In this book, Awareness, by Anthony de Mello, everyday habits of thought and perception are examined with the aim of understanding how they shape one's life. De Mello, a Jesuit priest and psychotherapist, presents a series of talks that invite observation rather than doctrine or technique.
He suggests that much unhappiness stems from unconscious conditioning, expectations, and attachments, and that by becoming aware of these patterns, it is possible to see more clearly. The focus is not on striving for change but on noticing what is already present, without judgment.
Through stories, reflections, and direct challenges, de Mello points toward a way of living marked by honesty, detachment, and freedom. The book does not offer final answers, but it encourages a practice of awareness and attention that can open up the possibility of a more genuine and attentive life.
Comment: This is one of my all-time favorite books. I turn to it time and time again. It is full of deep insights and wisdom.
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- People Mistakenly Assume That Their Thinking Is Done by Their Head Anthony de Mello
- Problems Only Exist in the Mind Anthony de Mello and the nature of awareness
Quotations: Anthony De Mello (17)
- All Is Well Anthony de Mello
- Are People Untrustworthy or Is It Just Our Bad Judgement? Anthony de Mello
- Awareness and Control Anthony de Mello
- Fear and Love Anthony de Mello
- How We See Things Anthony de Mello
- Loneliness Is Not Cured by Human Company Anthony de Mello
- Most People Don’t Live Aware Lives Anthony de Mello
- My Business Is to Do My Thing, to Dance My Dance Anthony de Mello
- People Mistakenly Assume That Their Thinking Is Done by Their Head Anthony de Mello
- Pleasant and Painful Experiences Anthony de Mello
- Problems Only Exist in the Human Mind Anthony de Mello
- Spirituality Means Waking Up Anthony de Mello
- The Cause of Unhappiness Anthony de Mello
- The Story of the Eagle Who Grew Up as a Chicken Anthony de Mello
- There Is Only One Cause of Unhappiness Anthony de Mello
- We’re Crazy Anthony de Mello
- Where There Is Love There Are No Demands Anthony de Mello
Blog Posts: Anthony De Mello (1)
Book Purchased: 06 March, 1999 ★ Recommended
Tags: Anthony de Mello (23) | awareness (11) | personal development (18)
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Photo Credits: Midjourney (Public Domain)
Online Knowledge Café: Conversational Leadership — Beyond Knowledge Management
Wednesday 17th March 2026, 14:00 - 15:30 London time
Knowledge Management gives us access to information, but it does not decide or act. In this Knowledge Café, we will explore how Conversational Leadership builds on KM by strengthening shared reasoning, judgement, and agency. Join us to examine how we think together when knowledge alone is not enough.