Firefighter Zen, Hersch Wilson
Firefighter Zen, Hersch Wilson
List: $19.99 | Sale: $13.99
Club: $9.99

Firefighter Zen
A Field Guide to Thriving in Tough Times

Author: Hersch Wilson

Narrator: Adam Lofbomm

Unabridged: 5 hr 28 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Ascent Audio

Published: 07/21/2020


Synopsis

"Be brave. Be kind. Fight fires." That's the motto of firefighters, like Hersch Wilson, who spend their lives walking toward, rather than away from, danger and suffering. In this unique collection of true stories and practical wisdom, Wilson shares the Zen-like techniques that allow people like him to stay grounded while navigating danger, comforting others, and coping with their personal response to each crisis. As in Zen practice, firefighters are trained to be fully in the moment and present to the heartbeat, the life at hand. Each of five sections applies the firefighter's experience to everyone's lives. Listeners learn to maintain perspective and equilibrium even in the midst of urgency and to prepare for adversity as well as aftermath and recovery. Finally, six key strategies for thriving in the face of difficulty include practical exercises and real-world advice. Every life contains the unexpected and the unwelcome. Since how we cope with those inevitable events, more than the events themselves, defines the quality of our lives, Firefighter Zen is an invaluable guide to meeting every day with our best calm, creative, and optimistic selves.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Jebb on August 17, 2020

I just finished reading this book and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was hard to put down because of the captivating stories, though I'm sure I'll be picking it up time and again as I seek reminders of the wisdom that Wilson weaves into his stories. I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to work on......more

Goodreads review by Grimm on January 05, 2021

It’s a fascinating thing, really, to speak deeply with a guest and adopt, or understand, their worldview for the duration of these talks. I take the things we discuss seriously, and I’m always looking for something applicable and relevant that I can put to work in my very ordinary life. When I visit......more

Goodreads review by Kelly on December 08, 2024

Hersch and I share similar but distinct fire service experiences. My career was in the suburban career fire service, but the tough calls that leave a mark on your soul—those are universal. It's been ten years since I left the fire service proper, and I'm slow to get to this book, but I thoroughly en......more

Goodreads review by Kirby on March 25, 2021

It was an inspiring read for young firefighters like myself, he weaves in the stories of life-saving alongside with bitesize wise quotes. He explains the challenges we will face as a commander during fire rescue operations. It's amazing how he can describe our work in a such a delicate way, where pe......more

Goodreads review by E. on November 23, 2021

Just finished this as an audiobook, and I highly recommend it, no matter what your career is. Hersch Wilson's way of explaining how he and others manage their high level of stress can be an example to everyone. It's not a matter of avoiding stressful situations or being callous, but acknowledging it......more