Book Review: The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down by Haemin Sunim

The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down by Haemin Sunim is a gentle and wise guide to finding peace and mindfulness in an increasingly busy and distracted world. Haemin Sunim, a Korean Buddhist monk and teacher, draws on his spiritual background to offer thoughtful reflections on how slowing down can lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

The book is structured as a collection of short, meditative essays paired with simple yet profound illustrations. It’s divided into eight sections, each addressing different aspects of life, including relationships, love, work, and spirituality. What makes this book stand out is its accessible, soothing style—Sunim writes with compassion and warmth, as if speaking directly to the reader’s heart.

At its core, The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down encourages us to take a pause in our fast-paced lives. Sunim’s message is simple: when we slow down, we become more present, more aware of our thoughts and emotions, and more connected to the people and world around us. He acknowledges that modern life is often filled with stress, pressure, and endless to-do lists, but reminds us that taking the time to slow down isn’t about avoiding responsibilities—it’s about finding balance and perspective.

One of the key themes of the book is mindfulness—being fully present in the moment without judgment. Sunim doesn’t present mindfulness as a complex practice, but rather as a simple shift in how we approach our everyday lives. Whether we’re walking, eating, or working, we can bring mindfulness into these moments by slowing down and paying attention. This awareness, Sunim suggests, helps us cultivate a sense of inner calm and resilience, even when life feels overwhelming.

Sunim’s writing is deeply compassionate, and his tone is non-judgmental and understanding. He acknowledges that life can be challenging, and that it’s normal to feel anxious, frustrated, or lost at times. Rather than offering a prescriptive set of rules or a one-size-fits-all solution, Sunim invites readers to reflect on their own experiences and find what works for them. He shares his own vulnerabilities and challenges, making the book feel like a conversation with a kind and understanding friend.

A particularly impactful aspect of The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down is Sunim’s emphasis on self-compassion. He encourages readers to be gentle with themselves, especially when things don’t go as planned. In a world that often pushes us to strive for perfection and constant achievement, Sunim’s reminder to slow down and accept ourselves as we are feels refreshingly kind. This self-compassion, he explains, is the foundation for compassion towards others.

The book also touches on relationships and the importance of cultivating meaningful connections with others. Sunim emphasises that slowing down allows us to be more present with the people we care about, enabling deeper and more authentic relationships. He offers gentle reminders to listen fully, be patient, and approach others with an open heart, qualities that foster understanding and connection in our interactions.

Another notable theme is Sunim’s reflections on the nature of emotions. He discusses how slowing down can help us become more aware of our feelings without becoming overwhelmed by them. By observing our emotions with curiosity rather than judgment, we can create space between ourselves and our reactions, allowing us to respond more thoughtfully to life’s challenges.

The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down is more than just a book—it’s a reminder to live with intention and awareness. Sunim’s wisdom is simple yet profound, and his words encourage readers to pause, reflect, and reconnect with themselves and the world around them. The book is perfect for anyone seeking a moment of calm amidst the chaos, or for those looking to bring more mindfulness and self-awareness into their daily lives.

Whether you’re new to mindfulness or have an established practice, Sunim’s gentle guidance will resonate with you. His reflections are not about escaping the demands of life but about approaching them with greater clarity and compassion. By slowing down, Sunim suggests, we can see more clearly, love more deeply, and live more fully.

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