Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Listen to the Intro
Real Change summary
Mindfulness to Heal Ourselves and the World
24 mins
Brief summary
Real Change by Sharon Salzberg is a guide to making positive changes in yourself and the world around you. It explores mindfulness and compassion practices for overcoming difficult emotions and creating a more compassionate society.
Table of Contents
Real Change
Summary of 7 key ideas
Audio & text in the Blinkist app
Key idea 1 of 7
Practicing mindfulness can help you build the strength to fight for a better world.
Fight, flight, or freeze. These were the choices Sari Kaufman faced one fateful morning in February 2018. You see, Sari was a student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High in Parkland, Florida, and that morning, a shooter opened fire at her school.
Luckily, Sari managed to escape the carnage – she chose flight. Yet, in the following months, Sari had to decide how to process the trauma. This time, running wasn't the right choice and neither was freezing and doing nothing. This time Sari chose to fight. She joined her classmates in organizing a nationwide campaign to end gun violence.
Of course, her struggle continues. But, she stays engaged despite the adversity. Sari’s dedication shows that working for a better world is possible, even under the most awful circumstances.
The key message here is: Practicing mindfulness can help you build the strength to fight for a better world.
Today, many people are weighed down by feelings of despair and hopelessness. And how could you blame them? Our society is rife with seemingly insurmountable problems: from climate change to an increasingly turbulent political atmosphere.
In troubled times, there is always a temptation to turn away and disconnect. But, if we want to build a better society, fleeing and freezing won’t work; we must gather the strength to push for change. It isn’t easy, but mindfulness, and what’s known as lovingkindness meditation, can provide crucial support. Contrary to popular belief, practices like meditation aren’t about retreating from the world or pushing reality away – instead, they can build a solid foundation from which to tackle long-term struggles.
For one thing, meditation helps your mind become more resilient against the stress that comes with political activism. Establishing a regular meditation practice supports you to clearly picture your goals and recover from setbacks. It refocuses your energy on positive actions like building community, connecting with others, and seeing beyond any immediate roadblocks.
Try it for yourself. Take a moment to close your eyes and focus on your breath. As you feel the air move in and out of your nose, and your diaphragm expanding and contracting, observe the sensations in your body. Perhaps there is tension in your neck or unpleasant thoughts at the back of your mind. Simply note these and continue breathing. After some time, you will feel them begin to melt away.
Want to see all full key ideas from Real Change?
Key ideas in Real Change
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Real Change about?
Real Change (2020) is a guide to building a better world through cultivating inner strength. This manual teaches how meditation and mindfulness are key to navigating the stresses and pressures of modern life.
Real Change Review
Real Change (2020) by Sharon Salzberg gives an insightful exploration of how mindfulness can cultivate positive transformation in our lives. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With its wisdom and depth, the book provides practical techniques that can help us navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience.
- Salzberg's personal stories and anecdotes create an emotional connection, making the ideas relatable and applicable.
- The book's emphasis on self-compassion and kindness offers a refreshing approach to personal growth, making it a refreshing and inspiring read.
Who should read Real Change?
- Do-gooders burnt out from the struggle
- Stressed caregivers looking for a break
- Anyone interested in the benefits of meditation
Categories with Real Change
Book summaries like Real Change
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
33 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Real Change FAQs
What is the main message of Real Change?
The main message of Real Change is to cultivate mindfulness and compassion to create positive change in our lives and in the world.
How long does it take to read Real Change?
The reading time for Real Change varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Real Change a good book? Is it worth reading?
Real Change is worth reading because it offers practical advice and insights on creating positive change through mindfulness and compassion.
Who is the author of Real Change?
Sharon Salzberg is the author of Real Change.
What to read after Real Change?
If you're wondering what to read next after Real Change, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Real Love by Sharon Salzberg
- How to Enjoy Your Life and Your Job by Dale Carnegie
- Discipline Is Destiny by Ryan Holiday
- Loving What Is by Byron Katie
- 12 Rules For Life by Jordan B. Peterson
- The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership by Jim Dethmer
- Principles by Ray Dalio
- The Comfort Zone by Kristen Butler
- Homo Deus by Yuval Noah Harari
- The Art of Negotiation by Michael Wheeler