“Listening Below the Noise…A Meditation on the Practice of Silence”, by Anne LeClaire…I have begun to know and love the sweetness of silence. Kathy, after attending your retreat, I began to reflect upon the importance of silence and how the busyness of life and “noise” can distract me from life itself. After returning home, I decided to create a piece of silence in my life….beginning every morning. This was new for me, as I am a avid Good Morning America fan! After setting my intention for more quiet time in my life, I stumbled upon Anne LeClaire’s book (no coincidence there!). Her wisdom and beautiful storytelling was such a gift, and although I haven’t created a full day of silence as she did, I begin each morning with silence. This dedicated quiet time has helped me create a special place for reading, reflection and journaling. I cherish my morning ritual, and have found that my practice of silence enables me to begin my day in a “softer” way….thank you Kathy for helping me find my gift of silence!

“To Know Yourself” The Essential Teachings of Swami Satchindanda edited by Philip Mandelkorn and “Living Your Yoga” Finding the Spiritual in Everyday Life by Judith Lasater, Ph.D. Both are wonderful books that are very helpful when seeking a shift in perspective or whatever you may need.

This post came to me on my email from Mary Hanson…..

Hi Kathy,
What a great question!
One of my favorite books is by Elizabeth Kubler Ross. I read recently, “The Tunnel and The Light,” but she has other books that are wonderful too. One of the stories she tells is about how she went from a place she didn’t want to be (doing residency at a mental hospital instead of at a pediatrician’s practice) to changing the world (my judgement, not hers). She decided that she wasn’t going to keep dragging people out of bed and dressing them, so she helped them do it on their own. One fellow went from barely being able to get out of bed to dressing himself, feeding himself, and finally, taking public transportation to get to a job, and having his own apartment. How great is that?!
Jim Rohn is another great example. One of my favorite quotes of his: “If you can do it, I can do it. If I did it before, I can do it again.”
Another great book is, “Heaven is for Real” by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent. It’s the story of a little boy who nearly died and told stories afterward about being with Jesus and God, angels, and his father’s grandpa (whom he had never met in this life). He told stories about Jesus’ horse, the angels with swords fighting satan, and the rainbow of colors in heaven.
There are a whole range of books about health, but maybe one of the best is, “The Gerson Therapy.” The number one use of health-care money while I worked at Gulstream was cancer treatment. I’ve met several people who have used the Gerson Therapy to heal themselves of cancer. We could fix our health-care crisis if we would all take responsiblity for our health. There will always be illness and injury, but the extent to which we accept it in our society today is appalling. We don’t necessarily need more money–we need more people exercising, creating a healthier environment (fewer chemicals and radiation in our lives), and eating healthy. The Gerson Therapy may be one of the most effective cancer treatments available today. It isn’t easy, but it is saving lives.
Thanks for the opportunity to share!
Can’t wait to see the list of books shared by your readers!
Have a lovely day,
Mary

From Judie Henry:

My all-time favorite is Richard Leider’s THE POWER OF PURPOSE. In particular, I love his comments about the idea and importance of surrounding ourselves with nutritious, as opposed to toxic, people; and I love his description of nutritious people:

1. Their faces light up when you enter the room
2. They listen to you
3. They have no plans for your improvement

I cannot tell you how many times I’ve quoted his comments.

Patrick and I came across this book by accident about 12 years ago. We were in Alexandria, VA in one of our favorite bookstores, Olsson’s (subsequently it has closed), and just browsing when I spotted Leider’s book. We bought it and of course were pleased to read that Leider was a Minnesotan, our home state. We both read it and have re-read it many times since.

I would like to share how I came across my favorite inspirational book. Back in the 90’s I attended a writer’s workshop/conference in Memphis TN. I had recently heard about Saran Ban Breathanch’s new book “Simple Abundance”, and really wanted a copy of it, but didn’t have the extra money for it. As a part of the workshop, I entered an essay entitled “Why I Must Write.” I was very new to writing and didn’t expect to even place in the contest. To my surprise, I won first place in the essay division, and received a check for $25.00. I was so excited, not only to have won,but also to now have the means to get the book I wanted. I went out immediately during our lunch break and purchased “Simple Abundance.”
I delved into it with wild abandon, soaking up her words like a sponge. This was the first time I had came across the words “Authentic Self”. It was an “Aha”moment as her words resonated within me and stirred up a longing in my soul that started me on my path of elightenment.
I made a vision book; pasting pictures and words out of magazines into an album. ( I felt like a child again!) Her book truly was the key that opened the door for my soul to speak and say what it yearned for and desired. Since then I have found numerous authors that speak to my soul and help me along my journey of mind, and spirit. Each book has brought inspiration that take me to a higher elevation as I continue my journey for wholeness, love, peace and joy. The authors you share in the back of your book, are some of my favorites as well. I am a firm believer that when we are ready to receive the lesson, the teacher will appear.
Thank you Kathy for sharing your truth and helping us to grow and live our best, authentic, POSSIBLE LIVES!