• The Effortless Life

  • A Concise Manual for Contentment, Mindfulness, and Flow
  • By: Leo Babauta
  • Narrated by: Fred Stella
  • Length: 1 hr and 42 mins
  • 4.1 out of 5 stars (98 ratings)

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The Effortless Life  By  cover art

The Effortless Life

By: Leo Babauta
Narrated by: Fred Stella
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Publisher's summary

This book shares ways to make life less of a struggle, to help you find contentment in a world where little exists, to instill a bit of mindfulness in an age of distractions.

If you’ve had problems with:

  • frustration
  • struggle
  • distraction
  • anger
  • impatience
  • unhappiness
  • relationships
  • goals
  • work
  • being present

...this book is for you.

©2012 Leo Babauta (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

What listeners say about The Effortless Life

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The Zoo Monkey's Mantra

Would you try another book from Leo Babauta and/or Fred Stella?

Never again would I waise money for Leo's cliam on insanity!

What was most disappointing about Leo Babauta’s story?

Uneducated (or could that be overeducated to the point of madness?) author speaks of thinks that he has no clue about.
In general, ideas are good for the zoo monkey that's been fed by someone and has nothing to do in life, no aspirations, no dreams, no goals - just eat the banana you have no idea where it comes from.

Which scene was your favorite?

I'd say there were coulpe points I would've live, but the whole book's poor idea really outshone it...

What character would you cut from The Effortless Life?

Author

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3 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
  • jt
  • 06-02-18

live Zen, save money

Fun, original; in-your-face DIFFERENT type of 'life-plan'.
enthusiastic/inspiring narrator
If you're in to Minimalism~~AND saving money--you're gonna like*

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1 person found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great content, read by a robot

The Effortless Life is a great overview of Leo’s philosophy and style once he got past his productivity obsession. Along with the Power of Less this is arguably some of the best writing on lifestyle minimalism, along with Goodbye Things by Fumio Sasaki. Unfortunately it’s read by a robot. Stella sounds almost bored sometimes, which is frustrating given the quality of material he’s given to work with. I’m pretty sure Babauta would have been willing to narrate. He’s got a wonderful, warm speaking voice, and it’s not like he’s a hermit.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Good

I've heard better and have been more inspired but he did clarify a few things or put them in different perspective

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    3 out of 5 stars

Food for thought

This collection of essays gives a lot to think on! Readers of the zen habits blog will be familiar with Leo Babautas writing. i.e. his deep thoughts contrasted with only occasional condescension and high handedness. A lot of good work here though, a must for anyone who craves a simpler minimal lifestyle

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What a wack job.

Don't worry, be happy! While you are at it, don't educate your kids, don't set expectations for anything or anybody, don't have goals. In fact do whatever you want when you want. Basically live like they did back in the sixties. Just run around like a free spirit and let the wind plow you where it may. Don't get me wrong. I love the Dalia Lama and he even suggests reading the Art of Happiness. The difference for me is the Dalia Lama believes in science and education. He stands on principles. He's not a free spirit without goal.

If this is the type of thing you are interested in stick to the Dalia Lama or Matthieu Richard.

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