Unity Bookstore Book Review
Bus 9 to Paradise by Leo Buscaglia
Leo Buscaglia is an author and motivational speaker known for his advocacy of love and true connection with others. He discusses how “conventional methods to bring peace and understanding to our world have failed.” Although this book was published in 1986, it still sounds very pertinent to today’s tumultuous times.
Buscaglia believes that each individual act of love and kindness brings the world closer to understanding and peace for all. Our challenge is to break down obstacles, self-imposed or otherwise, and free ourselves to be the limitless selves that is what we truly are.
Joy is found within ourselves, rather than in outside circumstances. It is apparent that things are always changing, so if our joy is connected to a certain circumstance, it is inevitable that we will lose it. This fear of loss makes us feel like victims. Our response to build up defenses cuts us off from our source of love within ourselves. This results in feeling that we have no connection with others. We miss out on many joyful experiences if we are fearful. In order to live our lives fully, we have to take some risks.
Here are some pointers that Buscaglia offers:
- Free yourself from having to be right all the time. You can then learn more from others.
- Spend less time making yourself heard, so you can actually listen to what others say.
- You can love and respect others without being in full agreement with them.
- True honesty includes good will and tact. Blunt words, however true you think they are, spoken without kindness, can permanently damage a relationship.
- Give love freely to others without expectations. Buscaglia is not referring to romantic love, but rather the love we find within us that connects us to others, no matter who they are.
You can find this book in the Unity Library.
Namaste!
Lisa Madewell