Sit With: A Meditation and Contemplation podcast returns! Today we are asking how we express ourselves creatively in the world.
Book Club 2020
Book Club starts January 15th at 7 am, at Sight Glass coffee.
We have been gathering for over two years and it is time to make it official. A group of us meets after yoga to discuss one chapter of the current book we are reading & we would love to have you. We have read David Whyte, Tommy Orange, and Krista Tippett to name a few. We have read non-fiction, fiction, poetry, and short essays. We try to keep it diverse, relevant, and intentional.
Michael Stone
This year we are starting with one of my most favorite and inspiring authors, Michael Stone. His teachings are wise and relatable to the modern life. Through his words, he inspires action in response to social, economic, and environmental challenges. He defines Karma as “the effect of our actions,” and encourages a more awakened life.
Join us next Wednesday as we start the dive into his book, Yoga For A World Out of Balance: Teachings on Ethics and Social Action. We will take our time, reading just one chapter per week, starting with the introduction.
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On My Shelf
1. Sit Like A Buddha: A Pocket Guide To Meditation by Lodro Rinzler
This book was given to me by a friend and I found it simple and accessible for those who are just starting a meditation practice. I recommend this light read if you are curious about the practice and want some clear guidelines.
2. Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
This book will help you create more space, clarity and joy in your life!
As most of you know, I am moving to Berkeley in a few short weeks. I have moved quite a bit in the last few years and have simplified my life by decreasing the volume of stuff I own. However, this book is about more than simplifying. It is about cultivating more JOY in your life and in your home through the art of tidying. She encourages you to hold onto only that which sparks joy.
3. How to Meditate: A Practical Guide to Making Friends With Your Mind by Pema Chodron
This book is more comprehensive than the one by Rinzler and is a good addition if you want a more complete understanding of the practice. Chodron also weaves in her ideals of grace and compassion, which I resonate deeply with.
4. Start Where You Are: A Guide to Compassionate Living by Pema Chodron
And while we are on the topic of compassion... this is my go to book. I've shared this once with you all already, but it is still on my shelf and I find myself referencing it quite often. Chodron has some really clear practices to cultivate compassionate for yourself and others.
5. The Way To Start A Day by Byrd Baylor
Byrd Baylor is one of my favorite children's authors because she can beautifully expresses mindful and spiritual ideas. This book in particular is about welcoming and celebrating the day- through dance, song, beats, flowers, etc. The illustrator Parnall adds texture and emotion through his whimsical swirling shapes and vibrant hues of southwestern sunrises.