Spiritual Serendipity: Cultivating and Celebrating the Art of the Unexpected

by Richard Eyre and Linda Eyre

Book Overview

The author of Don't Just Do Something, Sit There! provides a guide to developing serendipity of the spirit in an effort to balance structure and spontaneity, harness time rather that manage it, and... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0684807866
• ISBN13: 9780684807867
• Release Date: April 1997
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 4.8" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

Horace Walpole would approve

Unlike many so-called spiritual books, this one is actually interesting to read & does not annoyingly cross reference other spiritual books as if they were primary sources. The word serendipity was coined by Horace Walpole (1717-1797) & derives from an old, somewhat longwinded "silly fairy tale" (Walpole's words) of Persian origin. Serendip was the old name for Sri Lanka where the tale starts. This book is a plea for slowing down & smelling the flowers in a somewhat disciplined way, thereby opening oneself up to the possibility of inspiration, intuition, guidance (what you will) being perceived. It employs history, myth & poetry (of sorts) in a jaunty amalgam that's both fun to read & inspirational. Not at all self righteous - recommended.

I almost dumped this as a one..but read on

Using my 50 to a 100 page rule ,I almost put this book down but "serendipitously" read ahead.The first 92 pages are a sappy and treacly fable or parable ,I suppose meant to be archetypal. Bored me to death. I cannot recommend the rest of the book highly enough i.e. parts IV and V. Mental and spiritual serendipity.Poetic,insightful,meaningful paths to watching serendipity?Synchronicity?the Great Tao?God Winking?in your life.If I could only keep 10 books,this would be included.

Views from CEO Blog

On the flight down to Fremont I read a great book called Spiritual Serendipity by Richard Eyre. Ties in to time management in a big way. Serendipity is defined as the gift or faculty of finding something good while seeking something else. I often have this. It is part of my charmed life. It contains the fable of Serendip (which is now called Sri Lanka and was formerly called Celon) Interesting, the book is very big on setting goals. With goals, you will find the good you seek often without even looking for it. Sort of like planting the seed I spoke of in an earlier post. Quotes from the book: "Time is like the tides and currents - it needs to be harnessed not managed" "While Serendipity is helped by goals and direction, it is hindered by the heavy, overstructured plans and highly detailed lists and schedules...sucking away from the opportunities and surprises of the present." Although I am passionate about time management or in my case, time leadership, I have often been asked "does it not detract from life?" etc. This is the answer. Have goals and plans but also allow time for serendipity. The book is interesting and very thought provoking.

A perfect gift for yourself or someone you love?

This short book is an amazing work of art, filled with stories, poems, prose and insights, surpassing tomes ten times its size. With simple, thought-provoking writing, Spiritual Serendipity is a joy to read and the first I ever began re-reading as soon as I came to the end!Please don't let what could be construed as a religious title scares you off. This book is about life, thought, feelings, intuition and faith without ever being sermon-like or preachy. Serendipity of the spirit, Richard Eyre convinces you, is a way of life and an attitude that can help you bring together happy accidents with a sense of understanding for what should be. This book describes and helps you create a guided life filled with the creativity, fun, happiness, joy, and productivity so many of us miss. This book provides a way to feel connected in a world with far too many steps and not enough direction. Enjoy!

Extremely enlightening and inspiring

As one who struggles to find balance in this age of fast technology and "virtual" relationships, I found this book to be extremely enlightening and inspiring. Eyre suggests helpful ways to become more aware and present in the moment, while maintaining focus on goals. The spiritual side seems to focus on Christianity, but is inclusive of Eastern spirituality as well. Spiritual Serendipity was a great read for this Thanksgiving weekend - helping me open my eyes to the beauty of the world and the people in it - and to give thanks.