Life Changing Books

Topic #264:

What 5 books have influenced you the most?

This is a really tough question!  I’ve been a bookworm since I was 8 years old; narrowing a list down to five top books seems near impossible.  On any given day the list might change.  Today it would be:

1. The Giving Tree- I still own my childhood copy of this treasured book, and it crosses the sea with me every time I move house.  My eyes water as I read it to my children, as has always been the case.  This simple story of unconditional love holds timeless meaning, contrasted to many of the silly books published for children today.  Giving, loving, and letting go when the time comes are some of life’s greatest lessons.  Shel Silverstein’s simplicity is brilliant. 
2. To Kill A Mockingbird- I’ve read this book more times than any other.  Each time I notice something new.   Being biracial has heightened my awareness of what it means to be different.  I grew up in a city where I was always aware of racial tension, and inequality wasn’t a new theme for me when I first read this book in 7^th grade.  The story inspired me though; it gave me a sense that truth and justice are worth fighting for, and courage needs to be cultivated no matter what age you are.     
3. Women Who Run With the Wolves- I’ve mentioned this book before and it is my favourite in recent years.  Reclaiming the Wild Feminine, honouring creativity and myth, and celebrating the unique experience of being a woman are fantastic achievements we can all share.  Dr Estes is a compassionate guide whose wisdom is far reaching.  This book is a gift that should be passed down to every daughter, just as my mom gave it to me. 
4. Eat Pray Love- I read this while I was trying to make up my mind whether or not to stay in my unhappy marriage.  A close friend gave the book to me for my birthday, and it spoke to my soul.  I underlined so many passages; the book is ruined for any eyes other than mine!  Though my chance to travel to India for a yoga retreat has yet to come, the desire is still there.  My existential crisis evolved somewhat differently than Elizabeth Gilbert’s.  I found myself envying her and the luxury of crying on the bathroom floor uninterrupted for hours.  Not even a complete meltdown would deter my kids from asking for juice, snacks, or Goddess forbid… a wipe. 
5. The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success- I first read this book when I was 20 years old, shortly after it was published.  Long before The Secret became popular, Deepak Chopra wrote about manifesting desires.  His clear, concise way of expressing Eastern principles resonated with me.  I’d consider this book a classic to be revisited again and again.  A sequel for parents was published later, which I’d also recommend.

Finding Perfection in the Ordinary

Topic #233:
Describe the perfect Sunday.  What is the best Sunday you've ever had? What is the best possible second half of a weekend you can ever imagine having? Who would you spend time with? Where would you be? What would you do?

Today had a perfect start.  My six year old daughter and I were having Sunday snuggles in bed when I saw my mobile phone's light flashing.  Text message: “Good morning, Princess.”  Of course it would have been even better if the sender could have woken me with a kiss, but this was the next best thing!  Connection is divine.

Sunday is a devotional day.  To me that translates into a day when I honour Love and Beauty. 

I’ve had memorable Sundays with my family and spent equally enjoyable ones alone.  My wish list is simple.  There's something beautiful about finding perfection and contentment in the ordinary.

Breakdown of a Perfect Sunday:

•  Food is an important element.  If my body is a temple (and it is), than that which nourishes it is also sacred.  In America, I always enjoy my family’s tradition of going out to a restaurant for a big, yummy breakfast.  In Ireland, I enjoy the tradition (shared with England) of having a Sunday roast. 

•  Soul Sustenance- Time spent meditating, creating, walking in nature, or reading something inspirational is always uplifting.  Earth Prayers From Around the World is a timeless book I turn to.  Sunday is a good day to check in with myself, loved ones, and the greater whole.

•  Family Time- Usually we putter around the house and relax in our PJs for most of Sunday.  The rest of the week is hectic.  It’s important to dedicate a day to rest and not have an agenda.  Home is the only place I want to be, unless we’re invited to socialize with friends. 

•   I dream of the day I can read the Sunday paper uninterrupted by children.  It’s getting closer every week!

•  Practice Gratitude- What better day to notice and give thanks for all of life’s blessings?

A parting prayer...

Mother, Father, God, Universal Power.

Remind us daily of the sanctity of all life.

Touch our hearts with the glorious oneness of all creation,

As we strive to respect all the living beings on this planet.

Penetrate our souls with the beauty of this earth,

As we attune ourselves to the rhythm and flow of the seasons.

Awaken our minds with the knowledge to achieve a world in perfect harmony

And grant us the wisdom to realize that we can have heaven on earth.

-Jo Poore

 *The photo above was taken at An Sanctoir, a holistic community centre and nearby treasure.

Big hugs,

Robin

 

Weekly Photo Challenge: Flowers

While visiting rural Ohio, I took this photo in my friend's garden last week.  I was reminded of when I lived in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  My favourite season there was early autumn, when wild sunflowers painted the high desert landscape, beneath the vast blue sky.  I can think of no better image to represent sunshine and the warmth of summer.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Sky

July sunset view from my backyard.