How Not to Be a Hot Mess

A Survival Guide for Modern Life

By: Craig Hase, Devon Hase

Narrated by: Craig Hase, Devon Hase

Length: 4 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

The dumpster fire of life rages on, but you got this. Practice six rules to keep you grounded, weather the storm, and actually be a decent person.

It may seem like the world is going to hell in a hand basket right now. Whether it's big stuff like politics and climate change, or just the daily spin of paying your bills, getting to work on time, and fending off social media trolls, we can all admit, modern life ain't easy. Here are six really good guiding principles, inspired from the ancient wisdom of Buddhism and mindfulness practice, to keep you anchored and steady amidst the chaos.

©2020 Craig Hase and Devon Hase (P)2020 Craig Hase and Devon Hase

Critic reviews

"Smart, deep, and inspiring, this 'survival guide' shines a light on the societal forces that confuse our minds and close our hearts, and offers doable and rewarding ways to clear, heal, and free ourselves. You have in your hands a fun-to-read book that can up-level your game as an awake, honest, kind, generous, happy being." (Tara Brach, author of Radical Acceptance)

"Modern life is messy, aggravating, even injurious. Despite this truth, the authors show us how to see the goodness. This book is part of that goodness - transforming the ability to survive into the ability to thrive" (Larry Yang, author of Awakening Together)

"For Devon and Craig Hase, a clear mind and wise choices are what enable us to define ourselves in a frenetic world. Writing with a combination of wit, refreshing honesty, and wisdom, they give us a guide to reclaiming our true selves from the definitions of the world, so that we can enjoy the happiness this brings." (Sharon Salzberg, author of Lovingkindness and Real Happiness)

Perfect Book for All That is Going On In the World

I have enjoyed listening to this book very much. Given all that is going on in the world right now, I have found that the advice and guidance provided in the chapters of the book have been a great way to be more grounded throughout the day. The authors have done a nice job and I have purchased some extra copies to give to friends and clients.

I also think that this would be a great book for young adults and college kids as it does provide some great advice to incorporate more good into your life. Better to learn these concepts earlier in life rather than later.

A must listen to & read!

My friend gave me a copy of this great little book and I enjoyed it so much that I got an audio version as well! I got even more out if it listening to Devon and Craig’s southing voices on my way to and from work. Although this was written pre-COVID19, it’s very relevant for these crazy times too.

A pitch-perfect self-help book

Funny, easy to listen to, and actually helpful. The authors strike a nice balance of entertaining anecdotes with insights drawn from Buddhism and psychology, and the practice exercises and guided meditations are great. One that's stuck with me is, "See the good." It's a practice to notice and accentuate what I am appreciating in this moment, and I've been doing it while washing my hands, "seeing the good" in the warm water from the tap.

I also really appreciate that the book doesn't pretend that all readers are the same, some kind of imagined generic average person. It shows real sensitivity to how racism, sexism, and other social differences factor into people's experience and therefore into how they might best practice with challenging situations. Although the tone is mostly light, with a heavy dose of sassy sarcasm, the authors show real depth of knowledge in terms of psychology and mindfulness research as well as Buddhist traditions and meditation practice. Highly recommended!

Tying it all together with simplicity, humor and authenticity

This book is a simple interpretation of the buddhist precepts. I’ve practiced meditation and also committed to the precepts at the many retreats I’ve attended.

I new what each precept mean by definition. This book showed me there is so much depth to each one.

Devon and Craig have a great audible presence. They take turns reading the chapters. Using scientific research, mindfulness practices and examples from their real life stories, they’ve explain concisely how these ancient teachings are still relevant. Everything explained is easy to understand, flows well and makes sense in the grand scheme of life. I wish this book was my first book on the path, because it’s relatable and not scary at all!

Trivial advices mixed with feminist ideology

Nothing but trivial advice to be good, not to murder, or lie, plus tons of accusations against "patriarchy" and "consumerism" and general feminist femsplaining "yes means yes" etc.

Ok

Frankly a yawn of a read. The subject seemed to be from a young inexperienced perspective and could have used a ghost writer to add depth and more in-depth fact based perspective to drawn me in to enjoy it.