Best this month:

The Power of Pause

Becoming More by Doing Less

Spiritual writer and workshop leader Terry Hershey wants us to slow down and savor the present moment. He's written a paperback divided into 52 short and snappy essays that goes against the 24/7, multitasking, hurry-up and don't-let up trends of our times. He explains that the power of pause is as much about what we don't do as what we do. A pause can be passive (stop, let go, be still, breathe out) or active (be attentive, conscious, take responsibility, breathe in).

Hershey is a gifted storyteller, so you'll find a treasure trove of delightful tales here. He's also a great lover of quotations, and he headlines every chapter with a favorite. But what we liked best in this book are the spiritual practices he suggests. Here's one example: "This week, embrace the mundane acts, such as washing dishes, pulling weeds, commuting, walking the dog. Consider them a form of prayer" (Loyola Press ).