An Unlikely Guru
How a Neurotic Jewish Real Estate Developer from New Jersey Found Enlightenment (And How You Can, Too)
by Chick Atkins
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Pub Date Nov 28 2023 | Archive Date Dec 01 2023
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Description
How a Neurotic Jewish Real Estate Developer from New Jersey Found Enlightenment (And How You Can, Too)
- How can I stop worrying so much?
- How do I learn to look for approval in myself rather than others?
- How do I slow the pace of life?
- How can I learn to accept death?
- How can I find happiness?
The answers to these questions and more can be found in this enlightening book. Its author, however, is the antithesis of the traditional spiritual guru. He dresses in business clothes rather than a robe and sandals. He has never lived in a small stone hut in the Himalayas, nor does he collect crystals or read auras. All his insights have required eyeglasses.
Married for 40 years with three kids, Charles “Chick” Atkins has experienced all the joys and sorrows that life normally bestows. He is human – just another guy behind the wheel in traffic. Non-descript.
But Chick is different in one significant way. Chick is “awake.”
In the nine chapters of this book, he identifies nine moments of enlightenment in his life. Each provided a new level of comprehension and understanding that led to greater peace and happiness. Each provided answers to life’s big questions.
This book is for everyone who feels disconnected or overwhelmed and who is yearning to be happy and whole, but who can’t leave their 9-to-5 job or spend a week meditating in the Berkshires. Unlike most books of this type, this is not about using spirituality to escape ordinary life and live with your head in the clouds. Rather, it’s about using spirituality to embrace ordinary life and realize how extraordinary it actually is. It’s a philosophy grounded in today’s reality.
Enlightenment, as you’ll learn, is simply living moment to moment, amid all the usual nonsense, with awareness and appreciation unblemished by the past. You are capable of that. After all, even once you get all your wishes, there will always be the dishes.
Chick writes with humor, humility and, most importantly, practicality. His path can be your path, too. In the life story of an unlikely guru, you just might find insight into your own.
Advance Praise
Once upon a time not too long ago, Chick and I scaled the Peruvian Salcantay Peak together―at 15,090 feet, far above Machu Picchu―along with a pretty tough crew of hikers. Along the way, a shaman invited us to plunge into an icy stream accompanied by the shaman’s music. Chick alone accepted the invitation. This is Chick Atkins, a man who lives with intensity and intention, who loves hard, commits fully, always seeks his truth―and most impressively of all, endows those around him with confidence in their paths as well. Always his own man, he is also Everyman. You may not scale the Andes, but in life, you scale your own treacherous peaks and face daunting unknowns. In An Unlikely Guru, Chick meets the unknowns of everyday life, both great and small, with trailblazing passion, awakening curiosity, and respect for the dignity of all human experience. An Unlikely Guru is the story of Chick Atkins, who integrates the spiritual path and its insights into his everyday life better than anyone I know. In this highly entertaining book, he recounts his journey in a relatable way and shows how enlightenment is possible for any of us.
―Steve Denholtz, CEO, Denholtz Properties
Featured Reviews
Karin H, Reviewer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I adored all the examples provided!
It truly provokes deep reflection on the essence and significance of life. Though many may not climb the Andes, life presents its own set of challenging peaks and uncertainties. "An Unlikely Guru" chronicles Chick's adventures as he masterfully merges spirituality and daily experiences.
This enthralling tale of Chick Atkins exemplifies how he effortlessly blends life's lessons with spiritual insights, demonstrating that enlightenment isn't beyond reach for any of us. Dive into this engaging read and witness how even the most ordinary moments can be gateways to profound realization.
Reviewer 707034
This little book is a gem! Written by a self-described “neurotic, Jewish, real estate developer,” this memoir/self-help guide chronicles a lifelong journey of awakening with humor, compassion, and humility.
There are nine chapters, each one illuminating a pivotal point in the author’s life that led him to increasing awareness. Scattered throughout are thoughtful, inspirational quotes that reflect the focus of the chapter. There are also helpful references for future exploration listed at the end.
As a memoir, the book provides insight into one man’s path as he remained fully engaged in living an “ordinary” life. Yes, he invested time in meditation retreats, but his story is grounded in business and family responsibilities. In the best sense, it is an illuminating journey of integrating spirituality into everyday life, not an escape into ethereal realms.
As a self-help tome, the author wisely points out that one can prepare for awakening to higher consciousness, but the timing is shrouded in mystery. There is no endpoint in enlightenment, no sainthood as the ultimate reward. It is embracing all of life with an open mind and an open heart.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.
Reviewer 1258329
This was an amazing self-help book. I have been learning about living like a Zen monk and I think this was a great way to start because you can get to know your inner self. I enjoyed it and I highlighted so many of my fav stuff that made an impact.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC. I'll keep this book forever!
Lisa D, Reviewer
This little book is truly fantastic. The author finds himself to be an unlikely person to be giving advice on how to be spiritual, but he really gets it. I can really understand what he's saying.
He has great examples, and I have gotten the book that he says helped him in his spiritual journey. He takes advice from everywhere though, and there are great quotes throughout the book, including from Alcoholics Anonymous.
I think my favorite thing was when he said that doubt is a part of faith. He also has a quote from Buddha that "There is no way to happiness and peace. Happiness and peace are the way."
Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read this
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