World Book Day 2020: My favourite books to enhance your mind and body
I love learning, therefore books. I also like to add a creative twist to most things that I do. So I couldn’t just write about one favourite book. Instead, I’ve given an overview of two perennial books that I dip into every year and one new book that I’ve just read and found revolutionary.
The first perennial book is Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach.
I first read this when it was published back in 1995 and have been re-reading it ever since. It has 365 one to two page essays on enjoying what you have. It centres on the principles of gratitude, simplicity, order, harmony, beauty, and joy. Sarah’s thoughts, reflections and suggested actions range from noticing and creating beauty in your environment, creating self care rituals, being thankful for what you do have, reusing and repurposing your items, enjoying the pleasures of seasonal foods and cherishing family, friendships and alone time amongst others. Each day begins with a quote that sets the intention for that day’s essay. The quotes alone are thought provoking. I keep it by my bedside and when I feel I need a bit of inspiration or cheering up, I read the essay for the day. It only takes a few minutes. Sometimes I read a whole week or month. I then always feel refreshed, more relaxed and full ideas to make life simpler and more enjoyable.
The second perennial book is The Desire Map by Danielle LaPorte.
This is book is about a new perspective on living your best life. LaPorte asserts that it’s not the goal (new car, holiday, designer outfit, perfect partner etc.) we are chasing but rather the way we think it might make us feel. Of course when we achieve the goal or get the ‘thing’ it often doesn’t make us feel what we thought it would. So her idea is to start with how you want to feel and create a set of ‘core desired feelings’ and then try to incorporate something into your daily routine to help your achieve this feeling. With worksheets and questionnaires, the book takes you through step by step how to work out your core desired feelings. It’s very practical. You can dip in and out of it as needed. LaPorte also says your ‘core desired feelings’ may change based on your personal growth and circumstances, that is why, I revisit it yearly to check on mine. It’s a new way of planning your life and schedule that can leave you feeling more joyous, less stressed and more aligned to your individual purpose. I’ve used the accompanying planner or diary for the last few years as a way of ensuring I incorporate my desires into my schedule.
The brand new book that I’ve just read is In the Flo by Alisa Vitti published this year.
This book is revolutionary for women’s health. Vitti explains what’s going on in each of the four phases of a woman’s monthly cycle and what symptoms pop up if something is out of balance. She then lists exactly the food and exercises that can create balance in each unique stage so you can become symptom free. I think all girls around menstruating age and their mother or carer should read this. It should be taught in Personal Development classes at school. If women knew this information from the start and applied it, many health issues would be reduced and women would feel more vital. It’s never too late to start though, so even if you are going through menopause you will find this information valuable. I’ve already starting applying the information to help my female patients.
