Every Moment Matters: Savoring the Stuff of Life

In his latest, self-help author St. Augustine (Living an Uncommon Life: Essential Lessons from 12 Extraordinary People) examines the individual instances that have meant much to him, encouraging readers to do the same for themselves: ""while the journey has been one of discipline and self-examination my life (and I suspect yours, too) is filled with moments that... taught me something, made me stop alive in my tracks, had me catch my breath."" These moments are universal but predictable; one of St. Augustine's first examples is the death of his beloved dog Jake, a time of deep sadness that nevertheless made him realize the value of the companionship, unconditional love, fun, and adventure his pet provided. Another section finds him recalling a decades-old Colorado hiking trip with his friend David, on which he learned that ""there is more than one way to reach the top, that it's good to have a buddy along for support, and that those who have gone before you often ... make the climb a bit more manageable."" Though his ruminations tend top be wordy (bordering on mundane self-absorption), St. Augustine makes an eager guide to the importance of reflection and mindfulness.