The Uncommon Path - Awakening Authentic Joy [Paperback]

Mick Quinn (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 25, 2009

Update: July 2011 - You can now participate in the manifestation of this work on the ground in Central America at integralheartfoundation.org
 
The Uncommon Path offers you the clarity to be courageous, the tools to express your originality, and the awareness to sustain your full potential. Each chapter of The Uncommon Path includes Evolutionary Pointers that distil its core concepts into a sentence or two that can easily be practiced throughout the day. Real-Life Examples appear throughout the book and guide the practitioners to integrate the wisdom of this message into their careers, relationships and everyday lives. Regardless of your cultural background or current spiritual practice, you will find that this book delivers (many & profound) Aha! moments.

Clearly exposing the kaleidoscope of metaphysical distractions orchestrated by the unhealthy-ego that keep us well clear of a sustainable path, this work directly points us toward our next levels of individual and cultural development.

The Uncommon Path combines core aspects of Ken Wilber's Integral Theory, the simplicity of Genpo Merzel's  Big Mind Process, the gentleness of Eckhart Tolle's wisdom, the clarity of Andrew Cohen's teachings of Evolutionary Enlightenment, and evolved exercises based on the lifework of Coaching  founder, Thomas J. Leonard. The goal is to help you identify and transcend concealed conditioning on the path of awakening authentic joy.

"The author's style speaks between the lines--like silence making music. I highly recommend this excellent book."
--Raquel Torrent, Psychologist and Founder of the Spanish Integral Assoc.

"If you haven't read the book, read it!
--Tyler Keith, Evolutionary, Brown University.

"Mick applies the teachings of Evolutionary Enlightenment as well as learnings from other approaches, in a very practical and powerful way."
--Chris Parish, Director of EnlightenNext, London.

"I am most impressed by both his subject matter and his presentation. [This book] is thought provoking throughout, and will win many readers to achieve a happier more relaxed and contented way of living."
--Dr. Patrick Murray  - M.A, M.Litt. PhD (NUI) PhD (T.C.D.) H.D.E. Author and historian.

Editorial Reviews

Review

NATIONAL BEST BOOKS
--2009 AWARD WINNER SPIRITUALITY

"This book gives us a program to achieve genuine happiness, and does so in an informative and gripping way."
 --Gary Renard, the best-selling author of The Disappearance of the Universe.

"Universally powerful, yet intimate message."
--Bob Weinstein, Author and Syndicated Journalist [Washington Post].

"Nourishment for your soul and practical advice for your success."
--Ed Bobrow, Author and Adjunct Professor NYU. (added by author)

"Includes a values-based approach to Integral coaching that yields real results."
--Jeff Carreira, Director of Education, EnlightenNext.

"The Uncommon Path is such an important subject."
--Lama Ole Nydahl, founder of 500 Diamond Way Buddhist centers.

"This book will absolutely challenge the way you think, act and react to most every life situation. This book is not some fluffy, feel good, do some yoga, go to a weekend retreat type of quick fix approach."
-- Arnis Venta, Evergreen, Co.

From the Inside Flap

Uniquely combining core aspects of Ken Wilber's Integral Theory, the simplicity of Dennis Genpo Merzel's Big Mind/Big Heart Process, the gentleness of Eckhart Tolle's wisdom, the directness of Andrew Cohen's teachings of Evolutionary Enlightenment, and practical exercises based on the lifework of I.C.F. founder, Thomas J. Leonard, The Uncommon Path, reveals the option of authentic joy and bridges the gap between the Gnostic and the living room.

Each chapter of The Uncommon Path includes Evolutionary Pointers that distil its core concepts into a sentence or two that can easily be practiced throughout the day.

Real-Life Examples appear throughout the book and guide the practitioners to integrate the wisdom of this message into our careers, relationships and everyday lives. Regardless of your cultural background, belief system, or current spiritual practice, you will find that this book is full of fascinating insights and many Aha! moments.
(added by author)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 458 pages
• Publisher: O Books (July 25, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 184694208X
• ISBN-13: 978-1846942082
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #903,835 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Mick Quinn is a native of Ireland, the author of The Uncommon Path who co-founded and operated several multi-million-dollar companies in New York City.

He currently lives and works in Guatemala where he co-founded, along with his wife Debora Prieto, a non-profit organization called The Integral Heart Foundation. Read more about their work here: http://www.integralheartfoundation.org

He chose to give up his American Dream lifestyle in 2001, and studied Buddhism, Christianity, and the evolution of consciousness all in search of discovering and expressing his eternal motives. Please visit his website for more details: www.mickquinn.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An uncommon way of searching for happiness, July 6, 2009

By 

PT Cruiser "PT Cruiser" (CA USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 50 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Uncommon Path - Awakening Authentic Joy (Paperback)

This book is based is based on Mick Quinn's own experiences and journey, which seems to be rooted in Buddhist and Christian teachings. Although I'm not very familiar with the teachings of Buddha, what little I do know of them seem similar to some of the ideas in this book and Quinn mentions them fairly often. The book is written in the narrative with Quinn speaking as the teacher to the student and is easy to read, but you'll find yourself stopping, thinking, and reading over many parts again to gain the understanding of what he's saying. The ideas are deep.

The book is about thinking and living in a way that is authentic in your interactions with other people, your career and in all of your day to day experiences. This way of thinking reveals the power of awakened decision-making and liberates you from the unnecessary suffering created by what he calls shadow and cultural conditioning, the way we've been taught to think by our society and culture. It's the type of book that makes you rethink everything that you've taken for granted and to hopefully gain the insight to look at things in a different way.

Quinn uses other people's stories as examples of his evolved way of understanding emotions and interactions. He also has many exercises and questionairres that are very helpful in getting his ideas across and helping to make his ideas relevant and understandable to your own life situations.

If you enjoy philosophical books and books on looking deeper into your own mind to make positive changes, or even just to discover different or spiritual ways of looking at your life, I think you'll find this book interesting.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very enlightening book..., February 10, 2010

By 

Arnis Venta "BigTrout24" (Evergreen, CO) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Uncommon Path - Awakening Authentic Joy (Paperback)

This book will absolutely challenge the way you think, act and react to most every situation in your life. Our conditioned thinking and ego attachment are the reason much of our suffering exists. Mick Quinn (the author) has expertly dissected, in a conversational approach, how we can all awaken. The book is laid out much like a student having a conversation with a very wise teacher. You can follow along with the conversation very easily. However, you will most likely have to reread a few of the passages to fully understand the depth of knowledge that is being conveyed. That's a good thing! The ideas are meant to challenge you. This book is not some fluffy, feel good, do some yoga, go to a weekend retreat type of quick fix approach. This book will have new and radical ideas for most everyone who reads it. This is a must read for those who are truly serious about changing the world by starting with your "self". Read it and follow the wisdom that the author is sharing with you to really start living a whole new awakened life.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible tool for my Life, March 22, 2010

By 

Juan Carlos Subias (Mallorca, Spain) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Uncommon Path - Awakening Authentic Joy (Paperback)

I have already read many books from Ken Wilber or Andrew Cohen but I must say that The Uncommon Path was really an incredible tool for my life; the life of a `new' Integral person.

The way that Mick present the book, the examples, the evolutionary pointers etc. are all really powerful tools in the awakening process.

Sometimes I had to read a section or chapter two or three times in order to get all the juice (and English is not my mother tongue!). But this book is deep, and challenging and is just another step in our process of awakening.

It is important to emphasise that some of what I read was a big punch in the face in the ego. I must say that Mick hammers in our conscience unique ways in which we can spot the ego, especially unhealthy ego in our conversations and relationships.

This book is a great for the bedside table and to use as reference for daily life.

Thank you Mick for this book that has really helped me a lot in my life and in my relations with my family and with the world.

JC Subias-B