Local Author Paul Steinberg has discovered Zen.
Amazon Ranked, bestselling Jewish author and businessman Paul Steinberg, via his brand, School of Hard Luck, has releases his new memoir, “Zen and the Art of Filling an Empty Soul – A reflection on life and how it takes us and shapes us.”
The book was launched on Amazon on June 15 and coincided with book signings at legendary Montreal eateries such as Tasty Food, Rib’n Reef, Lester’s and more. “The location of the signings are a shout out and tribute to the incredibly difficult year our hometown restaurants have had to endure,” said Steinberg, a top sales executive at Silver Star Auto for the past three decades. “ As a Montrealer through and through, I am partaking in several ventures to ensure that as many businesses and non-profit organizations bounce back from this pandemic,” stated Steinberg.
The book and its prosaic wording (co-written by blogger, Lisa Audrey Cohen) serve as a reflection on all of life’s trials and tribulations, and the resiliency that shines through all of us, no matter the adversity. Paul opens his heart and shares his experience as an outsider, having been violently bullied from the ripe age of seven right through his early teens. He also shares his experience being bullied as an adult, in the workplace.
There is a Zen section, where readers can enjoy stories that will allow them to sit back, take a great big Zen breath and get lost in the moment.
Steinberg has dealt with the hurt, the scars, through journaling, through meditation and Giving Back. He devotes his passion and volunteerism toward two local Montreal non-profits, both of which help youth at risk. He volunteers with Dan La Rue, feeding homeless teens from the famed Father Emmett John’s (Pops) school bus. Paul also works alongside his friend of 30 years, Trevor Williams, keeping marginalized kids off the streets through the Trevor Williams Kids Foundation (a portion of book sales will go toward sponsoring kids for a free camp session at William’s basketball school).
“This book is a reflection on how life sculpts our experiences into varied forms,” Steinberg writes. “My life started from a place of utter fear and sadness but culminated into the happiness and fulfillment of today. I have included a resource listing at the end of the book, so that anyone being bullied, feeling alone and helpless, may choose to reach out and get the support they need. I had to lose myself to find myself. I had to learn to be quiet and still – Zen like. There in the silence, I traced the footsteps I took as a boy, just getting by, hoping someone would come along and fill my empty soul.”
Steinberg is a cancer survivor, a crusader and mentor for homeless teens, and an advocate for anti-bullying.
Log on to www.schoolofhardluck.com.
Steinberg lives in Hampstead with his wife Ruth. They have two children, five grandchildren and his rescue dog, Gigi.
By Mike Cohen
