How Not to Be a Hot Mess

Starred review from December 9, 2019
In this animated debut, the Hases, a married couple and cofounders of a company that offers mindfulness classes and retreats, pinpoint six core principles inspired by Buddhism that will serve readers who feel “blinded by the blizzard of information, the typhoon of opinion and judgment.” Though framed by Buddhist precepts, the authors’ advice is tailored for general readers, regardless of spiritual inclinations: meditate, don’t be a jerk, give a little, say what’s true, have good sex, and avoid excessive use of alcohol or drugs. They begin with their own stories of meditation training over two decades before introducing the basics of short meditations, the underlying health benefits of meditation practice, and supporting research. Particularly convincing chapters cover arguments against lying (it is stressful and destroys one’s reputation) and how to reclaim “good sex” from the “trinity of bad sex (“objectifying patriarchal consumerism”). The back-and-forth format (the authors write alternating chapters) provides a natural outlet for one to tell a story about the other, creating an inmate feel. Studding each of their steps with mindfulness exercises, the authors stress that present, clear thought and action remain their guiding principles. Aiming to help readers “live an ethical and energized life,” this should appeal to those interested in the potential benefits of mindfulness.