This book is super - it defines and explains the Tao and the Taoist mindset and culture, and provides practical ways to incorporate the Tao into your own life. The author is very humble as he explains his own lifestyle, and I was so relaxed and immersed in this compact book. The book itself is written in a very tranquil way and has the tendency of evoking positive thoughts and energy while you're reading it. I was unfamiliar with the Tao before reaching for this book and now have a basic understanding of what it is, the history, and the cultural aspects associated with it. I would definitely recommend this book - it is very readable and well written. 100% enjoyable.
This is quite simply a beautiful little book. It's not preachy, it's not condescending - it is simply a very human book. Most of what /Relax/ covers was not terribly revolutionary to me, but I've spent the last few years studying Eastern philosophy in general, and Taoism in particular. Still, Raymond Barnett outlines everything in a very enjoyable format, phrased in such a way as to pique the curiosity of the Western mind without being so intense as to scare people away. Despite being familiar with most of the ideas presented here, I got a great deal out of reading this book.
/Relax, You're Already Home/ is not about sitting and meditating, or doing Tai Chi, or chanting 'OM' as you do your dishes. You can do that stuff if you want, and Barnett won't tell you it's wrong to do so. But he also emphasizes that such practices are not necessary to put traditional Chinese/Taoist wisdom to use on a day-to-day basis. Live simply, go with the flow, and keep in touch with nature. If that path leads you to meditation, so much the better. But /Relax/ stresses the importance of good habits in ordinary daily living first and foremost, and I believe this will prove to be its greatest strength in speaking to Westerners.
If you're at all curious about Taoism or just living a simpler, richer life, I can't think of a better book to get started with. Everything you need is right here.
