Sadly, I was unable to download this book in time before it was archived and this I was not able to either read or review it. My apologies.

I've felt disconnected lately; I feel trapped in the two-mile radius of city blocks around my apartment, bored of the park nearby, longing for new dirt. Over the past few months I've been stitching together what I thought my purpose was, what my expectations were for my life and what they are now, and what I want know.

In high school I was set to be a theoretical astrophysicist. I made choices that made that dream untenable, and sometime between mental breakdowns and the crush of college I lost the wonder and inquiry into the cosmos that first grew me to look upward.

I read this book then, with some very specific experiences that it speaks to. There's current me, grasping for something to ground me during this pandemic time; past me, who I imagine would judge my current self for not having an astrophysics PhD; and a very uncertain future me, future world, as case counts and deaths sharply spike and maybe there is no end to lockdown in sight.

I've struggled with mindfulness since I started attempting to practice it consciously; not struggle in the sense of lifetime striving but rather being too literal and unable to figure out what I'm supposed to do. Lots of my meditation time is me scolding myself for thoughts—I can't "notice it" and "let go." Westmoquette's approach to describing mindfulness, coupled with the low-stakes exercises, got through to me when it feels like nothing else has. Maybe I'm predisposed to vibe with anything related to astronomy, even after all these years; or how Westmoquette doesn't position himself as an authority but as someone still learning and having difficulties with his practice.

When I started reading I struggled with whether Westmoquette was talking figuratively or literally about being part of the Universe, but as I read on (and read not right before I was trying to fall asleep) his words made more sense. Linking science and spirituality spoke my language—I have difficulty with purely theoretical works, and Westmoquette's technique of using scientific dialogue and discoveries (e.g. the advent of quantum physics and the discovery of wave-particle duality) as analogies to spiritual growth resonated with me and helped me understand more concretely what "being one with the Universe" means.

If you're looking for something, this would be a good book to read. I did the exercises as I came across them in the book, perhaps more guidance on when to do them would be nice, since in this ARC they were placed directly in the text, occasionally breaking up sentences. Thank you to Netgalley and Leaping Hare Press for this ARC—I'm grateful to review this special book.

This is a beautiful, touching and especially thoughtful book. I wasn't quite sure how the author (an astronomer) could weave in his science background and knowledge of the universe with the internal world of spirituality and mindfulness. Actually they are one and the same which the author describes far more eloquently than me. There are some beautiful lessons in here on mindfulness which are especially needed right now in 2020. I really enjoyed the practical mindfulness exercises the author chose to weave throughout the book. Just lovely.

While I love the topic of mindfulness and practice a lot of meditation, mindfulness and such throughout the day with a focus on time in nature, this book failed to capture my attention and felt a bit too wordy and academic.

The Mindful Universe is a mindfulness book like none other I've ever read. Written by astronomer Mark Westmoquette, this book communicates the depth of our connection to an incredible, awe-inspiring universe. Westmoquette explains the basic concepts of meditation and mindfulness, such as observing thoughts and how the body processes and responds to stress, in easy-to-access, everyday language. There's also a lot of science in here: physics, astrophysics, quantum mechanics, philosophy, and more. When the narrative did get heavy on the science, I was impressed by what a great teacher the author is.

Some of the suggested meditations are really unique! They're also practical and applicable to our lives as they are, not how we wish they'd be. I've found that sometimes meditation triggers an unsettling sense of existentialism that I can't hang out with for too long. But this book is so grounded in the science of the universe that, even with all we don't know, I found it very comforting.

The Mindful Universe is perfect for readers who are interested in mindfulness and meditation, love science, and crave a connection between these disciplines.

This is a nice take on mindfulness. Some of it is in the context of outer-space and the cosmos, which seems rare. It also pulls-in nature, which is much more common. It's written in a very relaxed and friendly style that is quite effective, and it includes a number of simple exercises which are great. It is a bit mind-blowing a times. but that should be a good stretch for readers. Recommended.

Thanks very much for the review copy!!

The Mindful Universe by Mark Westmoquette is a book written to help the reader actively learn and apply knowledge on experiencing the Universe with presence. Each chapter includes sections with research, anecdotes, and a variety of exercises. I identified with the author the experience of directing your energy and attention to academics as numbing and avoidance of the "real world" outside of academia. I enjoyed the mindfulness exercises throughout the book and the author introduced some new exercises I had not heard of such as examining a leaf with "sharp eyes" for a period of time, taking a break, and then with examining with"soft eyes". I find this book interesting, but I struggle with it feeling a bit "woo-woo" for me. This may be in part to becoming overly "heady" as the author mentions so it will be interesting to see how my thoughts change after reflecting and re-reading down the road.

Many thanks to the publisher Leaping Hare Press and Netgalley for the ARC in return for an honest review.

This book combines timeless wisdom and up to the minute scientific discoveries, and will be of interest for both beginners and longtime students of mindfulness. There are clear descriptions of practical exercises as well as fascinating information to contemplate. The message is life-affirming and brings us into the joy of the present moment while opening up vistas of learning and exploration into the vast reaches of the universe. The book is also beautifully designed and laid out. A real treasure to study and return to again and again.

Through mindfulness, spirituality and science, the author says, we can better understand ourselves and the Universe. This original application of awareness in the moment is intriguing and ultimately brings hope to the reader. Includes helpful meditations and surprising scientific facts to broaden our vision, providing a life-changing exploration of our interior and exterior worlds. Highly recommended!

5 of 5 Stars

Pub Date 15 Sep 2020

Thanks to the author, to Quarto Publishing Group — Leaping Hare Press, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.

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