Several years back I belonged to a meditative prayer group. During those times I made an effort to begin each day reading inspirational books and practicing meditative prayer. I remember these as peaceful days.
Life got in the way. I got irritated with the church. And the practice fell away. Now I’m trying to bring some sense of peace and tranquility back into my life by reinstating some kind of morning routine.
This morning I read small parts of these three books: Hearing God’s Voice by Fr. Mark Burger, Wherever You Go There You Are — Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life by Jon Kabat-Zinn, and If You Want to Write by Brenda Ueland.
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I started reading Fr. Mark Burger’s book earlier this year. It contains daily short readings. Today’s title was “Are You in a Hurry?” After commenting on the fast past of today’s society, Fr. Mark quotes Isaiah at the end of the selection, “They that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength, and they will soar with eagles’ wings. They will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not grow faint.” He writes that an old Baptist pastor explained to him what he thought it meant. “‘It means,'” he said, ‘that you must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life. There is nothing else.'” |
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I heard of Wherever You Go . . . from a blogging and Goodreads friend of mine, Debra. I decided to try it. The selection I read today was called, “This is it.” Kabat-Zinn writes, “Meditation is the only intentional, systematic human activity which at bottom is about not trying to improve yourself or get anywhere else, but simply to realize where you already are.” He suggests we trying reminding ourselves from time to time, “This is it.”I feel like there most be something important for me in these two similar messages that I read this morning. Nothing like getting hit over the head twice. |
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The third book, If You Want to Write, was a gift from my son and daughter-in-law. I am finding it to be a great source of comfort and solace as my spirits and confidence routinely soar and crash through this self-publishing process. |
With the exception of Fr. Mark Burger, who lives locally but wouldn’t know my name, I’ve never met the authors of these books. But their words inspire me. Their words may even change my life.
How powerful is that?
Great resources, Christine!!! Gonna be checking these out!!! It is wonderful to find books that fuel the soul. Thanks for the suggestions!
They are good books that you can read a little at a time. You’re welcome.
Brenda Ueland’s book is terrific . . . I’ve read it a few times since it sits on my bookcase smiling at me.
Wherever You Go, There You Are . . . also wonderful.
http://nrhatch.wordpress.com/2011/06/21/wherever-you-go-there-you-are-2/
It’s really uplifting. It was recommended to my son and daugther-in-law by a good friend who is an English major.
Thanks for the reminder to nurture my serenity. Modern living makes this extremely difficult to be sure! I also relate with your soars and crashes along this self-publishing journey. Wow! What a ride.
You’re right about modern living. I try to avoid it at all costs and have been fairly successful at it so far— mostly thanks to my husband who provides for me.
Wow is right. Hold on to your hat.
yes great picks on books.
Slowing down is my new mantra…’breathe…slowly…’
thanks Christie…_/|\_
Thanks for leading me to the great book.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and insights on these, Christine.
No problem.
Brenda Ueland’s book is right up there at the top of a very short list of great books about writing.
I have three others on my own list and if you’re ever ready for another (no hurry!:-)
I’d be happy to share.
Your project is a terrific thing to be doing for yourself — and others.
I’d love to see your short list any time.
In any order, all different, each offering a different gift:
Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird
Natalie Goldberg, Writing Down the Bones
Stephen King, On Writing (this last one was a big surprise to me because I don’t read his books; combines a brief autobiography with spot-on discussion of writing)
Ha ha. I have Lamott’s and King’s books. I will look into Writing Down the Bones. Thanks.
Best of luck with your self-publishing! And yes, it is important to have a routine with time for prayer and reflection, and it is really hard to be constant in today’s world… It’s a battle I fight every day…
Thanks for the luck. I always feel better if I take the time to start the day right. But you’re right. Life gets in the way.