In a world where we’re constantly told that more is the key to happiness - more possessions, more achievements, more busyness -it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters.

In The Empty Path: Finding Fulfillment through the Radical Art of Lessening, author Billy Wynne explores the Buddhist concept of emptiness as an antidote to our culture’s never-ending quest for more.

Western culture trains us to think that emptiness is synonymous with worthlessness, meaninglessness, or apathy,” writes Wynne. “But, in fact, realizing the emptiness of things can empower us to overcome the numerous filters and obstacles we put between ourselves and precious and important aspects of our lives.”

The Empty Path is a how-to manual for the art of lessening – for realizing and practicing emptiness in our daily lives. Wynne dispels the common misconception that peace and fulfillment will come via accumulation and uses real-life examples and accessible practices to help readers wake up to their inherent wholeness.

“The tools with which you will hone the art of lessening are made up of mindfulness,” writes Wynne. “My intention with this book is to combine these profound teachings with the very practical ups and downs of my own life to offer you a straightforward, relatable path that doesn’t require any background or belief in Buddhism.”

Each of the book’s ten chapters offers ancient wisdom, modem examples, tools, and detailed practices for cultivating emptiness in a different facet of daily live, such as:
• Reclaiming Time
• Actualizing Your Work
• Discovering the True Joy of Play
• Being the Love You Are
• Forgiving and Being Forgiven

“Whatever our circumstances, no matter how dire, we can experience true, abiding peace. There is nothing else we need to do, nowhere else we need to go, nothing outside us that we need to aspire to, work toward, or learn,” writes Wynne. “The empty path just requires putting one foot in front of the other. I hope this book provides a lamp for your journey.

About the Author: Billy Wynne is the author of The Empty Path: Finding Fulfillment through the Radical Art of Lessening. A student of Buddhism and mindfulness for 30 years, he received meditation teaching certification under Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach and lay Zen Buddhist ordination from the Zen Center of Denver, where he now teaches classes and serves on the board. He lives in Denver with his wife, children: and shih-poos, Oscar and Archie. Visit him online at https://billywynne.com.

April Book Reviews

    

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