Eknath Easwaran (1910-1999) is respected around the world as an authentic guide to wisdom, and as the author of passage meditation, an eight-point program of universal spiritual practices. In 1961 he founded the Blue Mountain Center of Meditation in Berkeley, which carries on his work with publications and retreats.

Life today can feel so fragmented. Often we face enormous pressures…  But if we look at our choices through Easwaran’s eyes, it’s surprising how quickly we begin to discover patience, peace and meaning.

Now in a handsome new edition with a new opening chapter emphasizing the spiritual benefits of an unhurried mind and a more intentional life, Take Your Time invites us to try something different next time we’re stressed—techniques we can use to:

• Slow down inwardly, even if we have a lot to do
• Stay calmer, more patient, more loving with all around us
• Improve concentration—do one thing at a time and do it well
• Keep our attention in the present so we don’t waste energy on worry and resentment
• Simplify our lives and avoid trying to do too much
• Step back, slow down, and find a doorway to joy and serenity where you might never have thought to look.

Pressure is contagious, but so is good will. Just one person slowing down, one person not putting others under pressure, helps everyone else to relax too. To paraphrase the Buddha, we learn to do this by doing it. We learn to slow down by trying to slow down.

With revealing stories as well as beautifully framed “Ideas and Suggestions” at the end of each chapter, Take Your Time presents a timely and timeless message on how to care for yourself and your soul in this all-too-busy world.

Eknath Easwaran combined the best of Eastern and Western spirituality in fresh and profoundly simple ways. Among his many other books are Gandhi the Man and The Bhagavad Gita for Daily Living. See easwaran.org