Wabi Sabi Love: The Ancient Art of Finding Perfect Love in Imperfect Relationships
O**N
Breath of Fresh Air for Marriages (And Other Relationships, Too)
*****Wabi Sabi Love is like a breath of fresh air for your marriage. It's a different kind of relationship book, one that is light and a very entertaining read yet at the same time profound. One of the author's previous books focuses on attracting an intimate partner; this one focuses on how to maintain the love once you have found it. It doesn't have all of the standard "marriage advice" but approaches committed relationships from a different perspective--that of imperfection.The basic idea behind Wabi Sabi Love is that by embracing imperfection (from the Japanese term "wabi sabi") you can enhance your marriage. It sounds paradoxical, and so it is. But this book shows you how it is done, primarily via anecdotal stores of couples who have successfully accomplished this. The stories will each have aspects you can relate to and apply to your own relationship. At the end of the book, the author lists details about who the people are, and I was surprised that many of them are well known personalities who revealed much about their own marriages in order to inspire and help others. I think that the people who shared their stories were brave to admit their vulnerabilities and to share intimate details about how they overcame their problems and embraced the imperfection in each other.The stories are followed with exercises that are light and fun, many of which can be done with your partner. They can also be saved for later and enjoyed, and the book just be read straight on through.I found this book to be very inspirational in turning my attitude around to being one of love and gratitude for the very things that irritated me about my husband. For example, in one of the stories the wife is constantly irritated because her husband leaves a trail of poppy seeds from his daily morning poppy seed bagel. She has to get down on the floor every day on her hands and knees and clean them up. She struggles with this until she realizes what no more poppy seeds would mean in her marriage--that her husband would be gone. Now when she sees the poppy seeds (and cleans them up) she is extremely aware of her love for her husband and how much he means to her. The author really describes this much better, but I wanted to give you a taste of what the book holds. It is a huge impetus in transforming your attitude towards things you don't like in other people.If you are still undecided, you can find out more about this approach by visiting the book's web site at wabisabilove.com. I can't imagine anyone not liking this book, except perhaps someone looking for something academic and heavy, which this book definitely isn't--it's written in a light and breezy style that is still full of substance. I'm tired of reading marriage books that feel like hard work--this one inspired me instead and gave me fresh and positive ideas, and I liked that. I know it will make a difference in all of my relationships; it has already made a difference in how I feel about them.Highly recommended.*****
D**R
Have an even better relationship through this real-world wisdom
This is a much-needed book for people who have good relationships that they're eager to make even better. Here are some reasons why I like this book:* It takes an unflinching look at the 'imperfections' in your partner (and yourself) and how you can learn to embrace them. This is not about the fairy-tale happily-ever-after, folks. It's about the day after Cinderella goes off into the sunset with Prince Charming when that surprise thing called reality hits 'em.* It has a healthy dose of applied Eastern wisdom and Western science, including the work of John Gottman (who does the best science on what makes relationships work). I have a soft spot for ancient wisdom + modern science, so two thumbs up to that.* It uses real-world case studies, most liberally from Arielle's own relationship and those of her friends. Arielle couldn't stand sports, and she married a jock who worshipped at the altar of basketball. How did she cope? She'll tell ya how she learned to LOVE basketball -- and it just may work for your situation, too.* It's for both men AND women. Guys -- can't deal with having to go shopping with your woman? (I can hear the collective uuuunnngh in the background). She recounts how other guys spun that lead into gold by putting that dead time into very creative (and effective) use.* It has real-world, practical techniques that totally work. The Heart Lock-In Technique alone may be worth the admission price -- and that's just Chapter 1.* It's written by Arielle Ford. I firmly believe that you should learn from people who practice what they preach, and Arielle is the embodiment of her teachings. A brilliantly successful businesswoman (she launched the career of Deepak Chopra and countless others), she also has an empathy that shines through her person and her writing. In sum, she's the kind of person whose advice I would take.The personal stories also make it fun to read. If you're interested in truly appreciating the partner you already have -- not as lip-service or a chore, but in a radical, real and deep way -- this is your roadmap.-- Ali Binazir, M.D., M.Phil, author of 'The Tao of Dating: The Smart Woman's Guide to Being Absolutely Irresistible', the highest-rated dating self-help book on Amazon (4.9/5.0 stars)
D**H
Get this book!
Every relationship will go through its up and downs. This book will help to make the downs less deep and frequent. Arielle has a great way of telling you about her subject and herself. She is personable, thoughtful and wise. If you want your significant relationship or any relationship to have a higher and more enjoyable vibe get, read, and use the information that Arielle provides within.
J**H
perfect timing
Awesome to learn about relationships that have happened, are happening or will happen in your life. Essential developer for discovering how imperfections make perfect
M**B
lovely
I really enjoyed this book - the concept of Wabi Sabi is a beautiful one - thankyouI would recommend anyone to find out about the concept
B**V
A transformational read... Loved it!
Loved the insights and journey. A must read.
C**N
Worth Reading
Well organized and well written. This book has good examples of how couples have made their relationships work in the long-term by learning to appreciate each other's more "challenging" points.
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