Called unflinching, generous, and inspiring, In the Body of the World by Eve Ensler (Vagina Monologues), calls us to embody our connections to and responsibility for the world. More, plus an article.
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Books
Oh my, do I read. Like. All. The. Time. I'm in a near constant state of learning. I don't however give myself a lot of time to let all that I learn really sink in. Therefore, I blog. This blog is a nice way for me to slow down enough to let it sink in for a bit. In this process of documenting and sharing with you, I am able to sometimes transmute this learning from knowledge into wisdom, so thank you!
Here is what I am currently reading.
A General Theory of Love "Drawing comparisons to the most eloquent science writing of our day, three eminent psychiatrists tackle the difficult task of reconciling what artists and thinkers have known for thousands of years about the human heart with what has only recently been learned about the primitive functions of the human brain. The result is an original, lucid, at times moving account of the complexities of love and its essential role in human well-being. (This book) draws on the latest scientific research to demonstrate that our nervous systems are not self-contained: from earliest childhood, our brains actually link with those of the people close to us, in a silent rhythm that alters the very structure of our brains, establishes life-long emotional patterns, and makes us, in large part, who we are. Explaining how relationships function, how parents shape their child’s developing self, how psychotherapy really works, and how our society dangerously flouts essential emotional laws, this is a work of rare passion and eloquence that will forever change the way you think about human intimacy."
The Wonder Weeks "The Wonder Weeks describes in easy-to-understand terms the incredible developmental changes and regression periods that all babies go through during the first 20 months of their lives. Age-related fluctuations and the need for body contact and attention are all related to major and quite dramatic changes in the brains of children. These changes enable a baby to enter a whole new perceptual world and, as a consequence, to learn many new skills. Wonder week by wonder week you’ll discover the dates in the first 20 months when all babies take ten major development leaps. Learn how to encourage each leap forward. Help your baby with the three Cs’ of fussy behavior: Cranky, Clingy and Crying. Recognize the on-set of stressful times and join your children in coping with them. Based on the scientific- and parental-world-changing discovery of a phenomenon: all normal, healthy babies appear to be more fussy at very nearly the same ages, regression periods, and sleep less in these phases, The Wonder Weeks will help your baby, and you, get the most out of these developmental phases."
The Unschooling Handbook "The unschooling movement is founded on the principle that children learn best when they pursue their own natural curiosities and interests. Without bells, schedules, and rules about what to do and when, the knowledge they gain through mindful living and exploration is absorbed more easily and enthusiastically. Learning is a natural, inborn impulse, and the world is rich with lessons to be learned and puzzles to be solved."
Everyday Meditation "We all know that meditation helps to lower stress and can even prevent disease. It has no negative side effects and no cost, and requires only a few minutes a day. So why is it so challenging to begin and sustain? Tobin Blake offers innovative ways to start meditating and to invigorate an existing practice. He begins with the basics — how to sit, how long to practice, and how to use various techniques, such as zazen, mantra, and visualization — and then covers topics such as dealing with thoughts, restlessness, and overcoming the deeper obstacles to meditation. Written with our modern challenges in mind, including electronic distractions, stress, and the constant sense of overwhelm." - I will be using this book as I finish out the last 100 days of my sabbatical year with 100 days of mediation beginning June 22nd.
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Hidden Messages in Water by Masura Emotofrom goopWORDS & WATER Japanese scientist, Masaru Emoto performed some of the most fascinating experiments on the effect that words have on energy in the 1990’s. When frozen, water that’s free from all impurities will form beautiful ice crystals that look exactly like snowflakes under a microscope. Water that’s polluted, or has additives like fluoride, will freeze without forming crystals. In his experiments, Emoto poured pure water into vials labeled with negative phrases like "I hate you" or "fear." After 24 hours, the water was frozen, and no longer crystallized under the microscope: It yielded gray, misshapen clumps instead of beautiful lace-like crystals. In contrast, Emoto placed labels that said things like "I Love You," or "Peace" on vials of polluted water, and after 24 hours, they produced gleaming, perfectly hexagonal crystals. Emoto’s experiments proved that energy generated by positive or negative words can actually change the physical structure of an object. The results of his experiments were detailed in a series of books beginning with The Hidden Messages in Water, where you can see the astounding before and after photos of these incredible water crystals. More.
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Whole Larder Love, Grow Gather Hunt Cook by Rohan Andersonis uncomplicated, pure and simple, rustic and beautiful in a rugged, manly sort of way. Read Nathan's excited review here.
http://youtu.be/ffazwHJfvOc
Yeah, if you are interested in a "hands-on" approach to food, Modern Pioneering, from Georiga Pelligrini, aka Girl Hunter, aka (what we call her) the other GP, is perfect. It's fun, informative, and it makes us want to get on building an extra room in our house for a larder. What's a "larder" you ask? A cool area for storing food prior to use. Larders were commonplace in houses before the widespread use of the refrigerator. Wiki for more.
http://youtu.be/vPYk_bKNags And ... some yoga art from Meghan Currie Yoga.
*note: if you noticed I skipped from week 9 to week 25. I just wanted to align the week with the current week. I've skipped a few. Time gets away from me!