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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Into the Magic Shop summary
A Neurosurgeon’s Quest to Discover the Mysteries of the Brain and the Secrets of the Heart
14 mins
Brief summary
"Into the Magic Shop" by James R. Doty is a memoir that follows the author's journey from a troubled childhood to a successful neurosurgeon. Through a chance encounter with a mystic, he learns mindfulness and compassion practices that transform his life and career.
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Into the Magic Shop
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Meditation relaxes the body, calms the mind and brings you closer to your goals in life.
Those unfamiliar with meditation often have the misconception that it’s about stopping your thoughts. Meditation doesn’t stop you from thinking, but it can free you from unwanted thoughts that have too much control over you and cause tension.
Meditation has the power to change your life and make you into a more efficient human being. It does this through its two main components: relaxing the body and quieting the mind.
This process starts each time you sit down, either in a chair or on the floor, and relax your body one part at a time, from the toes on your feet to the hairs on your head. To keep your focus on your body and the present moment, and not be carried away by distracting thoughts, you can concentrate on slowly inhaling and exhaling. Some people prefer to focus on an object, like a candle’s flame, or to repeat a special mantra.
Like any other skill, meditation takes time and practice, so don’t be discouraged if it’s a while before you’re sitting peacefully in the moment and not engaging with those disruptive thoughts.
The more regularly you meditate, the more effective it will be, so it’s wise to start out twice a day. And with constant practice, you’ll soon start to notice the effects, even when you’re simply going about your day. Eventually, the time will come when a negative or stressful thought will appear and just as quickly vanish while you remain calm and clear-headed.
Once you achieve this clear mind and relaxed body, you can begin to reap the rewards of visualization.
This is another facet of meditation; it involves picturing your ideal future self as a way to increase the likelihood of it coming to pass.
This too will take practice. At first, picturing your future self might feel like trying to see through a fogged-up window. But the more you work at it, the stronger your intentions will become until the image is imprinted in your brain. This clarity will make it feel more like a reality and therefore attainable.
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What is Into the Magic Shop about?
Into the Magic Shop (2016) reveals details of Dr. James R. Doty’s research into the symbiotic relationship between the heart and brain, and how the practice of meditation can strengthen this bond. Dr. Doty uses both scientific and personal insight to illuminate his studies and demonstrate how important it is to have a compassionate heart as well as a curious mind.
Into the Magic Shop Review
Into the Magic Shop (2016) is a captivating memoir that explores the transformative power of mindfulness and compassion. Here's what makes this book worth reading:
- With its inspiring true story and practical insights, it shows how anyone can overcome adversity and find inner peace.
- The book explores the connection between the mind and the body, offering valuable techniques for personal growth and well-being.
- Through heartfelt storytelling and a mix of scientific research and personal experiences, it keeps readers engaged and eager to discover more.
Best quote from Into the Magic Shop
We can create anything we want, but it is only the intelligence of the heart that can tell us whats worth creating.
—James R. Doty
Who should read Into the Magic Shop?
- Students of medicine, religion, philosophy or science
- Anyone interested in meditation
- Readers who seek happiness and success
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Into the Magic Shop FAQs
What is the main message of Into the Magic Shop?
The main message of Into the Magic Shop is the power of mindfulness and compassion to transform our lives.
How long does it take to read Into the Magic Shop?
The reading time for Into the Magic Shop varies, but it usually takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Into the Magic Shop a good book? Is it worth reading?
Into the Magic Shop is a captivating read with valuable lessons. It is definitely worth your time.
Who is the author of Into the Magic Shop?
The author of Into the Magic Shop is James R. Doty.
What to read after Into the Magic Shop?
If you're wondering what to read next after Into the Magic Shop, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Life-Changing Power of Sophrology by Dominique Antiglio
- Mind Magic by James R. Doty
- Cure by Jo Marchant
- The Algebra of Wealth by Scott Galloway
- The Self-Made Billionaire Effect by John Sviokla and Mitch Cohen
- The Reading Mind by Daniel T. Willingham
- The Meaning of Life by Terry Eagleton
- The Hidden Power of the Five Hearts by Kimberly Snyder
- The Practice of Not Thinking by Ryunosuke Koike
- The Wim Hof Method by Wim Hof