Synopsis:
In The Sacred Art of Slowing Down, therapist A. C. Seiple invites readers on a gentle, embodied journey to counter a hurried world. The book isn’t a rigid self-help manual, but rather an invitation to realign with ourselves through contemplative prompts and therapeutic reflections. Seiple encourages holistic exploration—blending cognitive, emotional, spiritual, and somatic strands of being—to help us shift from autopilot to authentic presence. With tender compassion, she guides us toward deeper connection, healing, and flourishing.

Personal Reflection:
True to its name, I intentionally read this book slowly—and I’m glad I did. Through the thoughtfully designed practices and reflections, Seiple helped me tune into my body's subtle wisdom and begin releasing tensions I didn’t realize I’d been carrying. Her approach is fully grounded in compassion—especially for those places within that feel most vulnerable or overwhelmed.

If you're longing to move through life with intention and ease, this book is a gentle companion—offering space to be held, seen, and gradually made whole.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my review copy—my thoughts are my own.

Reading this book isn’t like reading a book, it’s like having personal sessions with a caring and knowledgeable therapist. The author has a true gift for explaining therapeutic concepts through relatable examples, spiritual integration, and her own personal experiences, which in turn made me feel like I really got to know the author. After every chapter, there are “Pause & Play” prompts to work through the material that was presented in that chapter. I can’t stress enough how I felt as though the author was holding my hand and gently guiding me on the journey of this book to: 1. slow down, 2. tune in with my body and, 3. tend to my soul. The end of the book is filled with a plethora of additional resources, questions and excercises which gives me the tools and support to lovingly “tend to my garden” for the rest of my days. I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it!

What a unique approach to the art of slowing down. The author spends far more of their time relating slowness to the body than the mind or spirit. It's an interesting perspective, and the book is filled with personal stories from the author's journey. From therapy conversations to training sessions to teachable moments, the author breaks down what it looks like to bring your body back into a state of slowness and safety. There are also exercises at the end of each chapter to help readers slow down and get more in touch with their body. I would've loved to see more scripture woven into the book, but it was still a good read.

We were created for so much more than rushing through life. As the title of this book told us that we need sacred art of slowing down so we can have a meaningful life.