Start Here: Master the Lifelong Habit of Wellbeing

So here's the thing: I've start/stopped mediation now for about 5 years. At various times, and under different motivations, I'd decide that I needed to explore meditation and began to practice with enthusiasm. For many reasons, I struggled to integrate meditation and mindfulness and the myriad other aspects of being present into my day to day routine. It just never stuck.That is, until I read Start Here. What drew me to the book were two things: 1) that it is deeply rooted in the literature of thought, providing a sort of a drive-by buffet of insights from the great works of philosophical inquiry and religious meditations; and 2) that it brings many of these concepts forward to the present day by linking them to the science that underlines them. As a scientist by training and inclination, I was fascinated to read and learn that "re-wiring the brain for happiness" is not some far out idea, but in fact, a real and attainable outcome that can be achieved by anyone. This book shows how, and it does so in a easy to read, easy to follow and easy to understand style.The proof, as they say, is in the pudding. Having got my hands on an advance copy of the book, I have been putting the LifeXT principles to work daily since the beginning of the year. I realize and feel the benefits and look forward to my early morning routine where I am quiet and still. It sets me up perfectly for the day.

Start Here is one of those transformational books that comes along maybe once a decade in life. The book is chock-full of extraordinary wisdom about how to live life well. It is simple to read, understand, and consume, and yet the content is anything but simplistic. Langshur and Klemp do a terrific job of bringing together and synthesizing ancient wisdom, modern science, and remarkable practical insights and suggestions on how to put into practice the ideas discussed. The book is broken into three stages, beginning with "Train" (i.e., Meditation, Movement (Exercise), and Inquiry). This is followed by "Be" (Presence, Gratitude, and Compassion), and, finally, "Do" (Engagement, Relationships, and Contribution). The book provides vast resources to go more in-depth on any or all of the concepts discussed (personally, I found the section on Inquiry to be compelling, and the resources offered spot-on in my desire to go deeper​). In a nutshell, this is an important work and indeed can change one's life. You want to own and read this work.

A good book helps you learn an immense amount of information in a short period of time. A great book helps you change your life for the better. "Start Here" is both, and hits it out of the park with an interesting, fun, informative and inspirational read that can really help you understand how to be a happier and better person. Langshur and Klemp take the best of world philosophies, psychological techniques and cutting edge medical research to quickly hone in on three foundational practices that include Meditation (teaching the brain to relax and deal with stress more easily), Movement (training your body) and Inquiry (deciding where to focus your thoughts and energy). They furthermore explain how multiple other principles (eg gratitude, engagement) can become habits that allow us to change our own Happiness "Set Point". The end result is a far reaching, but pragmatic read, that I can give to my patients who are looking for some clear ways to make themselves better just by using their mind and body - this is about understanding and attitude, not expensive equipment nor radical changes.

A great book, it has already helped improve my life and my commitment to optimize my health physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally.

If you want to learn to live each day with a better sense of wellbeing, then this is the book for you! I have practiced meditation to varying degrees for years, but now I have a better understanding of not only how to do it, but what types of benefits I can enjoy.Additionally, I have learned the value of movement. As the authors quote Thoreau, "movement puts sunshine in our thoughts" and Start Here explains the importance of movement for our wellbeing.In short, this is a book that helps to bring all of these wonderful practices together, to elevate ourselves to peak performance, to become more resilient and to experience better emotional health. Who among us would not benefit from this?Thank you Eric and Nate for this excellent and insightful book. It is an excellent read and a book to refer back to over and over again!

Reading this in a book discussion at work. There are helpful tips on how to lower anxiety. 30 of us at work are now meditating and exercising due to the suggestions. So far so good. I plan to lend this to others once I'm done reading.

Polls suggest up to 70% of the American workforce is disengaged at work. This is an epidemic. We live consistently estranged from our most energized and alive self at work. This book, backed by the latest insights from neuroscience and the mindfulness movement, is about recovering access to that pool of vitality that awaits us and leads us to a resourced, full embrace of life. Further, it provides a clear and realistic framework for integrating these practices into daily life that work. Yet, for me, the true power of this book comes in its early disclosure of the "open secret" -- the bare truth that we all struggle with life's vicissitudes but yet continue to present public personas that evade this bedrock condition. Klemp and Langhsur expose themselves as men of integrity who, through their own deep engagement with life challenges, are led to face uncertainty, loss and hardship with eyes and heart wide open. It is this kind of engagement that makes "Start Here" an inspiring invitation into the unforeseen depths of well-being. I champion this book and challenge you to give it a heartfelt look.

Excellent practices that are accessible to everyone for managing stress and increasing happiness and productivity.

The authors accomplished the difficult task to put all the most important advice together into a program that is easy to follow.