The Librarian Who Measured the Earth
Wonderfully illustrated story of Eratosthenes who was born more than two thousand years ago. He was full of wonder and questions. Wherever he went and whatever he did, his curiosity and questions sent him from one discovery to the next.
His measurement of the circumference of the Earth was only two hundred miles different from our own calculations today. Great story about a man who always let his curiosity lead the way.
Fire in the Heart – A Spiritual Guide for Teens –
I listened to the audio version of this book with Thomas and Lillian about seven years ago. I’m not one to let books written for specific age groups deter me! HA!
I remembered loving this book back then. Recently, I had been having the urge to experience it again. I’m hoping Thomas and Lillian decide to read it also.
A non-fiction story of an elder man, Baba, whom Chopra encountered when he was 15 years old. Chopra shares, in his beautiful writing style, the lessons he learned from Baba.
March 3 2019:
The Secret of Saying Thanks
“Perhaps you’d like to know a secret, one of the happiest ones of all. You will surely find it for yourself one day. You’ll discover it all on your own, maybe when you least expect it.”
Wonderful book about the secret of having gratitude and expressing gratitude.
We have enjoyed all of Douglas Wood’s books!
Touching Peace – practicing the art of mindful living
Transforming our Compost – one of the chapter titles in the book. Sums it up! Specific, practical instructions ar given for extending our meditation practice into our daily lives.
I’ve not read a Thich Nhat Hanh book I didn’t love. Good stuff.
Incredible You!
A wonderful book to inspire young and old alike to feel in their hearts that nothing is impossible for them. Love, Love, Love!
The True Secret of Writing
This is the third of Natalie Goldberg’s books that I’ve read. By far, my favorite. Loved it so much I wanted to sleep with it next to my pillow and soak in every morsel.
The subtitle is “Connecting Life with Language”; one indication of why I find this book to be so powerful. It did my writer’s soul good to read that I am already doing some of what she shares and to learn of how much more I can be doing. Inspiring, moving, beautiful …. xoxo
For the Right to Learn – Malala Yousafzai’s Story
We are so inspired by Malala Yousafzai!! At 17 years old she accepted the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014. She almost lost her life for being outspoken about equal education in her home country of Pakistan.
“This award is not just for me. It is for those forgotten children who want education. It is for those frightened children who want peace. It is for those voiceless children who want change.”
January 27 2019:
Old Friend from Far Away
I first read, “Writing Down the Bones” by Natalie Goldberg. I’d had it on my list to read more as I got so much out of this one.
Old Friend from Far Away was the second of her books I’ve read (on my 3rd now). I enjoy her writing style and the writing exercises included in the book. I’m slowly making my way through them.
This book encourages one to let loose with their own unique writing style along with teaching one how to remember and allowing forgotten memories to surface.
And, lastly it teaches one how to practice. As with anything we undertake, practicing is how we sharpen the pencil of our writing practice. I would love to attend one of her True Secret Writing Retreats. Sounds amazing! xoxo
January 20 2019:
Walking to School – A Story from Northern Ireland
A book inspired by happenings in Belfast, Northern Ireland’s major city, in the early to mid 2000’s. The conflict between Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland is centuries old.
A peace accord was agreed to in June of 2007. This is a fictional tale of what some children were experiencing during that time.
January 13 2019:
How to Meditate – A Practical Guide to Making Friends with Your Mind
I’ve had a regular meditation practice since about 2011 and every once in a while I like to read something different about it to give my own practice a little jolt!
That happened back in 2014 when I read, “For the Love of It”; which created a huge positive shift. And, Pema Chodron did not disappoint. I enjoy and get something out of all of her books I’ve read to date.
This one teaches how to meditate with eyes open; rather than closed. I have always meditated with eyes closed and been on some fantastical journeys. I have spent about 8 years exploring, adventuring, and healing within.
Now, it’s time to explore and adventure without. Learning to be at peace and still no matter what’s happening without. That’s how I see this and I’ve been at it for 2 weeks now. It’s extremely uncomfortable. Yet, I’m ready to meet my edge with discomfort and know that there is wisdom and all kinds of good stuff when embracing the discomfort. I’ll stay with it for a full month and then perhaps alternate practice styles.
My favorite quote from the book … “The experience of a sad and tender heart is what gives birth to fearlessness. Conventionally, being fearless means that you are not afraid or that, if someone hits you, you will hit him back. But we aren’t talking about that street-fighter level of fearlessness. Real fearlessness is the product of tenderness. It comes from letting the world tickle your heart, your raw heart. You are willing to open up, without resistance or shyness, and face the world.” -Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche