The right book for the right moment

Written by: Marjorie
August 1, 2008

Opportunity is often missed because we are broadcasting

when we should be tuning in.

~ Anonymous

Tuning in, turning on, plugging in, switching on. No I am not talking gadgets but me!

I define this month’s topic of ‘tuning in’ with some of the activities that connect me with my inner self. My favourite methods of tuning in are when I am involved in doing something creative or inspiring.

Sometimes its as simple as reading the right book for the moment and others a pretence of being better than I am - with the volume turned up either singing, dancing or both! [Marjorie use to fancy herself a talented singer...the dream dying a slow, painful death...ok STILL dying a slow, painful death ]

Sometimes I plan a weekend of trying out drawn out recipes that take a while to cook – and which take at least 2 glasses of wine with a stack of CDs playing; and others a take-away pizza to accompany that spiritual drama on DVD I’ve been meaning to watch – with the obligatory box of tissues or self righteousness, usually both.

Then there’s the bath, scented candles and champagne moments – when I feel oh so worth it - and sometimes because I don’t.

In almost every case I end up feeling rested (oh ok a little puffed too if there was dancing involved) and … peaceful is the word that most comes to mind. It’s as if in being in touch with myself I had quenched a thirst, satisfied a hunger, met an old friend I had been longing to see…and all is well - till the next time anyway.

I share below some of the reading material I believe are great for ‘tuning in’. Do share with me your ‘tuning in’ techniques below.

Intimacy & Solitude - Stephanie Dowrick

The widely-loved international bestseller that offers a rare chance to understand and balance two great emotional concerns: intimacy and independence.

We all want to give and receive love. We all want to enjoy our own company as much as we do other people’s. Yet sometimes things go mysteriously wrong. In this wise, inclusive and healing book, now updated and expanded, we learn that at the heart of many of our most painful problems is a need to balance time alone with time for others, and a need to understand and free ourselves from anxiety in order to enjoy a lasting appreciation of our relationships.

Through her empowering, deeply personal writing, Stephanie Dowrick brings us to a true understanding of the issues that matter most - and allows each one of us to make postivie, lasting change.

The Seat of the Soul - Gary Zukav

Building on the insights of his award-winning bestseller ‘The Dancing Wu Li Masters’, Gary Zukav probes deep into the human psyche and shows how we may begin to transform our lives.

In The Seat of the Soul he guides us on a journey of exploration into a world beyond the reach of our five senses, opening our eyes to the existence of intangible realities and taking us beyond the ‘external’ world, deep into the realm of the soul.

Until Today - Iyanla Vanzant

If there are situations, circumstances, or perhaps relationships in your life that you have been struggling to overcome, trying to work through, or doing your best to work around, throw your head back and declare to the universe, “Until Today!”

Whatever has been going on in your mind, your life, or your heart can stop — right now, if that is truly what you desire. However, you must be willing to “do a new thing.” You must spend a little time, each day, in devotion to the truth about yourself and your life. You must make a conscious approach to what you think, what you feel, and what you do. Devotion will clear up misconceptions that may have obscured your vision until today!

Bestselling author Iyanla Vanzant presents a new book of devotions for anyone on the path to spiritual empowerment. These daily devotions will create powerful changes in the circumstances of your life that have held you back and will place you on the road to personal strength and peace of mind.

Everyday Grace - Marianne Williamson

In this comforting, inspirational companion to the No.1 New York Times bestseller, A Return to Love, Marianne Williamson returns to her spiritual roots, writing on the art of nurturing a thriving soul in a harsh world.

What do your spiritual convictions have to do with traffic jams, job anxiety, reading the newspaper, or arguing with your spouse? Everything, according to Marianne Williamson. It is the way we live in our everyday world that determines the shape of who we are. So Buddhist or Muslim, Christian or Jew, it is the moment when your child fails an exam, when your best friend lands your dream job, or your business instinct tells you to watch your back, that tests and builds our living faith.

With an attitude of hope, a call to forgive, a celebration of miracles, and the promise of strength and grace, Williamson helps us find our sacred footing on ordinary ground. No matter where we are or what we’re doing, no matter what difficulties we face, there is always an opportunity to be happy, to connect with the spiritual - and to open our hearts and our minds. In the book of hours, Marianne Williamson teaches us to ride the currents of life and to seek out the sacred that will bring forth a sea change of the soul.

Marjorie Engage Your Passion! Slim Ink Book Rental - your premium library on the internet | http://www.thecalmspace.com/about#marjorie

Comments

3 Responses to “The right book for the right moment”

  1. Angela EsnoufNo Gravatar on August 4th, 2008 8:25 am

    Oh, Marjorie, don’t let your dream die. Keep it alive, if only for your own ears.

    As for tuning in, it’s an oldie but a goodie, for me anyway… Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach.

  2. MarjorieNo Gravatar on August 4th, 2008 10:34 am

    You haven’t heard me sing Angela so I shall accept your suggestion to not let my dream die :) :) but yes, definitely for my own ears…

    Thank you for sharing your ‘tuning in’ title, it is on my tuning in shelf too!

  3. ChrisNo Gravatar on August 19th, 2008 4:54 pm

    Marj
    I too have that lingering dream of singing and it doesn’t sound anything like as good as it did when I was 18!
    But I loved your reminiscing of all the ways you can bring yourself peace both vigourously and delighfully self-indulgently!
    And then where do you go bit to my VERY FAVOURITE self-help book. Solitude and Intimacy was one of the earlier books on my personal self-discovery journey. It’s Self_therapy version is a sensational action book for the concepts.
    Hmm maybe your piece this month is a reminder to me to pull it out again.
    Thanks

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