Life-changing books and ideas...

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

GREAT BOOKS TO TOUCH YOUR SOUL AND AWAKEN YOU... I AM SEARCHING FOR BOOKS TO READ to nurture my Spirit.

Could you please post some fabulous reads here that you recommend? I happen to be prone to books about Life, Spirituality, facing adversity with courage and strength.

Life-altering books for me include: Gary Zucav's Seat of the Soul, Eckhart Tolle's A New Earth, most anything by Wayne Dyer -- You'll See It When You Believe It comes to mind, along with Your Sacred Self.

LET'S ALL SHARE, PLEASE...

With love, as always,

[Mary Jo]

A book I recently read that I absolutely loved is called "The Shack" by William P. Young. It is fiction BUT it was awesome. Spritual and very thought provoking. It's almost as if I could feel God - almost like I was in His presence as I read. It gave me a lot to think about I'd highly recommend it. I even read it twice and have NEVER read a work of fiction more than once. (with about 6 months in between)

Just thought I'd chime in and share....

Mary Jo

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

Thanks Mare. A friend of mine, who is a psychotherapist just mentioned The Shack to me. Said she hadn't read it yet, but it was highly recommended to her.

Appreciate your input. Will definitely check it out.

I also just read Rachel Naomi Remen's KITCHEN TABLE WISDOM and Andy Andrews THE TRAVELER'S GIFT. I often reread books I love, including these two.

I cannot read except with a pen in hand. I underline. Make notations in the margins. Can't help myself. I devour books word by word. When I reread, I just read my highlighted areas and it all returns to me. Just love being moved by words; when they touch my heart and reawaken things I never even knew I knew. When they are full of new Lessons to glean and rekindle ancient Knowings deeo inside me...

Andi

[Audrey]

I also loved The Shack and Kitchen Table Wisdom! One book I can recommend is "Close to the Bone: Life-Threatening Illness as a Soul Journey" by Jean Bolen.

[Bill]

I liked the Shack, too. Also, I read a few books awhile ago by Og Mandino. One was something like, "The world's greatest salesman" or something like that. They were all good.

[Mary Anne in TX]

I'm reading 2 right now...
When everything changes, change everything
and
Be yourself, everyone else is already taken
ma

[suzan w]

I was going to mention Gary Zukav...we love his stuff!!! Also Pema Chodron...she is a Buddist nun. This is a great thread. It would be fun to compile a booklist...!!!

[Margerie]

I just read Cry, The Beloved Country by Alan Paton and thought it was the most beautifully written book and spiritual, but not in a conventional way

One of my all-time favorites is The Education of Little Tree by Forrest Carter. A Native American tale, LOL funny, touching and spiritual. There author is somewhat controversial, but the book itself is wonderful IMO.

Happy summer reading :) I have a few books on my nightstand, but will check this thread again when I am finished with them.

[rl2]

I found Awakening Intuition by Mona Lisa Schulz, MD, Ph.D. to be interesting and useful.

[Cannon]

Eat, Pray, Love

Anything by Wayne Dyer

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

I recently began reading HEALING WORDS by Caren Goldman. It was recommended to me by the rescue lady who brought Paul and me together with our two Maltese brothers 6 yrs ago. She is the sister of the author and was taken by my bc story and my belief in the mindbody connection. She was delighted to turn these two 3 mnth old pups who were so very sick and abused over to someone like me. She knew they would require special care and devoted healing techniques, beyond costly vet bills. Well, I finally got the book!

In it Caren refers to another book CLOSE TO THE BONE by Jean Sinoda Bolen in which that author explains how illness can initiate us into the Soul Realm. It is a threshold, forcing us to live on the edge, she is quoted as writing. I have personally found this to be true and am working on incorporating it into the book I have been working on writing for what seems like forever.

Through my bc experience I found new ways of knowing the world and myself. As we seek shelter from our anxiety, angst and anguish -- we seek significant connections. Hence this wonderful site full of others so much like us. Those who can uniquely understood what we are going through.

Bolen speaks of recovery occurring in and to the body and yet how it so profoundly affects the Soul. For me, bc has deepened my appreciation for Life's littlest of wonders. Sight and sound, the ability to feed oneself and bathe oneself, to walk and talk... True gifts not to be taken for granted.

Upon dx and throughout tx we face a maze of confusing information (which we gather from various sources, oncs, nurses, chemo mates and those we love and trust most in the world, even strangers). We have a cacophony of thoughts, fears and questions whirring about our heads all day.

What I discovered that is grand is that WE CAN CONTROL OUR THOUGHTS. We can therefore become the Master of Our Fate, by becoming the Captain of our Soul. When I consciously stop identifying myself as my mind (which can be wise and even brilliant but can also torment me to no end), when I align myself with my Truest Self, my Essence or Spirit -- I am connecting with a part of my divine Source. That is electrifying. Edifying. Enlightening!

We are never alone! And that is glorious.

[naturaleigh]

My cousin just told me about an author she really enjoys reading who writes Life-Changing Fiction. Her name is Karen Kingsbury and she has written several series books. My cousin suggested reading some of the "Red Glove" series first, but she said every thing she has read by Kingsbury has been excellent.

[Mary Jo]

Your cousin is right, Karen Kingsbury writes awesome fiction. I've read many of them and I, too, highly recommend them.

Mary Jo

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

I love good days. And on the bad days I always say, TOMORROW WILL BE BETTER.

Thanks all for your input. I now have the start of one great BOOK LIST.

Anyone ever read MAN'S SEARCH FOR MEANING by Victor E. Frankl?

He's a renowned psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor. Victor speaks of surviving horrifying circumstances yet continuing to grow in the process. "We must never forget that we may also find meaning in life even when confronted with a hopeless situation, when facing a fate that cannot be changed".

He speaks of our uniquely human potential to transform tragedy into a triumph.

When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.

[schoolteacher]

Andi,

I had to read Victor Frankl in my graduate studies. He is my hero. The book Man's Search for Meaning had a big impact on my life.

Amelia

[Vi Schorpp]

I read Man's Search for Meaning about 20 years ago. When someone asks me what was the most profound book I have ever read this is the first book out of my mouth. We can't always control this situation, but we can control how we respond. True in every aspect of our lives.

[Savta]

I just finished reading "Get Well Again" by Carl Simonton. It's not a new book, but having just finished my year of Herceptin, I found it comforting to read just how normal our range of emotions are. It gives a lot of common self-help advice.
I was also recommended to read 'Love, Medicine, and Miracles".

[juanita]

the last speech was good. can't remeber the author's name. he was the professor who died from cancer, randy pausch maybe.

[Mary Jo]

That's right Juanita....Randy Pausch....His book is called "The Last Lecture." It was good...I read it too.

Mary Jo

[tammymarie1971]

I recently read "Peace begins with me" by Ted Kuntz an excellent book about dealing with fear and anxiety no matter what the circumstances. I can't say enough good about this book..The depth yet simplicity was great.

[kcherub]

Not sure if it has changed my life yet, LOL, but I just read "Resilience" by Elizabeth Edwards. I'd be happy to pass it along, a la Tiptoe, Tex & The Chicken style. :)

Take care,

[Mary Anne in TX]

Hi again Andi! I love that you started this thread. I have begun to read much more often once again after many years, and the thing that I have gotten for me from reading widely is how it causes me to find my own truth. Sometimes a read a whole book to find just one "stir me up" idea inside. But that book was just as valuable to me if it got my ol' brain in gear.
I guess I am getting old. I have gone back to looking for my internal truth that seems to get lost in the busyness of the world!
Wishing everyone happy reading and lots of peace. ma

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

Thank you all for sharing your book titles and your words.

Mary Anne it is so true, that reading is for me a daily ritual. I incorporate it because I am always hungry to learn, and because the Teachings that are embedded in so many books are so very powerful. And empowering!

I take key phrases that touch me, awaken me, resonate with me and write them on lilac 3 x 5 cards. I frame them and scatter them in locations I frequent in my home -- to remind me.

BE STILL... AND NOW THAT I AM is one of those phases that I cherish and set eyes on with each new day. To me, it means God is with me. I am never alone.

I believe that I am a body, a mind and a Soul. That is what defines ME. Not The Thinker in my head that is at times quite bright but often times nagging, complaining, criticizing, judging, feeling offended. That is not the True Me. That is what Eckhart Tolle says is our ego talking.

In that light, I suppose The Voice In My Head has many personas. And one, the ego, is stuck in its primal phase of being. Taking everything personally, being defensive and then offensive, acting like a child. We need to understand that that is not who we are. We are each a radiant Spirit. And when we connect with that truest part of ourselves, we feel LOVE, COMPASSION, UNDERSTANDING, GRATITUDE AND GENEROSITY. Our words, and acts, come from Essence when we make this conscious choice to redefine ourselves.

Rather than having what we say and do come from that angry brat that is stuck in our heads and keeps chattering at us with accusations and warnings.

This is a large step toward living in JOY and with PEACE.

For me canser initiated me into the Spiritual Realm. It was the gift that came with the horror. BC forced me to live at the edge, as you all no doubt readily understand.

This fresh perspective on Life came almost instantly to me. Don't be afraid. Be strong. Be brave. Be determined. Focus. Feed your mind the words you want to echo in your head all day. Don't be tormented by The Voice In Your Head full of angst and sorrow, uncertainty and worries.

Respond to the crisis that has fallen into your lap. Rather than react. Use your power of choice. Tap into your natural healing powers -- the mindbody connection. Become a miracle. Defy the odds.

[Mary Jo]

I just had to chime in again to say that I, too, meditate on "Be still and know that I am God" from Psalm, 46:10. It brings me comfort also in knowing that God knows our tomorrow's and we need not fret. Although we see many situations as "bad" He knows the ultimate picture - the ending - and "all truly is working for our good..for those who love God." Romans 8:28.

Peace be with all of you,

Mary Jo

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

Hi all!

I'm aware of the IT IS WHAT IT moments, as all of us surely have found. But what is grand is that we have been bequeathed, as our God-given birthright, the right of choice. Personal Empowerment! I am deeply grateful for the gifts that come with blessed gift, which are multi-dimensional to be sure.

Faith in the Spirit given me and in its wisdom to guide me helps me navigate through rough waters. It connects me with my Source, as it links me with my sacred Self. My spiritual home is my Soul. A holy place full of divine energy and eons of sage experience. Placed at the core of my being.

As God couldn't be everywhere and so invented Mothers (I love that view), God can't be everywhere and so gave us each a Soul.

I do not let go of outcomes, trusting in the Great Plan. Just not in me to do this. However, when I find my prayers unanswered, I do open to the Big Picture, true enough. We cannot see all from our place, I understand. But, still, daily, I take my faith in the Empowerment so graciously given me, and the guidance of my Spirit to help lead me to my desired destiny, and move forward. Onward and upward...

There is not one road we are meant to take. We have the power of choice. I endeavor each day to do my best, with love, faith and determination, to manifest my dreams. To serve others, showing how much I value each Being, each Soul. I see others as Souls. Some are lost, some are in need of support, all are radiant and worthy of our loving words and acts.

We can alter predetermination with the passion of our thoughts, prayers and actions. It is a Universal Law. We draw to us what we give away. For good or bad. So we must be cognizant of our thoughts, our words and our actions.

We surely can take the responsibility to help ourselves self-heal, another power granted us in the divine scheme. Wow, was that a stunning revelation (I began learning way back in the 70s). The mindbody connection is another gift bestowed upon us to help us overcome things thought decades ago to be beyond our personal ability to better. I have experienced this power, directing the conversation between my mind and my body, led by my Spirit. Talk about awesome! Miraculous outcomes can be ours with focused Intention and clear Expectation, despite all odds...

This book I am currently reading, HEALING WORDS FOR THE BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT by Caren Goldman just keeps getting better and better. It has given me much food for contemplation. It's awakened buried truths that just suddenly come up and resonate with such clarity! Much to ponder, so I read slowly, only a few pages a day...

Sending loving energy to all, as always, along with my hopes for inner peace for you,
Andi http://cdn-cf.aol.com/se/smi/2b00001c91/06

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

One of my favorite topics is FORGIVENESS. It has challenged me all my life. There were many years that I suffered from depression. Oh yes, I always had a smile on my face. I was always cheerful, not to burden others with my personal issues. But alone, I struggled to understand where my at times incapacitating sadness was coming from.

I found I was full of anger, resentment, blame and the inability to forgive my Father. I KNEW it was in my own best interest (for my mental health and well-being) to find a way to be forgiving. I was generally a forgiving person, after all. But, I could not find a way to let go of this burning rage I had (on behalf of The Child That Was Me). In her honor, I now stood to defend her with my outrage.

When I developed bc I instinctively KNEW I really really needed to achieve forgiveness. I just KNEW how negative emotions take their toll on our bodies and I truly wanted to heal -- in every sense of the word.

All the while, I also knew that I loved my Father as little girls do. I thought I understood that his daily verbal eruptions were as a result of his own disillusionments, his own pain. But I still could not master the forgiveness thing.

Then, I saw a young boy on Oprah, w/his Mom. His Father had recently died and he insisted each night that his Mother leave the porch light on. Oprah asked the boy gently why that was so important to him. He replied, because I know that my Dad would come home if he could find his way, so I know he must be lost. I want to leave the light on to help him find his way home.

I was blown away! I stopped wherever I was headed (as I do tasks while *watching* television). I sat down and I wailed and wept with a heaving sound that I didn't recall ever come from me. It came from deep down inside me. Somehow, I made the connection. Suddenly, I saw so clearly.

My Father too was lost. He was a lost Soul. Compassion for him came welling up to overflowing. And I instantly forgave him for everything, just like that. After so many years of trying to do just that. Deep introspection had not done it. Going to his gravesite and talking to him had not worked. But this random moment had rocked my world!

I had known forgiveness is a noble act, an act of grace, a gift we give ourselves more than the other person. I had known that it would set me free. That it would help me heal emotionally, physically and psychologically. But that little boy on television carried a message for me. I was so very touched by his sweet innocence. I identified with his loss, as my Father died when I was only 33. He was 63. Too young to be sure. I was 50 when I was diagnosed. But this child's words had a profoundly transformative effect on me that would last for the rest of my life.

Today, I was reading a chapter about forgiveness in HEALING WORDS FOR THE MIND, BODY AND SOUL and I saw -- forgiveness does not occur until love or compassion replace anger. When our emotional orientation toward the person who hurt us changes. That change filters into your brain biochemistry, the physiology of your body and your daily life.

So to anyone out there with a forgiveness issue (and I would venture to say WHO DOESN'T???) -- it is my hope this post will touch you and urge you to seriously reach down to be forgiving. To truly seek to empathize, trying to under the motivations of the one who has wounded you. See their humanity. See that we are each a sacred Soul, each doing our best to find a way to deal with our
personal battles. Everyone is battling something...

It makes us feel kind and generous when we forgive ourselves and well as others. TO UNDERSTAND IS TO FORGIVE (a French proverb).

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

JUST A HEADS UP. I'VE RENAMED THIS THREAD -- TO INCLUDE NAKED TRUTHS AND HOPEFULLY LIFE-CHANGING IDEAS...

Like the post above on the FORGIVENESS thing. It impacts us more than emotionally and psychologically you know. It takes its toll on our bodies, our health and well-being. So, it is a matter to be reckoned with to be sure...

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

Worthy of a repeat I think.

Let's add some books and ideas that are more current...

I will ponder this...

I surely have some gems.

Need to look through my book shelves...

And you ... ???????????