A Pace of Grace - eBook

Linda Kavelin Popov is the author of The Family Virtues Guide and is one of the founders and directors of the Virtues Project International.  She travels around the world in support of the project’s initiatives, speaking to communities, businesses, and governmental organizations.  The United Nations Secretariat has honored the Virtues Project as a model for global reform for people of all cultures.  She lives in the Gulf Islands near Victoria, British Columbia.

Mashing together a do-less, enjoy-more philosophy with a range of retread techniques (e.g., do yoga, practice forgiveness, work smarter), psychotherapist Popov seeks to help readers simplify their lives. Unfortunately, her book reads like a disjointed, overstuffed, and often precious scrapbook. After blaming "FOG" (fatigue, overwhelm, and guilt) for people's distress, she dispenses advice rooted in the ideals of the nonprofit organization she cofounded, the Virtues Project International. Readers will find little how-to and must bear in mind about 100 "virtues" (e.g., sacrifice, trust, and unity) that were partly the focus of Popov's previous The Family Virtues Guide: Simple Ways To Bring Out the Best in Our Children and Ourselves. While certain passages have merit, the book feels disconnected and self-indulgent. Not recommended, though Popov is an Oprah darling, so there may be demand. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

A psychotherapist and founder of the Virtues Project, Popov (The Family Virtues Guide), found that, despite her success, she was beset by stress and fatigue. Diagnosed with postpolio syndrome, she restored herself by following a 10-point plan she developed as a guide to living a more fulfilling and less frenzied life: maintaining a clean body and following a nutritious diet, practicing correct breathing and exercise, resting daily, pursuing peaceful activities, making time for play and praying frequently. At the heart of Popov's gentle message is a deep concern for the lack of meaning in everyday existence and the unkind way people often treat one another. She strongly recommends such virtues as acceptance and appreciation of intimates, practicing thankfulness and making joy a priority. There's very little to argue with here, though Popov does not always avoid trite phrasing or repetition in making it manifest. Agent, Teresa Park of Sanford J. Greenburger Associates. (July) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.