Stress is one of the most common complaints in a society where too many people try to pack too much activity into too little time. The effort to keep up, to be constantly "doing," can lead to an imbalanced life and, even worse, to serious health problems. In The Art of Being: Recapturing the Self, French philosopher Catherine Laroze provides an antidote to this culture of activity by proposing the exact opposite: a culture of inactivity. Embracing the art of doing nothing, says Laroze, will take us a long way toward finding inner harmony, balance, and self-knowledge. Her poetic text addresses the struggles of contemporary life and suggests numerous paths—solitude, periods of silence, contemplation of nature, childlike curiosity—to achieving a much-needed sense of retreat. Not only will such moments allow us to feel refreshed and rejuvenated, but they will give us the opportunity to learn important lessons about ourselves. Part thought-provoking essay and part stress-relief manual, The Art of Being is an inspirational guidebook to finding a better way of living.

Catherine Laroze, who has a doctorate in philosophy, is the author of books and essays on numerous topics, including perfume and gardens. Through her own retreats to the mountains, she has learned both the importance and the pleasure of taking time for oneself.