
Zen monk Shunmyo Masuno reveals 100 snack-sized practices that transform daily chaos into calm. This international bestseller, praised by Elle.com as essential for modern mindfulness, offers what Neil Pasricha calls "little Zen practices" that can revolutionize your well-being. Ready to quiet the noise?
Feel the book through the author's voice
Turn knowledge into engaging, example-rich insights
Capture key ideas in a flash for fast learning
Enjoy the book in a fun and engaging way
Break down key ideas from The Art of Simple Living into bite-sized takeaways to understand how innovative teams create, collaborate, and grow.
Distill The Art of Simple Living into rapid-fire memory cues that highlight Pixar’s principles of candor, teamwork, and creative resilience.

Experience The Art of Simple Living through vivid storytelling that turns Pixar’s innovation lessons into moments you’ll remember and apply.
Ask anything, pick the voice, and co-create insights that truly resonate with you.

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

Get the The Art of Simple Living summary as a free PDF or EPUB. Print it or read offline anytime.
Imagine standing at the summit of a mountain, feeling weightless and free. Now, what if you could experience that same serenity while washing dishes or commuting to work? This is the promise of Zen-inspired simple living. For 2,500 years, Zen Buddhism has offered practical wisdom for finding peace not by escaping our daily lives, but by transforming how we experience them. We often seek extraordinary experiences to escape our overwhelming routines, only to return to the same burdens. But what if the extraordinary already exists within our ordinary moments? The beauty of this approach lies in its simplicity. Rather than attempting to change the world (an impossible task), we can change ourselves - our habits, perspectives, and responses. These adjustments need not be dramatic but subtle shifts that create profound change over time. Begin your day fifteen minutes earlier to sit quietly, focusing on deep breathing from your tanden (below your navel). As your breathing settles, your mind naturally becomes still. While enjoying your morning tea, notice the sky and listen for birdsong. This simple practice creates mental space that carries throughout your day. When was the last time you truly did nothing? In our hectic lives, few of us create space for emptiness. Pressed by endless notifications, deadlines, and responsibilities, we're constantly busy completing necessary tasks. This unconscious immersion in activity disconnects us from our true selves and genuine happiness. Just ten minutes daily is enough to begin transforming this pattern. Find a quiet space where you won't be interrupted. This mindfulness extends to how we experience meals and our living spaces. To simplify your inner self, arrange your rooms sparely, removing visual and mental clutter.