A Fistful of Love by Om Swami - Review and Giveaway

I received this book free from the publisher

Book details:

Publisher: Black Lotus (Sept. 24, 2015)

Category: Humor & Entertainment, Self Help, Psychology, Spiritual, & Motivational

Tour dates: Aug-Oct, 2017

ISBN: 978- 0994002778

Available in Print & ebook, 212 pages

About this book:

A man was sitting with his friends in a local inn. After a couple of drinks, he asked his friends, “Do you love me?” “Of course, we do,” they replied. “So do you know what I need?” No one answered. “If you don’t know what I need then how can you say you love me?” To love and to be loved is the most basic human need. No wonder we are attracted to people who give us attention, care about us, and love us. Yet, love also remains the greatest challenge in most relationships. Why?

A Fistful of Love is a collection of insightful, thought-provoking nuggets of wisdom appreciated by millions around the world. This book is full of humor and narratives most beautifully woven into learnings of life that will make you stop and think.
Praise for Fistful Of Love by Om Swami

“This is a strong novel about love and hope and really gives you the tools you need to improve your outlook on life and relationships. I liked the way that this was set up, the writing style was well done and easy to follow. There were many lighthearted and comedic things thrown in that keeps this novel light and spirited.”-Momma G, My Reading Addiction

“Om Swami’s voice is clear and true. He offers sage wisdom in easy to understand language. Knowing he is a younger monk with a contemporary background makes him very relatable.”- KerryPhilo, Amazon Reviewer

“The book is not only a delight and joy to read, but also so insightful and enlightening. Strongly recommend this beautiful book written in such an easy and clear style.”-Amazon Reviewer

“Precious words of wisdom narrated in a pleasant lighthearted way that inspires both mind and soul. The words of wisdom especially on love and relationship are truly indispensable.”-Rose, Amazon Reviewer

Meet the author - Om Swami

Om Swami is a monk who lives in a remote place in the Himalayan foothills. He has a bachelor degree in business and an MBA from Sydney, Australia. Swami served in executive roles in large corporations around the world. He founded and led a profitable software company with offices in San Francisco, New York, Toronto, London, Sydney and India.

Om Swami completely renounced his business interests to pursue a more spiritual life. He is the bestselling author of Kundalini: An Untold Story, A Fistful of Love and If Truth Be Told: A Monk’s Memoir.

His blog omswami.com is read by millions all over the world.
Buy Fistful Of Love by Om Swami

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What did I think of the book:

This book has been a very interesting book. I have enjoyed all the tidbits of wisdom that the author had to share. I like how it was a collection of short stories all woven into one book to have you learn how to be a better person in your own way as you read. I also liked how the author threw in some bits of humor. This book is also thought provoking without being too heavy. I will being going back and reading this book again and again. This was the first book I have read by this author and I am glad I did. 

Excerpt – Secret to Happiness

Making someone happy is like lighting a candle. You don’t lose anything, but the light spreads anyway.

When we make someone happy, the same part in our brain is activated when we do something for our own happiness. This is not philosophy, but neuroscience. I am not surprised though; the joy of giving far exceeds any other I have ever known. They say charity begins at home. A happy environment at home is comparable to heaven on earth.

In my occupation, I get to meet many people from all walks of life.

Often though, I have observed a rather strange behavior among many couples. They rejoice in the company of people outside the four walls, but feel irritated with the ones at home. I have noticed a tenuous frown appear on their faces even at the mention of their partners. They tell me they are tired of trying to please the other person and they couldn’t be bothered anymore. This feeling of “I couldn’t be bothered” is a definitive sign of downfall in most relationships. Earlier, if they had made any attempt to bring joy to the other person, now they have thrown the baby out with the bathwater (after drinking most of it).

I admit it can be quite difficult to make certain people happy. There too, I have an observation: when you just can’t make the other person happy no matter what you do or how hard you try, chances are you are no longer on their playfield. Mentally, they may have given you the red card. They have decided not to source their happiness from you. If you speak to them asking what do they really expect from you and they are not being reasonable, you will never be able to make them happy, not for long anyway. In that case, if you have a choice, move on. And if you don’t have a choice, seek a peaceful refuge within.

A man got married to the woman of his dreams. He was head over heels for her and couldn’t believe his luck when she agreed to marry him. After their engagement and before the actual wedding, every night he thought about her. He had no doubts that theirs was going to be the most loving, functional, and finest married life ever known to mankind. His fiancée had a high opinion of herself. (When you believe you are better or superior than your partner, you can forget about a happy marriage.) They got married with great fanfare. His wife loved eggs for breakfast, so when they were away on their honeymoon, the husband made poached eggs for her in the morning.

“These aren’t done right,” she commented scornfully.

The man felt bad that he couldn’t please his wife and made even greater effort the following day.

“Oh, I can’t eat poached eggs every day, you know.” She refused to eat them.

He made scrambled eggs the next morning.

“It’s okay, but too fatty. Just boiled eggs with salt and pepper would have been better.”

The following day, to give her a choice, he brought out two dishes: a plate of scrambled eggs and two boiled eggs. He was certain that she would be happy today.

“What’s this? You boiled the wrong egg!” she screamed. You know where this marriage is headed, right?

Should I tell you the easiest way to make the other person happy? No, it is not flowers, things, or gifts; they play a part, but there is something even more important. Appreciate them. When you make the other person feel that you appreciate what they are doing for you and for the relationship, it boosts their self-esteem and morale right away. When you make an effort to appreciate, you directly gain from it as well. How? You actually start to see their efforts.

Let us face it, it is not an easy world out there. When you thank your partner for everything they are doing it brings you closer; it strengthens the relationship; it fosters love and understanding.

Once a woman, a master chef, was asked what did her husband usually say when he savored the delicacies she cooked on a daily basis?

“He only speaks about food when something is amiss or if he doesn’t like it,” she said. “So when he is quiet, I know he is enjoying it.”

“Initially, I would ask him if he liked my cooking, but it irked him so I stopped asking,” she added.

Sadly, this is not a joke, but a real incident. To the waiter we don’t know, we say smilingly how delicious the food is, we tip, we appreciate, but to the one who is closer to you, every courtesy is withdrawn. You see the disparity?

When you make it a point to appreciate, the newness never fades and when something remains new, you never get bored of it. When you don’t get bored of something, you never take it for granted. When you don’t take the other person for granted, your relationship can never wither away. Yes, never. It will continue to blossom and spread fragrance.

Appreciation is gratitude in action.

Giveaway:

This giveaway is for one ebook and is open worldwide.

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