"This book is stolen. Written in part on stolen time, that is. Because like millions of others who work for a living, I was giving most of my prime time to my employer..." So begins Jeff Schmidt in this riveting book about the world of professional work. Schmidt demonstrates that the workplace is a battleground for the very identity of the individual, as is graduate school, where professionals are trained. He shows that professional work is inherently political, and that professionals are hired to maintain strict "ideological discipline." The hidden root of much career dissatisfaction, argues Schmidt, is the professional's lack of control over the political component of his or her creative work. Many professionals set out to make a contribution to society and add meaning to their lives. Yet our system of professional education and employment abusively inculcates an acceptance of politically subordinate roles in which professionals typically do not make a significant difference, undermining the creative potential of individuals, organizations, and even democracy. Schmidt details the battle one must fight to be an independent thinker, showing how an honest reassessment of what it means to be a professional in today's corporate society can be remarkably liberating. After reading this book, no one who works for a living will ever think the same way about his or her job.

"This book is soul food! So encouraging!" (P. Henderson) HEART ATTACK is a fresh and original perspective on trauma, recovery and renewal. It is a must-have beacon of light for anyone going through adversity or significant life change. "Jeff writes the way he speaks; the way he lives; the way he inspires. He is less a man defined by what he does or says, as much as a man who lives out fiercely, faithfully and fearlessly the process of "becoming". And in this book, it is this invitation that he extends to you, the reader." (Dr. E. Chew) In his mid-40s, Jeff Schmidt unexpectedly found himself in hospital. In an instant, or rather a series of strained, chest crushing, arm aching, jaw clenching heart attacks, he was thrust from the life he knew as a healthy, tenacious professional and plunged into a strange new world. The journey was profound. Along the way there were many bleeps, groans, characters and emotions, but, most significantly, there was change. In this book, Jeff shares candid observations throughout the transformational journey which took him from losing sight of life as he knew it, to gaining new perspectives of life's beauty and meaning. It was a journey that would ignite motivation, passion, and productivity. At his side, a ubiquitous 0.1mm pen and a trusty watercolour tin, which allowed him to candidly document the recovery in his vibrant signature style- the joy, the unexpected, the pain, and the revelation. For anyone wondering if there is hope beyond trauma. For anyone thirsting for an insightful perspective on recovery. For anyone yearning to renew their sense of passion for life. "Jeff reminds us of the fragility and unique value of our lives, which we so often take for granted, and encourages us to 'live inspired'." (M. Wood)

Such is the powerful simplicity of Buddhist teachings that a one-or-two-line quotation from a seminal Buddhist text can resonate throughout our days and nights. The infinite wisdom of this religion has touched people from all walks of life from all over the world.

For readers interested in discovering this rich tradition and cultivating a daily practice, 365 Buddha provides a single thought—a piece of wisdom to carry with one—for each day of the year. Filled with thought-provoking and inspiring quotations from the greatest Buddhist teachers throughout history, including Dogen, Suzuki, Thich Nhat Hanh, the Dalai Lama, and Milarepa, 365 Buddha is an invaluable resource and companion for living.