Kathy Freston
Quantum Wellness: A Practical Guide to Health and Happiness
Weinstein Books
US Trade Paperback Reprint Edition
ISBN 978-1-602-86077-3
Publication Date: 04-07-2009
282 Pages; $14.95
Date Reviewed: 12-22-2014
Reviewed by: Rick Kleffel © 2014

Index:  Non-Fiction

The self-improvement genre is ever bountiful. We are lucky if we're somewhere between being profoundly unhappy with who we are or simply ever seeking to become better. Kathy Freston's approach in 'Quantum Wellness' is holistic, which in itself is not new. Nor, to be certain, are many of the components she discusses.

What is new is her happy ability to combine brevity and variety in the service of not suggesting that there is any single solution to making our lives better. For all that the word "quantum" conjures up our most incomprehensible branch of physics, here the words has other connotations. To my mind, 'Tipping Pont Wellness" might be a better description of what Freston is after. She is simply suggesting that the upshot of many, small, actually makeable change can be that much sought-after quantum leap.

Freston is nothing if not straightforward. She begins the book with a brief meditation on just what happiness might be, then follows up with suggestions on how to use the book. She then lists what for her are the "Eight Pillars of Wellness": meditation, visualization, fun activities, conscious eating, self-work, spiritual practice, and service. RaEach of these very reasonable concepts gets a nice once-over. Then it's on to "Clearing the Way," "Laying the Groundwork," "Overcoming Obstacles," and "Making the Leap." Tally-ho!

Freston takes herself seriously enough to offer sound advice, search for science to back up her suggestions, quote experts in the various fields early and often, and use everyday logic and arguments to back up her strategy of incremental change. She uses analogy and metaphor well, and does not overreach. This comes easily with the main thrust of her book, which is that small changes, easily made, can add up to big results. Stated in this review that may seem obvious, but as a reading experience, Freston knows how to lead a reader along a variety of paths that balance intelligence and simplicity.

Freston is also keen enough to realize that not everything works for everyone. She emphasizes trying what works best, coming back again to what does not, and in general, making and keeping your goals attainable. She makes a strong and important case for spiritual well-being, eating well, and quite importantly, and uniquely, having fun. If you like the idea that having fun is an important part of self-improvement and a happier lifestyle, then Kathy Freston's 'Quantum Wellness' is definitely a book that you can work with. In fact, no matter what your mind set, 'Quantum Wellness' has something to say worth hearing, worth reading, and it does so with admirable succinctness.