What books on productivity and self-improvement do you recommend?

submitted by Bitchcraft from self.UpgradeStrategy

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[–]Bitchcraft[S] 4 insightful - 1 fun4 insightful - 0 fun5 insightful - 1 fun -  (1 child)

I really liked Deep Work by Cal Newport. In this book, Newport writes about the importance of deliberately planning around your ability to be in a mental flow state for mental productivity. Absolute must-read if you are an academic or "information worker".

[–]invertebruh 1 insightful - 1 fun1 insightful - 0 fun2 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

Ooh I'll have to pick that up, sounds really useful. I'm an artist and flow state is really critical for me to actually get anything done.

[–]avena_sativa_3 3 insightful - 1 fun3 insightful - 0 fun4 insightful - 1 fun -  (1 child)

Mindfulness in Plain English by Bhante Gunarantana

[–]Bitchcraft[S] 1 insightful - 1 fun1 insightful - 0 fun2 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

Why did you find it useful / what did it help you with?

[–]bobbobbybob 3 insightful - 1 fun3 insightful - 0 fun4 insightful - 1 fun -  (5 children)

https://www.amazon.com/Learn-Timber-Frame-Craftsmanship-Simplicity/dp/1612126685

https://www.amazon.com/Programming-Metaprogramming-Human-Biocomputer-Experiments/dp/0692217894

https://www.amazon.com/Eagles-Gift-Carlos-Castaneda/dp/067173251X

[–]Bitchcraft[S] 1 insightful - 1 fun1 insightful - 0 fun2 insightful - 1 fun -  (4 children)

Programming and Metaprogramming in the Human Biocomputer was written by Dr. John C. Lilly about his research conducted at the National Institute of Mental Health. In it, he discusses his invention of float tanks, early communication with dolphins, and investigations into the use of LSD for personal and cultural development. This historic work is reprinted in this version, in its entirety, for the first time in 25 years.

Sounds interesting, thank you!

Carlos Castaneda takes the reader into the very heart of sorcery, challenging both imagination and reason, shaking the very foundations of our belief in what is "natural" and "logical."

This has a very "essential oils" ring to it.

The first guide to timber framing written specifically for beginners! Expert Will Beemer takes you through the entire process from start to finish, beginning with timber sourcing and ending with a finished building.

IDK. Here in Europe we tend to live in brick and mortar houses, so I can't really relate.

[–]bobbobbybob 2 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 0 fun3 insightful - 1 fun -  (2 children)

There are different neural pathways that we can utilise to function. So when taking ketamine, for example (cf. Lilly), more conscious paths of action are blocked, but the techniques taught by Carlos let you keep moving. So there's something very important in his teachings that relate directly to the way our minds CAN function if we step away from the straightforward means.

I found it very helpful in dream actions, and in times of extreme stress (life/death moments).

Europe birthed Timber framing, and you'll see it all over the place in ancient buildings that are still standing. It is slower and more expensive than stck framing or earthquake suceptible bricks and mortar, but the end results have lifetimes of century or millenia. A skill worth having.

[–]Bitchcraft[S] 2 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 0 fun3 insightful - 1 fun -  (1 child)

You are right about the earthquake thing, the Japanese have known to build very earthquake-resistant wood structures for centuries. To be honest I don't know much about the topic, sounds interesting.

[–]bobbobbybob 1 insightful - 1 fun1 insightful - 0 fun2 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

definitely worth the reading.

Most important part is the foundations, of course. Modern screw based piles seem like the best solution there, but they have a limited life. Stone is good, but that's hard to do

[–]Hadza 1 insightful - 1 fun1 insightful - 0 fun2 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

I'd suggest avoiding Castaneda as his stuff was very detrimental for my family. I can't tell you for sure whether he was the deciding factor, but it is what it is