The Art of Stopping Time by Pedram Shojai Summary

The Art of Stopping Time offers 100 practical mindfulness exercises ("gongs") to help busy people reclaim focus, reduce stress, and cultivate presence. Drawing on Taoist philosophy, Shojai combines ancient wisdom with modern strategies for time management, emphasizing rituals, breathwork, and intentional pauses to counter overwhelm.

This book suits overworked professionals, stressed parents, or anyone feeling trapped by modern busyness. Its actionable exercises appeal to mindfulness seekers, fans of The Urban Monk, and readers wanting structured guidance to balance productivity with well-being.

Yes—readers praise its blend of spiritual insights and actionable steps, though some critique its privileged assumptions (e.g., outsourcing tasks). Ideal for those new to mindfulness, it provides tools to reduce screen time, prioritize self-care, and reframe time scarcity.

Key ideas include the Power of Presence (mindful focus), the Art of Ritual (structured pauses), and Qi Gong-inspired movement. Shojai argues that slowing down enhances creativity and resilience, urging readers to "stop chasing time" and embrace intentional living.

Shojai advocates "time rituals" like taking breaks every 25 minutes, unplugging from devices, and dedicating mornings to focused work. He emphasizes aligning tasks with natural energy cycles and using breathwork to reset during stress.

The book’s 100 gongs include journaling prompts, nature immersion challenges, and Qi Gong sequences. Examples:

• "Digital Sunset" (no screens after dusk)
• "Deathbed Visualization" (reflecting on priorities)
• "Micro-Meditation Breaths"

Some readers find suggestions like hiring low-cost virtual assistants tone-deaf. Others note repetitive advice or a focus on individual solutions over systemic change. Critics argue it’s less effective for readers with rigid schedules.

Unlike abstract guides, Shojai’s approach blends Taoist rituals with tactical steps, akin to Atomic Habits meets The Power of Now. It’s more structured than Eckhart Tolle’s work but less data-driven than Cal Newport’s time-management books.

• “When we move too fast, we miss the details that make life rich.”
• “Time isn’t the enemy—your relationship with it is.”

These emphasize mindful engagement over hurried living.

Yes—readers report reduced screen addiction, better task prioritization, and increased mental clarity. Techniques like "Scheduling Whitespace" (unplanned time blocks) help create boundaries between work and personal life.

As a Taoist abbot and physician, Shojai merges Qi Gong practices, herbal medicine insights, and modern productivity hacks. His experience directing wellness documentaries (Vitality, Origins) informs the book’s holistic approach.

With AI accelerating work demands, Shojai’s emphasis on digital detoxes and purposeful pauses remains timely. The book’s tools help combat burnout in an era of constant connectivity.