Dropping the Struggle: Seven Ways to Love the Life You Have

As I gaze out at the strength and beauty of the tall ponderosa pines from my home in the trees and listen to the creek below unfolding its constant lullaby of sound I feel at home and embraced. This is how I felt upon reading Roger Housden’s Dropping the Struggle. As if he had joined me in my inner life and eloquently articulated the poetry of what it is to live from a place of absolutely trusting the unfolding moments and taking action on the possibilities that are constantly revealed when we simply let go.There were moments, as I read the short and beautifully crafted chapters, that here was someone that I could sit with for days on end and explore what it is to be fully human – flaws and all. To negotiate with life on it’s terms, which to me at this stage of life comes from the depths of surrender and letting go.The transparency of the author, stories told, poetry shared and depth of awareness took me ever more deeply into my own experience. What elegance and at times challenge there is in living in this way as the struggle simply drops away, or is never present to begin with....as we energetically sense into the improvisational dance being asked of us in each moment.It seems to me that this is what we were created for. Not to constantly do endless practices, seek more information or achieve goals…. instead to simply breathe our way into a life without struggle acknowledging, embracing, and accepting the underbelly of our being as just another facet of who we are becoming.Thank you Roger Housden for shining the light on what it is to live in the space of Being and revealing yourself in the process!

Inspiring but a bit disjointed. This isn’t a book I would normally read but I’m a big fan of the self-help genre. So, yes, there’s poetry and that’s the part that I’m not really into but after reading the author’s background, it makes sense. All in all, there are some inspiring ideas and it was worth reading.

Life changing! Very easy to read, one of the few books I actually had time to finish. I will go back to it for reference, as I have many pages marked with light bulb moments of understanding. There are also beautiful poems and parts of poetry through out the book, that, if you asked me before I read the book do I like poetry I would have said" NO!!!", I fell in love with and felt deeply in my heart and soul. Definitely recommend this book!!!

To be honest, I haven't really connected with this book. I love the title and wish the book had practical help for people who are in the struggle, but for me it is more cryptic poetry and philosophies. I gave it 3 stars because I'm sure it will appeal to the more intellectually inclined, who may benefit from its nuggets of wisdom, which definitely are there. I just happen to swing on the more pragmatic side and was looking for more practical suggestions on how to reduce anxiety.

Most of what I read was quite a new revelation for me and I want to add the way it is written, invited me to continue reading even when my eyes could not keep up. It calmed me tremendously and made me smile spontaneously from time to time. I really have no idea how I even stumbled upon this book but it was a true gift for me. I will refer to it many more times I imagine.

Thoughtful with some good stories, and a perspective on not trying to fix life, but just inhabiting it.

Good book

The profound and practical wisdom of this book....

A gentle encouraging book to live your dreams, I love Roger Housden especially his 10 poems series. This is of the same vein and a special book.

I bought this book on a whim. Loved the idea of dropping the struggle and the striving. The seven chapters are perfectly chosen. Full of life changing insights and inspiring poetry. Thank you for writing such a gorgeous book! I think I have become a fan of Housden's writing. Enjoy and drop the struggle!

Loved reading this bookThought provoking and inspiring a book you can take anywhere and helps one to learn to pause