Joanna van der Hoeven, a practicing Druid, has written an excellent introduction for anyone interested in creating their own similar spiritual path.
ThJoanna van der Hoeven, a practicing Druid, has written an excellent introduction for anyone interested in creating their own similar spiritual path.
The book has four parts: Theory, Practice, Study, and Skills and Technique
The first part, Theory, discusses various aspects of Druidry including the mysterious Awen, the role of gods and ancestors, the three realms, the world tree, the wheel of the year, the cycles of the moon and more.
"Druidry is the quest to find our place in the world and to work in the world in balance and harmony." pg 2
I loved how the author presented this section, which could have been mammoth, very succinctly. She gives so many aspects of the practice because she's encouraging readers to find the parts that work for them. You don't have to embrace everything, only what speaks to you.
The second part, Practice, outlines various rites and rituals to incorporate one's practice into daily life.
She talks about how the ancient practice of Druidry has been lost and how practitioners today are creating their own versions of what that might have looked like. I liked that she emphasizes that unbroken lineage doesn't lend credence to the practice as much as personal exploration and empowerment. Again, she encourages readers to make these rituals their own.
"We don't know what ancient Druids really did, nor do we wish to emulate them in every aspect. We seek to find out as much as we can and learn from it, thereby creating wisdom in our being." pg 66
The third part, Study, looks into herblore, ogham (a type of alphabet that can be used like runes), and spellcraft. Practitioners are encouraged to study and learn these various topics in order to deepen their knowledge.
The final part, Skills and Technique, was the most interesting to me. In it, Joanna van der Hoeven discusses ethics, peace, voice, body and movement, as well as leadership roles.
I found the topics of ethics and peace to be timely.
"We cannot control how others behave. We only have control over how we behave in the world, how we act and react to others. We can lessen our reaction to others to a more intentional way of being through mindfulness of our thoughts, our bodies, and the world around us." pg 296
Change ultimately starts at the individual level and goes from there. Thank you, Joanna, for the reminder.
Highly recommended for spiritual seekers who may be looking for an earth-based spiritual practice....more
"The goal of this book is to teach skills that underlie the spiritual practices of a variety of traditions, from the ceremonial to the shamanic. But a"The goal of this book is to teach skills that underlie the spiritual practices of a variety of traditions, from the ceremonial to the shamanic. But acquiring the 'gifts of the spirit' cannot be an end in itself. They have to be used." pgs xv-xvi
Author Diana Paxson pulls from a variety of spiritual traditions in an effort to teach readers the basics of going into trance.
The first few chapters are about how to prepare yourself, set up cues for trance work, and to do the exercises "safely" which include setting up wards and how to come back out of trance.
"All of the senses can provide cues for psychic or magical work. By repetition, we condition ourselves to move into a particular state when we experience a specific stimulus." pg 64
The next chapters delve into what practitioners may find once they're in trance and how to navigate this other state of consciousness. This includes how one might find guides, how to behave, and how to deal with the various entities that may be encountered.
The final parts of the book tackle the difficult topic of spiritual emergencies and give some suggestions for group trance work.
Overall, this book covers a wide variety of topics that spiritual practitioners may need when they begin the practice of going into trance. In that way, it could be an invaluable addition to your library.
On the other hand, I didn't agree with all of the advice given. It didn't make sense with my experience of the trance work I've completed and I think it might scare beginners away.
The particular advice that I'm referring to is the idea that if you come out of trance too fast that you might leave parts of your soul behind, which you will then need to retrieve before you are able to feel like yourself again.
I understand, from the book, that soul retrieval is a common enough shamanic practice. Still, I feel like we are doing beginners a disservice to plant in their minds the idea that this is something that could happen.
Why not instead say it is best to come out of trance slowly and leave it at that? Anyone who falls asleep knows that it is more pleasant to wake up slowly than to be shaken to consciousness. Do we leave portions of ourselves behind when we're jolted awake by an alarm clock? I say no.
In addition, when Paxson talks about the kinds of entities one may encounter in trance, including animal guides or even gods, she gives them all of the foibles that go along with being a part of the human race. In the section about developing a relationship with a god or goddess, she talks about how practitioners may have to deal with divine jealousy.
I think it might be better to say, you bring your entire self with you when you go into trance. Your strengths and failings are on full display in your interactions with what or who you find there. Again, this avoids planting any negative expectations for practitioners while still providing ample warning.
Recommended with reservations for spiritual seekers who are looking to add trance work to their repertoire....more
Dr. Jonn Mumford takes the complex topic of tantra and attempts to translate it from its Eastern roots for the Western mind. He is somewhat successfulDr. Jonn Mumford takes the complex topic of tantra and attempts to translate it from its Eastern roots for the Western mind. He is somewhat successful, but gets bogged down in the history of tantra coming to the west as well as the etymology of tantric terms.
"The Tantrist seeks freedom (Moksha) through life (sensation, sentient, sensual) and not through escape (abstinence, abstaining, absence), using the body as an instrument of evolution." pg 47
I think when Westerners consider tantra, they generally think about exotic sexual positions. This book tries to show that tantra is so much more than that.
Through the recognition of the divine in your partner, tantra can be a method of reaching divine states of being. I think it is more of a mindset than any particular exercise.
"The key secret of the Western tradition lies in the demonstration that the sexual function has deeper implications than procreation." pg 30
Dr. Mumford provides a few rituals in this book so that readers can choose to practice some of his interpretations of tantra if they choose. He also includes illustrations of various chakras in order to encourage meditation upon the complex symbolism they contain. Through these practices, he says, one can begin to investigate the mystery that is tantra and the self.
"Although the major topic of this book has been sex magic and Tantric sexual practices, it must not be assumed that the whole of Tantra is concerned with these aspects. Tantra is the life science concerned with producing true individuals." pg 122
I'm dubious about the efficacy of some of the exercises described in this book, like the practice of sucking ones bodily fluids back into oneself after expulsion. Maybe some of these things were meant to be metaphorical rather than literal? Who's to say...
If you don't allow yourself to be caught up in the strange (at least to my mind) details, there is some wisdom to be found in these pages. But the biggest problem of this book is that it tries to tackle too much.
It begins to do a comparison of witchcraft to tantra, which I feel could fill an entire book on its own. It also touches on similarities between tantra and western sex magic. Neither of these topics receive a thorough treatment, which was rather disappointing.
He also does a brief history of tantra coming to the west which I felt was over-simplified. History buffs might find that section off-putting.
However, if you're looking for a brief introduction to tantra written for a Western audience, this might be a good place to start....more
In Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism, author Amanda Montell examines groups, companies and individuals, and the way they use language to build commuIn Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism, author Amanda Montell examines groups, companies and individuals, and the way they use language to build communities, sometimes for harmless purposes and other times for more sinister.
"We need a more versatile way to talk about communities that are cult-like in one way or another but not necessarily connected to the supernatural. Which is why I like the word "cultish." pg 39, ebook
Before I read this book, I believed language was powerful. Montell showed me I had no idea about the life and death reality that carefully constructed words can have over people.
"Year after year, we ask: What makes people join cults like Jonestown and Heaven's Gate? ... Here's where the answer starts: Using systematic techniques of conversation, conditioning, and coercion, with language as their ultimate power tool, Jones and Applewhite were able to inflict unforgettable violence on their followers without personally laying a finger on them." pg 77, ebook
And the people affected by this language are not just vulnerable people, which is what some folks believe about the others who join cults. The targets of cultish organizations can be just like you and me.
"A common belief is that cult indoctrinators look for individuals who have 'psychological problems' because they are easier to deceive. But former cult recruiters say their ideal candidates were actually good-natured, service-minded, and sharp." pg 96, ebook
It was rather scary thinking about how anyone might become prey to a cultish organization.
It was also eye-opening to see how common place this is as Montell talks about so many different organizations. There's fitness groups, multi-level marketing groups, spiritual and new age groups, as well as more religious organizations. Once you know the tricks of language that are commonly used, you see this type of manipulation almost everywhere.
"A cult is like porn: You know it when you hear it." pg 219, ebook
I picked up this read for my local book club- it wasn't something that I would have necessarily chosen on my own. There's plenty to talk about in here, from the different groups to the various types of language techniques they use.
After awhile, all of Montell's examples begin to feel repetitive, which wasn't that fun to read. Still, I'd recommend this book if you're interested in cults or cultish language....more
"Just as my experience joined day and night, this book will continue the theme of unity as I join the wisdom of the East with the knowledge of the Wes"Just as my experience joined day and night, this book will continue the theme of unity as I join the wisdom of the East with the knowledge of the West in an attempt to bring this wonderous world of the night into the crisp light of day." pg 17, ebook
Andrew Holecek utilizes techniques from both the Western traditions and Eastern Buddhist traditions in this book about how to lucid dream.
"This book is like a tour into your innermost self." pg 24
Some of those appear in this book like doing dream checks where you jump up and down and if you float that obviously means you're dreaming.
I've had mild success with those techniques. But because of my prior reading, the most interesting parts of this book were the Eastern techniques which I'd never been exposed to.
"In this book we're going to talk about how to strengthen the world of dreaming as a way to weaken the world of daily appearance, so that worldly things don't have as much power over us." pg 33, ebook
In addition to meditations and visualizations into lucid dreaming, Holecek shares some practices that can be done while dying. I thought that was fascinating.
I haven't had much success with either the Western or Eastern practices... yet. I'm hopeful that progress will come in time. Holecek suggests using techniques for weeks before going on to something else, which gives you time to master whatever you're trying.
So, we'll see. Until then, friends, happy dreaming!...more
Chaco Canyon is among the most important archaeological sites in North America. pg 7
This non-fiction book for middle graders, part of the "Digging Up Chaco Canyon is among the most important archaeological sites in North America. pg 7
This non-fiction book for middle graders, part of the "Digging Up the Past" series, gives information about Chaco Canyon, a site that still holds mysteries to be discovered.
It was home to many people but at some point, it's not clear exactly when, the population wandered away, leaving ruins behind.
According to one descendant, "They didn't abandon this place. It is still occupied. We can still pray to the spirits living in these places from as far away as our pueblo." pg 84
The book gives information about the history of digs at the site, which were not conducted with the care and documentation that such things require today. I found that part of the book quite sad. Imagine all of the history that has been lost.
It touches on the challenges researchers face today in their efforts to study Chaco Canyon. These include damage from the weather, large numbers of visitors, and looters.
Recommended for children interested in non-fiction....more
"I love my Mother Country, and I love my family, and I always will. I just wish, at the second-darkest moment of my life, they'd both been there for m"I love my Mother Country, and I love my family, and I always will. I just wish, at the second-darkest moment of my life, they'd both been there for me. And I believe they'll look back one day and wish they had too." pg 386
I didn't know what to expect from Spare, Prince Harry's memoir. In the days after its release, it seemed like readers were quickly scanning the pages, looking for the most shocking details to smear in headlines.
What they left out in favor of the more salacious details, in my opinion, were the tender and intimate moments that really mattered.
What do I mean?
I mean the countless, quiet and unremarkable moments Harry shared with his friends and family.
The fact that Harry struggled with mental health and chose to seek out treatments again and again in an effort to find healing and peace.
He paints the picture of not an out-of-touch prince, but as a flawed yet hopeful person trying to find his place in the world.
Harry's grief for his mother and love for his family form the large part of his narrative. Almost the entire book is a beautiful dedication to them.
I liked how Harry took widely reported events and shared his own feelings about what happened - from an unfortunate costume choice to the rumors swirling around about his out-of-control behavior.
He takes responsibility for his actions and doesn't seek to lay blame at the feet of others. Which, let's be honest, he could have.
Some kinds of fame provide extra freedom, maybe, I suppose, but royal fame was fancy captivity. pg 199
Harry could have focused on the bubble he was raised in and put every decision he ever made into the hands of others. But, in this book, he doesn't.
I came away from reading Spare with a new found respect for Prince Harry. I hope that his new life, away from the flashing lights, is everything that he hopes and dreams it will be.
Highly recommended for readers who enjoy memoirs....more
Elvis: The Legend shares facts and anecdotes about Elvis Presley's life and career. Mixed in with the text, the book contains photos of Elvis and docuElvis: The Legend shares facts and anecdotes about Elvis Presley's life and career. Mixed in with the text, the book contains photos of Elvis and documents of interest like telegrams and receipts for his clothing.
The information is shared by topic rather than chronologically, which I found a little annoying, but I got over it.
"At the end of his set, Elvis had teasingly announced 'Girls, I'll see you all backstage," then found himself being chased across the field by a pack of screaming teenage girls, who followed him into the locker room and tore off his jacket, shirt, and shoes." pg 29
Readers will find nothing very controversial in this book- perhaps because it is the "authorized book from the Graceland archives". I picked it up because I recently watched the Baz Luhrmann film about Elvis and I wanted to know if he had to enter military service because of a run-in with the police about his dancing, which the film implied.
That did not seem to be the case. But again, this book isn't a true biography, so maybe I should look somewhere else.
A fact the film glossed over that this book shares is while Elvis was stationed in Germany, he met his eventual wife Priscilla Beaulieu when she was only 14 years old. They didn't marry until she was a respectable 21, but I found that initial meeting surprising.
"Then, on September 24, 1959, Elvis met 14-year-old Priscilla Beaulieu, who had been brought to 14 Geothestrasse by a mutual friend." pg 52
I suppose things were done differently back in the day.
Recommended for Elvis fans looking to know more about Presley. Those searching for a biography should look elsewhere....more
I'm doing a series at work (a library) where I'm reading the classics that are painted on the stairs. "Persepolis" is one of the titles featured thereI'm doing a series at work (a library) where I'm reading the classics that are painted on the stairs. "Persepolis" is one of the titles featured there.
It is a modern classic about Marjane Satrapi's childhood in Iran around the time of the revolution.
The story is told in black and white graphics which took a little getting used to, but by the end, I rather liked.
Our heroine is so brave throughout this novel. She goes to protests, though people have been killed while protesting.
She has political beliefs that challenge the status quo, even though she has family members who have died for similar beliefs.
She likes to wear western clothes and listen to western music, even though such things could get her into serious trouble.
I liked Marjane a lot. But, having a daughter myself, I couldn't help but empathize with her parents a little. They were trying to raise their daughter in such a challenging time- I can't even imagine what that must have been like.
Even sending her out the door to school every day must have been a trial.
"Persepolis" has appeared on challenged or banned book lists in the past and I don't understand why. I didn't find anything offensive in these pages. The truth could be disturbing, but it is a good thing to put yourself in another person's shoes for awhile.
It makes me realize what a charmed childhood I enjoyed.
"(This book) draws on Buddhist advice because, believe it or not, Buddhism has been through it all before. It's seen wars, plagues, oppression, and te"(This book) draws on Buddhist advice because, believe it or not, Buddhism has been through it all before. It's seen wars, plagues, oppression, and ten thousand terrible haircuts - and it has, along the way, developed dependable ways to stay steady in the roller coaster of family feuds, romantic vacillations, uncertain futures, and all the rest." pg 9, ebook
How Not to be a Hot Mess was a timely read for me, though there was little in here that was "new". Instead, it offers gentle reminders to meditate, tell the truth, be generous and take care of yourself - all things that help mitigate hot messiness in the day-to-day.
"So there are approximately one bajillion reasons why you should meditate. The top three reasons as I've just mentioned, are that you'll be less stressed, more focused, and you might even stumble your way into slightly better humanhood." pg 23, ebook
I used to meditate every day. But then, for whatever reason, I fell out of the habit. I'm going to be doing my best to bring it back because I think I was a calmer person and less reactive to things.
This book also reminded me about skillful speech.
"There are people out there- and I've met a lot of them now- who follow these guidelines of True, Kind, Timely, Helpful beautifully. And they all have some things in common: they have good friends, stable community connections, a sort of quiet confidence, and they kind of glow." pg 53, ebook
I don't tend to say a lot but I try to make what I say fit within those guidelines. This book reminded me of how important this can be. It's like modern life makes me forget sometimes, in the mad crush and noise, what's really important.
"You, too, can do this. It's not just for fancy historical figures or people who write books and give TED talks and share wisdom from the mountaintops. You really can stay clear, say what's true, give a little, make sex good, meditate occasionally, and be less of a jerk and more of a stable loving presence in your world. Right in the middle of everything." pgs 84-85, ebook
Yes, I can do this. And so can you. Happy reading, friends....more
"Does knowing how something magical works make it into something other than magic?" pg 7
In Science of the Magical, science correspondent Matt Kaplan e"Does knowing how something magical works make it into something other than magic?" pg 7
In Science of the Magical, science correspondent Matt Kaplan examines phenomena from prophecy to immortality and more, seeking the science behind the magic. The result is a compelling look at life and humanity's beliefs around such things.
"Our ancestors had a magical worldview. ... For the Viking berserkers, no biochemistry was behind their rage; Odin was casting a spell. For pilgrims visiting the oracle at Delhi, no ethylene vapors were creeping up the fault below the temple; the spirit of Apollo was coming to force the priestess to speak with his voice." pg 212
You would think these activities would lose their magical feeling under Kaplan's microscope, but the opposite is true. I felt more wonder learning the studies about Buddhist monks who can sit wrapped in wet sheets and not freeze or the symbiotic relationship between ravens and wolves, which was immortalized in the stories about Odin.
"... Dr. Stahler suspects that because wolf kills are considerably larger than those made by coyotes, the birds have more food to feed on. The ravens seem to have the ability to differentiate between the animals and selectively follow only wolves." pg 102
Though I knew some of what Kaplan reports in these pages, other ideas were totally new to me. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy non-fiction....more
Author Sarah Wilson shares anecdotes and anxiety-busting methods from her life experience.
"One of the dear, dear things about getting older, is that iAuthor Sarah Wilson shares anecdotes and anxiety-busting methods from her life experience.
"One of the dear, dear things about getting older, is that it does eventually dawn on you that there is no guidebook. One day it suddenly emerges: No one bloody gets it! None of us knows what we're doing. pg 5, ebook
Through her research and personal experiences, Wilson shares the best, and the worst, of the treatments and latest scientific advances. Even though we don't have the treatments for anxiety nailed down yet, it helps to know that sufferers are not alone in their struggles.
"We're told that globally one in thirteen people suffer an anxiety-related illness. Some studies tell us that one in six of us in the West will be afflicted with an anxiety disorder at some stage in our lives, making it the most common officially classified mental illness." pg 14, ebook
I liked Wilson's definition of anxiety: she sees it as a separation of self from something larger and more meaningful. The anxiety makes us reach for this something, but we don't know what we're reaching for and it hurts.
"Anxiety is a disconnection with this Something Else. As I say, the doctors and scientists can call it all kinds of things, but I believe it all comes down to this disconnect." pg 44, ebook
Wilson excels at the physical descriptions of anxiety and bipolar disorder. She captures the raw edges of the experience and how life can feel painful because all the stimulation coming in when you're having a panic attack or a manic episode.
She includes a couple exercises to help bring yourself down when you're experiencing anxiety. But not too many, because: "I don't plan on filling this book with too many exercises that people like me skim over to get to the meaty theory. I'll just include the ones that suit people like you and me." pg 57, ebook
Highly recommended for anxiety sufferers or their loved ones who want to know what it's like to be inside the experience....more
"The components of the future earth and of Monks Mound were once bits of matter, created in the cauldrons of exploding stars, moving with great, swirl"The components of the future earth and of Monks Mound were once bits of matter, created in the cauldrons of exploding stars, moving with great, swirling gravitational forces, like the stars still forming near the Cone Nebula today." pg xiv
Cahokia: Mirror of the Cosmos is a reference book about the historic site, Cahokia Mounds. Author Sally Chappell takes the reader from the Big Bang all way through to the present - an estimated 13 billion years.
To say it is an ambitious book is an understatement.
"A major change in midwestern climate about 1250 may have caused considerable stress in Cahokia. The overall temperature of the region cooled during this infamous Pacific Climate Episode." pg 72
That being said, once Chappell gets into the history of the site itself, it is an excellent look at a little-remembered place of forgotten significance.
Monks Mound is the largest earthen mound in North America, but so few people know about it.
The visitor's center is currently closed for a much-needed update. I've been in there half a dozen times and it doesn't do the site justice.
What Cahokia Mounds could really use is a team of historians, archaeologists, and a couple years worth of grants to properly study it.
And more books like Cahokia: Mirror of the Cosmos.
"By 1900 the Cahokia landscape was so changed by farming, canals, ditches, clear-cutting, railroad construction, housing, erosion, highways, streets, telephone lines, and rogue vegetation that only shadows of its past remained." pg 151
Recommended for scholars who are interested in Cahokia Mounds. Chappell gives you a broad but ultimately helpful place to start your research....more
"I don't want to be a sex symbol. I would rather be a symbol of a woman, a woman who makes mistakes, perhaps, but a woman who loves." pg 53
The incompa"I don't want to be a sex symbol. I would rather be a symbol of a woman, a woman who makes mistakes, perhaps, but a woman who loves." pg 53
The incomparable Elizabeth Taylor shares anecdotes of her life between gorgeous photos of her personal jewelry collection.
My favorite parts are her memories about the tempestuous years between Richard Burton and herself. They're just so drama-filled.
"Richard went to Van Cleef & Arpels and came back with this extraordinary heart and choker. The necklace tends to 'roll,' so you don't see me wearing it much in photographs, but it's one of my favorite pieces of jewelry because it was given with such love. That man knew how to make up!" pg 118
Meanwhile, there's the jewelry... amazing stuff.
For example, there's a pearl that is pictured with a series of European monarchs that her puppy tried to eat once upon a time. Can you imagine?
And Elizabeth received gifts for any and all reasons imaginable. Had a fight? Make up jewelry. Become a grandma? Not-at-all grandma jewelry. Just a regular Tuesday? Here's some regular Tuesday jewelry.
It's so over-the-top and I love it so much. Highly recommended for readers seeking coffee table books. You can't get much more lovely than this....more
"There are many more folk beliefs unique to the Ozarks, some of which will be discussed in this work, but we also have to remember that much of what m"There are many more folk beliefs unique to the Ozarks, some of which will be discussed in this work, but we also have to remember that much of what makes up this tradition can be traced to influencing factors from outside the region." pg 16
Author and healer Brandon Weston takes readers through the varying histories and roles of Ozark folk magic. He discusses the different kinds of historical practices as well as following the evolution of Ozark traditions in the modern day.
"What worked was saved, treasured, and passed down through the generations. This process continues even today, and as a practitioner in the modern world, I'm constantly making these changes not only within my own work, but also for the culture as a whole." pg 33
It is an illuminating look into a culture that remains fairly closed and secretive even today.
Brandon discusses the historical reasons for this secret keeping and doesn't dismiss the darker portions of Ozark history such as racial tensions.
Also, he makes sure to talk about the dangers of overdosing on certain herbs or not seeking the help of western medicine when it is warranted. This book is fully of cautionary tales as well as educational ones.
"There are many rituals that might be very interesting to look at but that aren't worth using in a modern setting. Take, for instance, those rituals that involve the harming or killing of an animal, like the infamous black cat rite. I can't stress enough that many traditions of the past need to be left in the past." pg 247
My favorite part of this book was the chapter dealing with how different practitioners have reported receiving "the gift". There were so many different ways and methods! It was fascinating to read Brandon's take on all of it.
"Another unique road to power often found in the modern Ozarks comes in the form of receiving the gift through communion with nature. It might seem overly simplistic, but one of the beautiful aspects of Ozark healing is its simplicity." pg 92
Highly recommended for anyone interested in the history and practices of Ozark folk magic....more
"Making It" is a collection of recipes and how-tos to create items from toothpaste to garden beds and everything in-between.
The dedication says it all"Making It" is a collection of recipes and how-tos to create items from toothpaste to garden beds and everything in-between.
The dedication says it all: "To anyone who is in their kitchen, garden, or garage right now, making it."
I picked this book up because I was curious about the processes listed in it. How does one forage? Or create drip irrigation for vegetables? Or create a variety salves? The topics go on and on in this book.
The recipes and instructions are divided by time - how long it will take you to complete the various projects.
I could see it being incredibly useful for homesteaders both experienced and not.
As for me, I'm not in a place right now where I can do much of this. But, I'm hopeful I will be in that place some day in the future.
Tarot Games is a cute book about different tarot card layouts and how you can share these games with your loved ones in order to promote communicationTarot Games is a cute book about different tarot card layouts and how you can share these games with your loved ones in order to promote communication and the sharing of emotions.
"The wonderful thing about using these simple games and 'reading layouts' is that they catalyze the deeper processes taking place between people. This in itself is healing." pg xii
Throughout the text, the author has sprinkled spiritual images and spirals. It makes for a relaxing read.
"Playing this game together gave both friends a sense of being supported, understood, and protected." pg 27
I think people take tarot cards too seriously sometimes. This book is a good reminder to allow ourselves to play and share. It doesn't have to be as dire as all that.
Highly recommended for beginners to advanced practitioners of tarot card reading....more
In Hyperfocus, author Chris Bailey describes different types of attention and gives methods to improve the quality of your attention each day.
He suggeIn Hyperfocus, author Chris Bailey describes different types of attention and gives methods to improve the quality of your attention each day.
He suggests attention is a limited resource and, as such, you should take control of when, where, and to what you give your attention to.
Most of his advice on how to improve your focus was common sense: drink a cup of coffee, rid your environment of distractions, only check your email once an hour.
The brilliance of this book is his method of codifying attention. He compares two types of attention, hyperfocus and scatterfocus.
Hyperfocus is fairly self explanatory - you only focus on one thing and redirect your attention if it wanders.
Scatterfocus is the mode that most of us wander around in every day. But, Bailey says, you can harness this type of focus too.
Use this method of focusing when you're trying to be creative or looking for connections between seemingly unrelated ideas. It is the focus that sometimes hits in the shower, a ah-ha moment that changes the way you view reality.
I feel like there's no real way to control that type of focus, other than to be self aware while you're in it. However, I found Bailey's suggestion intriguing. Perhaps if I set aside time each day to consciously let my mind wander, I will have a different view on it.
Researcher Brené Brown gives readers another self help title on how to handle the difficult emotion called shame.
"This book offers information, insighResearcher Brené Brown gives readers another self help title on how to handle the difficult emotion called shame.
"This book offers information, insight and specific strategies for understanding shame and building "shame resilience." We can never become completely resistant to shame; however, we can develop the resilience we need to recognize shame, move through it constructively and grow from our experiences." pg xiv
It's not easy to handle shame. In fact, it's not that easy to read about it.
But Brown says the way through is sharing those uncomfortable feelings with others. One of the solutions to shame is empathy and another is self awareness.
Other attributes shared by those with high shame resilience are:
"The ability to recognize and understand their shame triggers. High levels of critical awareness about their shame web. The willingness to reach out to others. The ability to speak shame." pg 67
Part of her work in psychology has been to define what shame is. Brown writes everyone has different triggers based on unique childhood and adult experiences. Therefore, it is impossible to name universal shame triggers which can make it difficult to study shame.
Her studies have led her to believe the opposite of shame is self esteem, which was an interesting aspect I had never considered. Other aspects of shame include: feeling like you're not good enough or don't belong.
Brown has discovered another hurdle in her research- it can be difficult to speak about shame as words sometimes fail us when we experience visceral feelings.
"Sharing our shame with someone is painful, and just sitting with someone who is sharing his or her shame story with us can be equally painful." pg 147
On a more positive note, Brown writes everyone has experienced this at some point or another. She uses this universality of experience to issue a clarion call for change. To foster shame resilience, we should build networks of support and be kind to each other by showing our own vulnerability. We're all in this together.
And I couldn't agree more.
Recommended for anyone who has ever felt shame. That's everybody....more
The Body Keeps the Score is a non-fiction book about how the body stores trauma and what you can do about it.
My most distressing take-away from this bThe Body Keeps the Score is a non-fiction book about how the body stores trauma and what you can do about it.
My most distressing take-away from this book was how common trauma is. Author Bessel van der Kolk discusses how people from all walks of life suffer from trauma.
People suffering from these kinds of afflictions believe they're the only ones. They try to numb the pain with drugs or alcohol and are easily triggered which brings back the pain of the traumatic events again and again.
This affects their lives, relationships and ability to trust others.
Kolk details how traumatic memories can be triggered by smells, touch and taste. He explains how powerful emotions remain behind, even after the logical mind has processed the event.
He suggests you can't think your way out of strong emotions.
What do we do about this?
Form a strong community around yourself with supportive relationships. Practice mindfulness and yoga- exercises that explore the mind and body connection.
Also, find a therapist who practices eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). The author records amazing recoveries by sufferers who utilized this therapy.
Personally, I've practiced EMDR with a therapist and the results were astounding. I left the session feeling lighter than I have in years, having released trauma I didn't realize I was carrying.
But, like others, I still struggle with powerful emotions stored in my body. It is a process, not a cure. And I've learned to take life one day at a time.
Highly recommended for readers looking for scientifically-proven ways to handle trauma....more
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