In today’s fast-paced world marked by digital overwhelm, emotional burnout, and environmental crises, Swarnali Nath’s Little Things, Big Things is a reminder to slow down and embrace the power of small, mindful moments. A pacy read, filled with simple practices, this book encourages readers to pause, breathe, and rediscover joy through the everyday things that often go unnoticed. It celebrates life and every moment that we have on the planet.

Swarnali Nath, an award-winning blogger and prolific writer, has been sharing reflections on a joyful life since 2018. On her blog, The Blissful Storyteller, she has candidly shared moments of despair and joy, finding her footing through a myriad of philosophies and practices.

An articulate and deeply empathetic ensemble of philosophies, Nath brings together three years of research in this beautifully crafted book. Little Things, Big Things curates 28 mindful philosophies from ancient civilizations across Asia, home country India, and even countries with the highest happiness index, such as the Scandinavian nations. These aren’t complex systems, but rather accessible practices that invite joy and meaning into ordinary life.  

Nath begins each chapter on a lyrical note with a beautiful verse. Allowing herself to flow in the creative process, she has illustrated the book and designed the cover herself. A glossary at the end offers further clarity.

A Global Take on Mindfulness

“Within everyday moments, there is a glimpse of your blissful self… All you need is to stop, stare, and discover the blissful truths hidden in yourself,” Nath writes in the ‘Preface’. This ethos flows through all 28 chapters. Each chapter begins on a creative note and transitions into practices like Sweden’s Fika, Japan’s Shinrin Yoku, Denmark’s Hygge, and India’s Susegad.

The book also introduces many lesser-known philosophies such as:

• Arbejdsglæde (the joy of work)
• Pyt (the Danish art of letting go), which encourages accepting imperfections and moving forward, even when things don’t go as planned.
• Koselig (a Norwegian sense of warmth)
• Friluftsliv (outdoor living)
• Livsnjutare (a person who enjoys life deeply)

Each concept is paired with personal anecdotes and practical exercises, making them easy to incorporate into your own life—no matter where you live. The best part, she has taken due note of the pronunciations, taking into account that readers come from varied parts of the world and belong to different age groups.

Everyday Practices, Lasting Impact

The book’s strength is the weaving of universal wisdom with Nath’s personal experiences. The practices that resonated with me are related to Nature. My mornings begin with the Swedish Gökotta—opening my windows first thing in the morning to listen to the dawn chorus. I often walk beneath tall Eucalyptus trees in the neighbourhood park, my city’s version of Japanese Shinrin Yoku, or forest bathing. And I find peace in watching the moon’s reflections on water, a practice the Swedes call Mångata.

A habit I hope to embrace fully in the near future is Friluftsliv—a lifestyle rooted in outdoor connection and freedom from confined, concrete living.

Encouraging the art of self-love, embracing your imperfections and participating in the little things that bring a smile to your face, the book can be your daily companion or a gift to someone who needs some warmth and cheer. Read it when you feel under the weather or need a nudge towards light and hope.

Why This Book Matters Now

In a time when the world feels chaotic and compassion is often overshadowed by stress, Little Things, Big Things is a friend for those who want to reconnect—with nature, with emotion, and with the present moment. The book is a wise mentor that helps you accept, let go, appreciate and value everything and every experience that comes your way. After all, the joy lies in being fully attentive to the present, here and now.

While the book’s consistent positivity is refreshing, some readers might find the sheer number of philosophies covered slightly overwhelming, and some of the concepts do have a small amount of overlap.

Whether you’re seeking peace, grounding, or simply a way to feel more alive in your daily life, Little Things, Big Things offers a gentle path to well-being. This book is a reminder that happiness doesn’t always come from big accomplishments, but from the small, meaningful things we choose to notice. And the people who walk with us on this path.

Book Details
Publisher: Notion Press
Pages: 152
Price: INR 225
Buy here: Available on Amazon Kindle, and as Hard Cover & Paperback

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This post is part of the Bookish League blog hop hosted by Bohemian Bibliophile.