Precious Solitude: Finding Peace and Serenity in a Hectic World (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Precious Solitude, an intimate little book for women, begins with a letter to its readers from the author, personally inviting us to "go within"; granting us the permission we need to seek sanctuary from a world that is crushing with the pressures of responsibility. Therapist and retreat and workshop leader Ruth Fishel explores the concept of being alone and helps the reader consider the many obstacles--real and imagined--to gaining the stress-reducing peace of mind found in simple solitude. Concepts such as esteem, patience, happiness, and mindfulness are interlaced with inspirational quotes and affirmations--Fishel welcomes us into the shelter of our own souls with a variety of simple techniques for just being there. The particularly attractive typographical design of this trade paperback makes it a pleasure to gaze upon, and the short (often only one page) chapters make for a stress-reducing read moments before retiring, or at any time of day when a quick break makes all the difference in the world. --Randall Cohan

Product Description

Now you can learn to use solitude to create a happier, healthier, and more relaxed new you. PRECIOUS SOLITUDE will take you away from the distractions and everyday disasters that keep you from being at ease with your world...and show you how to create a more peaceful path.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Adams Media Corporation; 1st edition (September 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580622097
• ISBN-13: 978-1580622097
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #697,263 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Learn to use solitude as a tool for personal growth., September 25, 1999

By A Customer

I've always had a problem with being quiet and alone with my thoughts. Ruth book includes the thoughts and feelings of a diverse background of people toward the subject of solitude. I found that I'm not alone! Precious Solitude frees the reader to transform any negative feelings toward solitude to something positive and productive.

I found a personal message in the chapter titled "Walking". I'm working on loosing weight and my doctor told me I have to walk 1-hour a day. No skipping - no excuses! I've been ignoring his directive for two weeks now. I just couldn't find anything productive about walking alone an hour each day. I've put all of my energy into not doing it and complaining about how hard it's going to be. "Walking" changed my perspective on the entire situation. Now I'm looking forward to my 1-hour walks. I'll have time to myself to think, plan, enjoy nature, get centered, focused and loose weight! I learned that solitude can be a very productive time!

Precious Solitude is written in small vignettes and is very easy to read. Excellent book!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Precious Solitude, December 29, 1999

By	Megan Smolenyak, author of "In Search of... (Virginia) - See all my reviews

A book with an inviting title that delivers what it promises. Precious Solitude is a perfect retreat companion, but provides an extensive menu of ideas for how to relax, refuel, and rejuvenate even with our everyday lives swirling madly around us. Adopt just a handful of suggestions from Ruth Fishel's latest and relearn the meaning of the word "calm." You'll be glad you did -- and honestly, so will those around you. Incidentally, if you're tempted to dismiss the notion of solitude as an unimaginable luxury, then you need this book even more than most of us!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finding our True Selves..., December 8, 1999

By	Rene' Donovan (Masschusetts) - See all my reviews

This is one book that you will keep by your bedside, carry with you to the beach or to the office. In these stressful times being alone is often suspect, considered, somehow, a failure. Ruth Fishel gently takes us through our days, our fears and our longings and offers a means, through solitude, to find our true Selves. "Precious Solitudes" is a loving companion, reminding us daily that we are precious and our time alone is precious.