to benefit), the steps are coupled with easy exercises, like practicing well-wishing for an unfamiliar neighbor or taking pleasure in doing the dishes.
The research-centered approach will appeal to interested realists. The program’s spiritual dimension helps anchor the research in a bigger picture. A handy set of tools for amping up your enjoyment of everyday life.
February 4, 2017
Meh. I read with a few friends while taking the Awakening Joy class online. The course was also meh. Baraz talked about why you might want to meditate but didn't assume that the reader was a meditator. I have been meditating for some time, and the focus of this complemented my practice, but didn't much enhance it.
If I wasn't reading it for my group, I wouldn't have finished it.
If I wasn't reading it for my group, I wouldn't have finished it.
August 26, 2016
A great introduction to mindfulness, but it's long-winded as hell. Every point gets hammered home and then hammered again and again. Then you meet lots of happy people who suddenly develop cancer. Seriously, everyone gets cancer. I know these are real stories, but christ. Kind of a downer.
November 5, 2010
Really interesting. A little more self-help-y than I had anticipated, since I have heard the authors speak and they were quite different in their presentation. But I think they were trying to reach a wide range of people with the book, which I appreciate.
Worth reading, for sure!
Worth reading, for sure!
January 22, 2022
Awakening Joy is a course that delivers a simple plan for how to increase joy and mindfulness in every day life using mostly Buddhist principles & science-based Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) techniques. I also learned that “busy” in Chinese characters is “heart kill,” so if that’s not incentive to de-load and destress, what is? 😂💜 I wouldn’t have read this book due to it’s cheesy cover and flippant title, but since Holly Whitaker of How to Quit Like a Woman recommended it, I did, and I don’t regret it!
October 30, 2021
I first read this book in 2014, and decided to come back to it in 2021. Many of the challenges I am facing now are different from what they were in 2014, but the techniques in this book are just as powerful! So grateful my sister sent me this book back in 2014. It is such an important reminder about the power of the here and now, mindfulness, everything changes, that I am safe, and that I am enough.
April 9, 2016
This is a great primer for those who haven't delved into mindfulness before. It does take a somewhat one-sided view of things, because the emphasis is on joy. So at times, it read a little schmaltzy to me. Also, this book is based on a course that Baraz teaches, and so sometimes I felt like I was reading an extended ad for that training. On the bright side, reading this book helped remind me in my own mindfulness practice to actively cultivate joy, and that's a plus.
December 4, 2012
So insightful and such a different approach that it was like a breath of fresh air.
July 1, 2020
This book took 6 months to complete but worth it if you dive into it fully. I went to a day retreat in January at Spirit Rock on 10k joys and 10k sorrows and met James. I also had, separately, put this book on my to read list after hearing Melinda Gates speak about it on a podcast. I was surprised to find that retreat leader, James, was the author! As my Awakening Joy Group says, that is a wink from the universe. After that coincidence, I signed up for the 5 month class and joined a joy group. The joy group made this book come alive. Without that weekly meeting to review the material, I don’t think I would have gotten as much out of this book. It’s truly a book to work with, slowly and with support. It’s not something you should read in a couple of days or a month. Very glad this book led me to joining the course, meeting new people, and jumping in to exploring the path to joy.
If you want a review on the book alone — good content, a mix of different religions and spiritualities supporting each chapter. The format of the book is one that did not bring me joy— very hard to follow along with all of the side notes and stories.
If you want a review on the book alone — good content, a mix of different religions and spiritualities supporting each chapter. The format of the book is one that did not bring me joy— very hard to follow along with all of the side notes and stories.
January 2, 2021
This took me a ridiculously long time to finish - over 6 months. It's not that I didn't enjoy it, but it was hard to get through for me. It was all good information and now I wonder how to keep it top of mind. 1. I'm going to allow more joy into my life 2. The path may not always be as simple and smooth as we would like, but if we're facing in the right direction, in time will find what we are looking for 3. There's only one of you and if you let yourself be the best of of yourself possible you may also like what you see, in time you may even love yourself. 4. May my happiness lead to the happiness of others 5.Your happiness or unhappiness depends on your actions, not only on my wishes for you. I read this based on some celebrity recommendations, including Melinda Gates.
September 8, 2022
Skimmed. Essentially an introduction to mindfulness.
p. 255 - "Action absorbs anxiety." - Angeles Arrien, anthropologist and author
Support Practices (from p. xxvii):
- Move your body.
- Regularly engage in some kind of creative expression.
- Create a nourishment list. [list everything that brings you joy]
- Do something nourishing, 3-4x / week if not daily.
- Meditate or take some time by yourself regularly [daily, if possible]. Beginner example: Sit with a cup of tea for 5-10 minutes as you look out a window.
- Keep a joy journal. Write down what brought you joy today.
- Find a joy buddy or joy group.
p. 255 - "Action absorbs anxiety." - Angeles Arrien, anthropologist and author
Support Practices (from p. xxvii):
- Move your body.
- Regularly engage in some kind of creative expression.
- Create a nourishment list. [list everything that brings you joy]
- Do something nourishing, 3-4x / week if not daily.
- Meditate or take some time by yourself regularly [daily, if possible]. Beginner example: Sit with a cup of tea for 5-10 minutes as you look out a window.
- Keep a joy journal. Write down what brought you joy today.
- Find a joy buddy or joy group.
June 17, 2017
I listened to the audio version of this book and that impacted my experience of it. I'm not convinced it works well as an audio. Partly that's because it includes number of meditations, which were impossible for me to do since I listened to the book on a long car trip. But I also think this book would work better as a workshop or group exercise. Simply reading the book makes his suggestions seem obvious (and a few weeks after listening, I had forgotten most of them). I don't think I implemented any of the ideas, although at the time I was thinking about what good ideas they were.
July 25, 2019
I heard about Awakening Joy while listening to Books of Your Life with Elizabeth. She was interviewing Melissa Gates and when they got around to the five most influential books of her she couldn't stop raving about. I meditate on a daily basis and like to think I practice mindfulness but I have not had a lot of luck with books about meditating or Buddhism. This book is different; somehow Baratz manages to come across as authentic and sincere and I could really relate to his message. Not only did I enjoy the book but I will be looking up his seminars and explore further.
March 30, 2021
An essential book, perhaps even my new “bible.” So much insight into the seemingly small steps we can take to destress, declutter our minds, and find the shine of happiness that resides in each of us. Having attended virtual sessions by James Batam in the past I was prepared for much of the message he outlined in the book. But with examples, personal stories and guided introspection the steps that anyone can follow to find happiness and joy are powerful - and achievable. It’s a book that will be reread numerous times.
April 16, 2020
Baraz is co-founder of Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, CA. What started as a 6 month course is now a 10 week course offered live and on-line on how to find joy. Each chapter covers topics ranging from mindfulness, having a grateful heart, accepting oneself and loving others. The book is part of his course. It is fast read and whether you are agnostic or a member of a faith, you will find good guidance.
May 24, 2019
I really enjoyed listening to this over a period of a few weeks. James Baraz has such a warm, peaceful tone and the steps and advice on how to achieve them was solid. I will say I'm having trouble REMEMBERING anything I heard outside of individual stories but that's on me. I'm going to give this a re-listen and hopefully retain more.
May 8, 2019
l listened to an interview by James before l read this book, he is such a kind and compassionate person and his calm manner all shine throughout the book. There are many things to learn from this book and practice.
June 27, 2019
I think this is a book I'll come back to and reread different chapters from time to time as a reminder of how to reframe challenging experiences, be compassionate toward myself and others, and generally practice a mindful approach to and awareness of life.
April 29, 2020
There is some good stuff here, but a bit too fluffy, religious, and spiritual for my liking at the moment. I'm ok with meditation, mindfulness, finding joy in the everyday, and being conscious and aware of things i need to acknowledge gratefulness for. My problem is time.
August 15, 2021
Still mulling over this book. For me reading it was a slow, thorough process which included some highlighting. I think it will take me a while to understand how implementing these steps affects my own happiness. I may have to reread this book.
December 30, 2018
Easy reading and great tips for a joyful life.
April 23, 2019
The book could try to tell you about a thousand ways to find joy but ultimately it is about you who step up and find a way to be happy!!
July 1, 2019
Point of personal preference...I am not a big fan of the anecdotes and personal stories from course participants. Just not interested in their experiences. Would rather focus on more content.
September 15, 2019
Awakening Joy
I had to stop after the preface. The author lives in Maui!, Of course he's full of joy! Move to Detroit for a couple of years, then we'll talk. Maholo & goodnight.
I had to stop after the preface. The author lives in Maui!, Of course he's full of joy! Move to Detroit for a couple of years, then we'll talk. Maholo & goodnight.
December 26, 2020
Life changing. Could read yearly.
December 29, 2020
Awakening Joy is a great reminder that we experience life in our mind. James Baraz lays out a 10 step checklist to help train ourselves to live in the moment, be grateful and positive no matter the circumstance we are going through. Treat this book as a work out for mindfulness.
May 20, 2021
Excellent Book! This one's a keeper for sure!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews