Review of Digging for God
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Seetha E
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Review of Digging for God
[Following is a volunteer review of "Digging for God" by Tom Hillman.]
The title, Digging for God, caught my attention and prompted me to read its description, which thoroughly engrossed me. The author, Tom Hillman, offers a compelling first-hand account of his 21-day retreat at an all-male ashram in the picturesque hills of Southern California. He skillfully incorporates Ralph Waldo Emerson's quote at the beginning and sets the tone for the reader.
This non-fiction work is written in the second person and effectively engages the reader as Hillman intricately describes the daily routines at the retreat. He elaborately details the meticulously planned routine that must be followed, including the somewhat harsh morning routines, such as a minimum of 2.5 hours of daily meditation split into three sessions, which can extend during holidays. He also describes the delicious buffet schedule, regular beverage breaks, and the required eight hours of daily service tasks spread throughout the day. The light-hearted tone made the narrative engaging, entertaining, and enlightening. Reading about having to meditate before mealtime while dying to eat and comparing meditation after a hard day's work to the iciest beer was humorous.
Despite being a relatively quick read, the author beautifully captures the reader's attention toward finding inner peace amidst our often stressful lives. Hillman suggests the significance of slowing down and finding purpose to truly enjoy our actions rather than constantly chasing goals without finding satisfaction, and I concur with his thoughts. Through vivid descriptions and thought-provoking questions, such as "Will God suddenly appear?" Hillman urges the reader to reevaluate everything. I appreciate that he keeps it balanced and offers a compelling read.
The author refrains from imposing his personal feelings on others. Although the book is about finding God, he successfully keeps it away from strict religious connotations, embracing it as a journey of personal growth and self-reflection, which I find to be the best part of the book. I have experienced the transformative effects of consistent and disciplined meditation. While I admit to being inconsistent with my practice lately, the idea of a 21-day retreat, initially seeming impractical due to work and familial commitments, now allures me after reading the inspiring accounts within the book. The prospect of temporarily disconnecting from my routine and engaging with inner thoughts in an environment conducive to realignment and redirection toward peace and positivity holds significant appeal.
As I encountered minor errors, I recommend a re-edit to ensure an error-free delight. However, as these errors did not detract from my overall engagement, they do not warrant a lower rating. Apart from this, there is nothing negative about the book. Therefore, I rate it five out of five stars. I loved the entertaining undertone, the trajectory of understanding, and reading about what a place like this aims to offer. I recommend this book to readers looking for personal growth and those open to new experiences on a spiritual path.
******
Digging for God
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The title, Digging for God, caught my attention and prompted me to read its description, which thoroughly engrossed me. The author, Tom Hillman, offers a compelling first-hand account of his 21-day retreat at an all-male ashram in the picturesque hills of Southern California. He skillfully incorporates Ralph Waldo Emerson's quote at the beginning and sets the tone for the reader.
This non-fiction work is written in the second person and effectively engages the reader as Hillman intricately describes the daily routines at the retreat. He elaborately details the meticulously planned routine that must be followed, including the somewhat harsh morning routines, such as a minimum of 2.5 hours of daily meditation split into three sessions, which can extend during holidays. He also describes the delicious buffet schedule, regular beverage breaks, and the required eight hours of daily service tasks spread throughout the day. The light-hearted tone made the narrative engaging, entertaining, and enlightening. Reading about having to meditate before mealtime while dying to eat and comparing meditation after a hard day's work to the iciest beer was humorous.
Despite being a relatively quick read, the author beautifully captures the reader's attention toward finding inner peace amidst our often stressful lives. Hillman suggests the significance of slowing down and finding purpose to truly enjoy our actions rather than constantly chasing goals without finding satisfaction, and I concur with his thoughts. Through vivid descriptions and thought-provoking questions, such as "Will God suddenly appear?" Hillman urges the reader to reevaluate everything. I appreciate that he keeps it balanced and offers a compelling read.
The author refrains from imposing his personal feelings on others. Although the book is about finding God, he successfully keeps it away from strict religious connotations, embracing it as a journey of personal growth and self-reflection, which I find to be the best part of the book. I have experienced the transformative effects of consistent and disciplined meditation. While I admit to being inconsistent with my practice lately, the idea of a 21-day retreat, initially seeming impractical due to work and familial commitments, now allures me after reading the inspiring accounts within the book. The prospect of temporarily disconnecting from my routine and engaging with inner thoughts in an environment conducive to realignment and redirection toward peace and positivity holds significant appeal.
As I encountered minor errors, I recommend a re-edit to ensure an error-free delight. However, as these errors did not detract from my overall engagement, they do not warrant a lower rating. Apart from this, there is nothing negative about the book. Therefore, I rate it five out of five stars. I loved the entertaining undertone, the trajectory of understanding, and reading about what a place like this aims to offer. I recommend this book to readers looking for personal growth and those open to new experiences on a spiritual path.
******
Digging for God
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
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Priya Murugesan
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I have read this book and agree with your views. It was a short and sweet read. Like you, I have also experienced the goodness of meditation. Thank you for sharing your review!
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