Welcome to that time of year again when we are searching for the 'perfect present'
I have taken some of the hard work out of your search and can highly recommend the following books to those who wish to nurture their souls and minds over the break.
Well Being by Danielle Copperman
There is nothing that I don't love about this book and I have read so many books on health and well being. This is the gentle version where you take control of your own life. My Mum bought it for me from Few and Far in Bowral Phone: (02) 4861 6756.
Here is a short review: There is no set formula to wellbeing. Our individual minds, moods, environments and circumstances all contribute to how we feel. In order to live well, we must take a holistic approach by exploring the connection between the body, mind and soul.
There is no set formula to wellbeing. Our individual minds, moods, environments and circumstances all contribute to how we feel. In order to live well, we must take a holistic approach by exploring the connection between the body, mind and soul. When Danielle was struggling with low energy and stress, she began to search for ways in which food, movement and rituals could contribute to her physical and mental health. Well Being is divided into time-specific sections to take you through the day from morning to evening, with each section outlining suggested practices, rituals and recipes for specific feelings, moods and situations. With tips on food and mindful living, Danielle guides you through simple practices, such as breath regulation and yoga flow routines, and offers delicious recipes including Date, Orange, Almond & Honey Bircher; Sweet Potato Gratin and Chocolate Cookie Crunch Bars. There are even recipes for your home, from Palo Santo Atmosphere Spray to natural beauty products like Rose & Cucumber Wake Up Well Toning Mist and Mocha, Almond & Macadamia Body Scrub. This is a comprehensive handbook to guide you through everyday life with a little more serenity.
I thought it was just me...... but it wasn't Brene Brown $27.99
The other Book I loved I bought whilst shopping locally with my Mum was "I thought it was just me..... but it wasn't by Brene Brown". I love that all those crazy thoughts I have about myself... others have them too. I am not alone in my search for perfection, and I am not alone in feeling I fall short.
'We need our lives back. It's time to reclaim the gifts of imperfection – the courage to be real, the compassion we need to love ourselves and others, and the connection that gives true purpose and meaning to life. These are the gifts that bring love, laughter, gratitude, empathy and joy into our lives.'Brené Brown
The sister book which is a worldwide best seller. Daring Greatly by Brene Brown $34.99 can be purchased from Suzie Anderson home in Moss Vale 02 48 68 2662
I have not read the sister book but #1 New York Times bestseller. 1 million copies sold! means you will be ahead of the game and right on trend with this book.
Every day we experience the uncertainty, risks, and emotional exposure that define what it means to be vulnerable or to dare greatly. Based on twelve years of pioneering research, Brené Brown PhD, LMSW, dispels the cultural myth that vulnerability is weakness and argues that it is, in truth, our most accurate measure of courage. Brown explains how vulnerability is both the core of difficult emotions like fear, grief, and disappointment, and the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, empathy, innovation, and creativity. She writes: “When we shut ourselves off from vulnerability, we distance ourselves from the experiences that bring purpose and meaning to our lives.” Daring Greatly is not about winning or losing. It’s about courage. In a world where “never enough” dominates and feeling afraid has become second nature, vulnerability is subversive. Uncomfortable. It’s even a little dangerous at times.
The 13 Original Clan Mothers - Jamie Sams RRP 35.99
This book is recommended to those who are searching for the more shamanic way of life or are seeking ways to incorporate Native American Indian Wisdom into their lives. I purchased from a Bookstore in Berry NSW but you can purchase it online RRP $35.99
Jamie Sams, a member of the Wolf Clan Teaching Lodge, brings us a powerful new method for honoring and incorporating native feminine wisdom into our daily lives. Combining a rich oral tradition—passed on to her by two Kiowa Grandmothers, Cisi Laughing Crow and Berta Broken Bow—with the personal healing and guidance she has experienced through her female Elders, Sams created The 13 Original Clan Mothers. Each of the Clan Mothers reflects a particular teaching, relates to a cycle of the moon, and possesses special totems, talents, and gifts that can help each of us cultivate our own personal gifts and talents.
Best Secret Santa for that awesome hippy soul in your office
The Green Witch, Arin Murphy Hiscock $16.00
For your fabulous and energetically awesome Aunt May who was probably born in the 60’s or the answer to the Secret Santa for the ‘Hippy’ soul in your office. Either way she is fabulous, fun, eccentric and always seeking knowledge of the natural life. I love this book for the power of natural magic, rituals for each of the solstice, spiritual evaluation and meditations. Officially ( from the author 😊 ) The Green Witch guides you on this path, from how to use herbs, plants, and flowers to make potions and oils for everyday healing to how crystals, gems, stones and even twigs can help you find balance within. You’ll discover how to find harmony in earth’s great elements and connect your soul to every living creature
Last but not least, in the spirit of Christmas and kindness and giving 'All the light we can not see' by Anthony Dooer. A novel to live in and learn from. To see the spirit of goodness in people. This is a work of fiction to take you through the streets of Paris during the war. It is not a light read but it will make you think. Specifically, Doerr illuminates the ways, against all odds, people try to be good to one another.
Wishing you an amazing Christmas with your loved ones, may you have time to read and rejuvenate your spirit.