Even the front cover is soothing.
When I was initially approached with the opportunity to review Calm, a guide to daily mindfulness, I almost declined because I thought it sounded really cheesy and not in a good carbonara sort of way. Also, do I really need this book? I KNOW HOW TO CALM DOWN.
Oh, wait, no I don't. Thanks to genes that predispose me to anxiety and socially induced neuroticism due our current political climate, I'm on edge these days. So, yeah, maybe I could use this book.
Bridey O'Leary endorses this message.
The authors state in the introduction that Calm is a non-linear narrative; readers should feel free to frolic from one activity (i.e., "Sketch Your Own Tattoo", "Sketch Out Your Perfect Island") or section ("Nature", "Sleep", "Travel", etc.) to another. Naturally, I skipped straight to "Food" chapter to read about calming comestibles and how setting the table slowly can help you unwind. (Damn, it true. Except on Thanksgiving.)
Yum.
I like this book. The premise is hippie-dippy but the content albeit a bit too cutesy at times, is generally fun and, most importantly, distracts you from ticker tape and reminds you of not just "what's important" but "what's important to you."
Calm foods. To this list, I will add chocolate chip cookies.