Slowing Down to the Speed of Love

July 1, 2003
In a follow-up to Slowing Down to the Speed of Life, which he co-authored with Carlson, Bailey applies his "Health Realization" principles to romantic relationships. The "slowing down" refers not so much to lifestyle or schedule as it does to thoughts: "A quiet mind does not denote a dull mind," Bailey writes, and he urges readers to refrain from judgment and to pay attention to their true Selves. Core principles include "deep listening" and its converse, "speaking from the heart." The writing is rife with metaphor-our true Self is the "jewel at the bottom of the pond," and we must realize as we "run on the treadmill of life" that our "feelings are like a best friend"-often to the detriment of clarity. Difficult-to-understand charts and motivational ephemera (he includes a lengthy poem written by his wife, for example) might further distract readers. Illustrative anecdotes, which occur more frequently in the latter half of the book, are more useful in demonstrating how Bailey's abstract theories may be put into practice. Though Bailey employs familiar nuggets of self-help doctrine (he encourages readers to aspire to the wisdom and purity of children and to seek the love within), he also offers insights into how to live a more fulfilling life.

December 1, 2002
In a follow-up to Slowing Down to the Speed of Life, which he co-authored with Carlson, Bailey applies his "Health Realization" principles to romantic relationships. The "slowing down" refers not so much to lifestyle or schedule as it does to thoughts: "A quiet mind does not denote a dull mind," Bailey writes, and he urges readers to refrain from judgment and to pay attention to their true Selves. Core principles include "deep listening" and its converse, "speaking from the heart." The writing is rife with metaphor-our true Self is the "jewel at the bottom of the pond," and we must realize as we "run on the treadmill of life" that our "feelings are like a best friend"-often to the detriment of clarity. Difficult-to-understand charts and motivational ephemera (he includes a lengthy poem written by his wife, for example) might further distract readers. Illustrative anecdotes, which occur more frequently in the latter half of the book, are more useful in demonstrating how Bailey's abstract theories may be put into practice. Though Bailey employs familiar nuggets of self-help doctrine (he encourages readers to aspire to the wisdom and purity of children and to seek the love within), he also offers insights into how to live a more fulfilling life.

Copyright 2002 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.