Book Review: The Force of Kindness by Sharon Salzberg

The Force of Kindness

Change Your Life with Love & Compassion

by Sharon Salzberg

"A dedication to kindness offers us a chance to try to make a real difference despite the obstacles and unhappiness we might face."

This is an easy narrative to read as Salzberg shines the light on the many facets of practicing and embodying the act of lovingkindness.  She talks about what it means to be a human being and to experience others as ourselves, kindred spirits feeling the same pain, going through the same struggles.  She offers a list of concrete ways we can offer lovingkindness to others.  The underlying tip seems to be "stay aware", "reflect" and "remember" your own humanity, your own pain and suffering.  The act of being able to actually tune into another person's experience is key to practicing empathy, and in turn compassion and lovingkindness.  We need to practice the quality of restraint;  forgiveness is an integral component of practicing kindness.  The end result will be connection, and rewards far greater than we expect.

This book comes with a CD with the author offering four guided Lovingkindness meditations.  The 97 pages go by quickly as you journey through the softness of remembering your own humanity and tuning in to the humanity of others.

Review written by Sanna Rose

The Force of Kindness is available at Stepping Stones Books and Gifts