Don't Worry

48 Lessons on Relieving Anxiety from a Zen Buddhist Monk

By: Shunmyo Masuno, Allison Markin Powell - translator

Narrated by: Douglas Hachiya

Discover why 90% of your worries won’t come true in this highly practical, internationally bestselling guide by the renowned Zen Buddhist author of The Art of Simple Living and How to Let Things Go.

Think of a time when you were worried about something, but then you suddenly realized how insignificant it was. Isn’t it amazing how much lighter you felt? The key is to focus only on the here and now. By doing so, you free yourself from unnecessary anxiety, and your mind will be at peace. In Don’t Worry, you will learn to:

• Lesson #1: stop comparing yourself to others—90% of your obsessions will disappear;
• Lesson #4: remove unnecessary things from your life and make your life absolutely simple;
• Lesson #10: stop seeking, stop rushing, stop obsessing;
• Lesson #11: interpret things positively—you are the one to decide whether you are happy or not;
• Lesson #14: stop taking in too much information;
• Lesson #19: take a break from competition—it’s the Zen way of avoiding anxiety;
• Lesson #24: act instead of worrying—things will definitely work out better.

By following this book’s 48 simple lessons—and taking to heart the nearly 30 zengo, or Zen sayings, quoted throughout—you’ll enjoy a calmer, more relaxed, more positive version of yourself.

A PENGUIN LIFE TITLE

©2022 Shunmyo Masuno and Allison Markin Powell (P)2022 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“I hope . . . that just having listened, I’ll be automatically living a less anxious life. . . . Part of what kept me going was that [the audiobook reader] sounds a lot like Keanu Reeves. So, really, part of the appeal here is imagining Keanu and his soothing, sometimes erotic voice imparting life lessons. If that doesn’t change me, will anything?” —Marshall Heyman, Vulture

“Highly recommended . . . Pragmatic advice for simplifying life and reducing anxiety . . . Good for quick reference . . . Masuno’s useful advice is particularly needed in recent times.” ―Library Journal

“Masuno’s spare prose embodies his message. . . . [His] directness and wisdom make this worth a look.” ―Publishers Weekly

Splendidly informative, interesting, provocative,

The narration is excellent.
The pace is measured and contemplative.
The word choice and phrasing are easy to understand, but without dumbing down content.
The vocal tone is mellow, the production is itself zen-like.
Accordingly, merely listening to the narration, without focusing on content, in itself facilitates meditation and a zen like state.

Insightful,, useful, practicable information blended persuasively with credible philosophy and theory. The explanations are clear, convincing, and memorable.

I will be listening to these guidelines often, perhaps beginning or ending each day by listening 5-10 minutes, just enough time to remind myself of 1-2 guidelines.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

I bought it based on the cover design

Great cover design. Book is pretty good too. Mostly stuff about how to be a Japanese salaryman. But some good ideas.