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A Year of Loving Kindness to Myself
A beautifully presented and uplifting book of contemplative, wry, sometimes funny essays about living thoughtfully and with care amidst life’s challenges. If you’re struggling to maintain grace and good humour amidst daily potholes and pitfalls, Brigid Lowry may be just the warm, wise and witty companion you need. Informed by contemporary psychology and Zen Buddhism, Brigid’s essays offer reflections on everything from friendship to grief, and from gratitude to self-care. Give this book to a friend or gift it to yourself, A Year of Loving Kindness to Myself is all the encouragement you’ll need to nurture you and those around you.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2021
29 people are currently reading
376 people want to read
About the author
Brigid Lowry
18 books78 followersBrigid Lowry was born in New Zealand into a rather strange but very creative family. Here she learned a love of books, too many swear words and how to cook a decent omelette. Brigid's early, rather awful poetry was made into a small book by her father, a printer and typographer, and sold to kindly relatives for two and sixpence a copy. Thus her writing career was launched, but it took about twenty years for her to take it to a higher place. In the meantime she tried being a hippie, a waitress, a software tutor, a librarian, a mother, a wife and a primary school teacher.
At the age of thirty five Brigid returned to university and began to publish poetry and short fiction. Her first young adult book was Fizz & Max & Me, which was published in the Dolly Fiction series. As well as teaching her how to write dialogue, this book paid Brigid the grand sum of $3000 and inspired her to apply for an Arts Council Grant for funding to write a second young adult book. With the grant safely in the bank, armed with nothing more than a flimsy idea about a girl who wanted a nose-ring, Brigid wrote Guitar Highway Rose. Constructed in a quirky collage style, this book was a runaway success. It was shortlisted for a number of major prizes in Australia, and won the WA Hoffman Young Readers Choice Award.
Brigid's star sign is Aries, and she has a tattoo of an island, a palm tree and a planet on her left shoulder. She has an MA in Creative Writing and teaches creative writing here and there. Brigid is currently working on a new young adult book and has recently returned to live in her homeland, New Zealand, after living for 27 wonderful years in Australia.
At the age of thirty five Brigid returned to university and began to publish poetry and short fiction. Her first young adult book was Fizz & Max & Me, which was published in the Dolly Fiction series. As well as teaching her how to write dialogue, this book paid Brigid the grand sum of $3000 and inspired her to apply for an Arts Council Grant for funding to write a second young adult book. With the grant safely in the bank, armed with nothing more than a flimsy idea about a girl who wanted a nose-ring, Brigid wrote Guitar Highway Rose. Constructed in a quirky collage style, this book was a runaway success. It was shortlisted for a number of major prizes in Australia, and won the WA Hoffman Young Readers Choice Award.
Brigid's star sign is Aries, and she has a tattoo of an island, a palm tree and a planet on her left shoulder. She has an MA in Creative Writing and teaches creative writing here and there. Brigid is currently working on a new young adult book and has recently returned to live in her homeland, New Zealand, after living for 27 wonderful years in Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
October 26, 2021
This was listed as one of the Best Books of the Month by Apple Books, which had me curious, and I listened to it earlier today. It’s slightly over 2 ½ hours, and I found it to be both enjoyable, and well worth the investment of my time.
There an element of humour, but this is more of an offering of insight into self-care, self-compassion, and allowing yourself the grace you would offer another who was having difficulty in some aspect of their life. There is wisdom, as well, and sharing some she’s gained through her own life, but at the heart of this is a sense of true grace. Listening to it, it is obvious she has had her own struggles, her own moments of anxiety, moments of depression, but it is shared with such a sense of love that it feels more like she is sharing a gift that she was lucky enough to receive.
I am not typically drawn to books that fall into this category, but the last almost two years have been filled with so much division, I think we could all use a little gentle direction on having compassion for ourselves, as well as others, and caring for ourselves as we would care for those we love.
Published: 26 Oct 2021
Many thanks for the ARC provided by OrangeSky Audio
October 28, 2021
Brigid Lowry shares her personal experiences and coping mechanisms with her readers, in the hopes of inspiring them to lead a more tranquil, fulfilled and contemplative life. I would definitely say she succeeded as I listened to this audio throughout the course of one day and definitely felt the calm emanating from her words and the contents.
This was a very quick yet very rewarding and educational read. I did not find it to contain much new information for me personally but it remained a pleasant reminder to be more present, kind, grateful, and positive, throughout. I especially liked the affirmations that were littered throughout this, as well as the tips for simple and quick ways to return to yourself when times get tough and thoughts turn dark.
I appreciated the focus on the author's anecdotes a little less, I'm afraid to say. I anticipated, before beginning, a read focused on more general information and would have more strongly regarded a book that either contained these experiences alongside more of an in-depth analysis on the exercises that followed them, or focused on the abstract absolutely.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Brigid Lowry, and the publisher, Orange Sky Audio, for this opportunity.
This was a very quick yet very rewarding and educational read. I did not find it to contain much new information for me personally but it remained a pleasant reminder to be more present, kind, grateful, and positive, throughout. I especially liked the affirmations that were littered throughout this, as well as the tips for simple and quick ways to return to yourself when times get tough and thoughts turn dark.
I appreciated the focus on the author's anecdotes a little less, I'm afraid to say. I anticipated, before beginning, a read focused on more general information and would have more strongly regarded a book that either contained these experiences alongside more of an in-depth analysis on the exercises that followed them, or focused on the abstract absolutely.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Brigid Lowry, and the publisher, Orange Sky Audio, for this opportunity.
February 4, 2025
A great guide for mindfulness
November 15, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and OrangeSky Audio for my audio ARC in exchange for my honest review. The audio book was published October 25, 2021.
While I loved the title, I thought this book lacking in depth. It was a series of essays and it didn’t really seem to flow. It’s a very quick listen at about 2.5 hours.
If this is a true self-help book, there are better ones out there. If if is a memoir with some comedy thrown in, then it was ok.
While I loved the title, I thought this book lacking in depth. It was a series of essays and it didn’t really seem to flow. It’s a very quick listen at about 2.5 hours.
If this is a true self-help book, there are better ones out there. If if is a memoir with some comedy thrown in, then it was ok.
January 16, 2023
She’s just always SO comforting
November 2, 2021
Summary –
It’s time to show loving-kindness to ourselves. If the past two years have taught us anything, it’s we need to slow down and focus on what’s important. While we tend to be critical of ourselves, we need to be mindful of our need for loving-kindness. Brigid Lowry shares her insight through a series of humorous, insightful essays aimed at mindfulness through all of life’s ups and downs. Using tenants of Zen Buddhism and modern psychology with a fair amount of common sense, A Year of Loving Kindness to Myself is an audiobook you’ll want to listen to again and again. A perfect gift this holiday season.
Narrator’s overall voice –
Vanessa Rhodes’ voice has a soothing, lyrical quality to it which conveyed the message clearly of this book. She has a lovely accent and her inflections created such a calming effect. I honestly could listen to read the dictionary and it would be an enjoyable experience.
Does the narrator fit the characters?
Since this is nonfiction, this doesn’t really apply. Does Vanessa Rhodes create a meditative mood for the reader? YES!
Narrator’s reading style –
Vanessa Rhodes has a comforting reading style. She embodies what this book is about and I thoroughly enjoyed listening.
Narrator’s impact on reading experience –
Vanessa Rhodes makes this one of the best audiobooks I’ve read. It’s more than her voice, it’s the way she speaks the words.
Narrator’s pacing –
Vanessa Rhodes’ pacing is ideal, pausing when needed. Because the book’s theme is self-help, the pacing is so important. She allows the listener to contemplate what’s been talked about.
Audiobook flow –
The audiobook flows so well, I forgot I was listening to a book. It’s like having a conversation with an old friend. Yes, I talked back to the audiobook. Lol!
What makes this audiobook unique –
Vanessa Rhodes is what makes it so unique. I’ve listened to a lot of self-help audiobooks and sometimes it can rather dry but not with Vanessa Rhodes. She makes the words and ideas come alive.
Would I recommend this audiobook –
Yes! I think this is THE audiobook to give and receive this holiday season. Its life-affirming, life-altering, mindful message will change lives.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
It’s time to show loving-kindness to ourselves. If the past two years have taught us anything, it’s we need to slow down and focus on what’s important. While we tend to be critical of ourselves, we need to be mindful of our need for loving-kindness. Brigid Lowry shares her insight through a series of humorous, insightful essays aimed at mindfulness through all of life’s ups and downs. Using tenants of Zen Buddhism and modern psychology with a fair amount of common sense, A Year of Loving Kindness to Myself is an audiobook you’ll want to listen to again and again. A perfect gift this holiday season.
Narrator’s overall voice –
Vanessa Rhodes’ voice has a soothing, lyrical quality to it which conveyed the message clearly of this book. She has a lovely accent and her inflections created such a calming effect. I honestly could listen to read the dictionary and it would be an enjoyable experience.
Does the narrator fit the characters?
Since this is nonfiction, this doesn’t really apply. Does Vanessa Rhodes create a meditative mood for the reader? YES!
Narrator’s reading style –
Vanessa Rhodes has a comforting reading style. She embodies what this book is about and I thoroughly enjoyed listening.
Narrator’s impact on reading experience –
Vanessa Rhodes makes this one of the best audiobooks I’ve read. It’s more than her voice, it’s the way she speaks the words.
Narrator’s pacing –
Vanessa Rhodes’ pacing is ideal, pausing when needed. Because the book’s theme is self-help, the pacing is so important. She allows the listener to contemplate what’s been talked about.
Audiobook flow –
The audiobook flows so well, I forgot I was listening to a book. It’s like having a conversation with an old friend. Yes, I talked back to the audiobook. Lol!
What makes this audiobook unique –
Vanessa Rhodes is what makes it so unique. I’ve listened to a lot of self-help audiobooks and sometimes it can rather dry but not with Vanessa Rhodes. She makes the words and ideas come alive.
Would I recommend this audiobook –
Yes! I think this is THE audiobook to give and receive this holiday season. Its life-affirming, life-altering, mindful message will change lives.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
July 11, 2021
An excellent and well written book about the simplicity of living life to the fullest. A well articulated journal which exemplifies the narrative that the quality of someone’s life isn’t depend on amassing wealth or having a lucrative career etc but rather how conscious and well balanced he/she is within and have the equanimity and courage to accept things as they are in the universe to cultivate an emotional intelligence to handle worldly occurrences.
April 10, 2024
listened to this on audiobook, it was super short… some tidbits of comfort in there but overall meh. would’ve loved more depth and coverage on capitalism, racism, etc rather than just repeating simple blanket platitudes. i did really appreciate the authors incorporation of her own personal story / traumas though.
May 30, 2024
2.5/5: Kinda bummed that I didn’t like it since the title intrigued me. Essays were short and sweet, like little diary entries with tidbits of wisdom but sometimes the wisdom felt like empty words and there wasn’t much substance to it. Would have liked if she went more in-depth with her thoughts
August 25, 2025
cute lil audiobook took some advice :)
Want to read
September 15, 2021requested from library
April 15, 2021
What a gem of a book. A small, short book ( 142 pages) but full of intriguing ideas, joy, some sadness and priceless poetry. Highly, highly recommended.
December 30, 2023
Like a warm hug at the end of a very long day.
November 21, 2021
A Year of Loving Kindness to Myself starts with one entry for each month, covering various topics. Listening to the audiobook, and based on the title, I was under the impression that once I reached the last month of the year and the New Year's Prayer entry, the book would be finished. Instead, there were then several more entries, starting with how to journal and then discussing other random topics at various lengths. Some entries throughout the book seemed quite dark (depressing? or maybe just honest?) for a book on loving kindness. A few thoughts were noteworthy for me and worth underlining, had I owned a hard copy; however, I felt that some of the material was unrelatable, for me specifically, although they might be just right for another listener.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
December 8, 2021
This book y’all. It hit.
It reads like a series of journal entries that have narrative & even prose feels. The writer goes through her thoughts of how she changes limiting beliefs, challenges her distorted thinking & essentially as the title says, loves herself.
I received the audiobook on NetGalley to review. I’ll be buying it tho. Unlike other books on mental health this one is a very personalized account of how the author applies skills & tactics often talked about. It takes what to many may be vague concepts & shows how to use them without ever sounding like a how-to.
The experiences she shares are personal & specific, yet completely universal & relatable. If you struggle with mental health issues like anxiety & depression, I definitely recommend this book. It’s one I’ll be re-listening to for sure.
It reads like a series of journal entries that have narrative & even prose feels. The writer goes through her thoughts of how she changes limiting beliefs, challenges her distorted thinking & essentially as the title says, loves herself.
I received the audiobook on NetGalley to review. I’ll be buying it tho. Unlike other books on mental health this one is a very personalized account of how the author applies skills & tactics often talked about. It takes what to many may be vague concepts & shows how to use them without ever sounding like a how-to.
The experiences she shares are personal & specific, yet completely universal & relatable. If you struggle with mental health issues like anxiety & depression, I definitely recommend this book. It’s one I’ll be re-listening to for sure.
January 30, 2025
This was an audiobook during my runs recently. It was a friendly companion, keeping my mind from the repetitive concrete under my feet. But I’m afraid I will probably forget everything read to me within a week. Each chapter was short and sweet, like little diary entries with drops of wisdom, but it really lacked depth and ended up spouting empty words without much substance. The structure also threw me off, starting off as a chronological diary, but morphing into random, unconnected ideas, almost like she was trying to cover every topic, so every reader could find something to relate too. Unfortunately it has put me off “self-helps” for a little bit. I’ll do the next bit on my own thank you :)
Read
November 11, 2025These were very nice bite sized essays that captured one woman’s journey practicing greater mindfulness, compassion, and loving-kindness. I listened to the audiobook as I drove. Her essays were good reminders to be a little more mindful in my day, a little more kind to myself, and a little more appreciative of life and all its struggle & beauty.
February 11, 2025
Beautiful read
November 28, 2025
Wonderful. Would like to gift this to everyone I know.
January 9, 2025
I had is an audibook, it is an easy book to listen too. The title says it all
November 1, 2021
I was given the opportunity to listen to the audiobook version of this book through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
The narration of this book about self-compassion is lovely, like an old friend is talking to you about her experiences and giving you wise advice. It's not a very long book; so I had the opportunity to listen to it twice.
Going through the author's year of loving kindness didn't take very long and felt a bit rushed; but that may have been due to the layout of the book. The year is only one part. The rest are thoughts and notes about life's challenges and lessons.
There are so many good takeaways for anyone listening to or reading this book. Some are ones we've heard before - practicing gratitude and accepting what is all while living in the moment. Things we know, but can always use a reminder. It's always nice to learn new ways to incorporate these things. Still, I think we all gravitate toward certain practices or suggestions based on how we are living at any given time, so different ideas will strike individuals differently.
For my part, Lowry's section and description on equanimity made me realize that is what I want more than anything in my life right now and it's something I never had clearly defined before.
She gives lots of examples of what she's learned as a sad person and how to live within this world as well as what we can take away from the struggles in our lives and live with more authenticity. A must-read for those who continuing their journey of self-compassion.
The narration of this book about self-compassion is lovely, like an old friend is talking to you about her experiences and giving you wise advice. It's not a very long book; so I had the opportunity to listen to it twice.
Going through the author's year of loving kindness didn't take very long and felt a bit rushed; but that may have been due to the layout of the book. The year is only one part. The rest are thoughts and notes about life's challenges and lessons.
There are so many good takeaways for anyone listening to or reading this book. Some are ones we've heard before - practicing gratitude and accepting what is all while living in the moment. Things we know, but can always use a reminder. It's always nice to learn new ways to incorporate these things. Still, I think we all gravitate toward certain practices or suggestions based on how we are living at any given time, so different ideas will strike individuals differently.
For my part, Lowry's section and description on equanimity made me realize that is what I want more than anything in my life right now and it's something I never had clearly defined before.
She gives lots of examples of what she's learned as a sad person and how to live within this world as well as what we can take away from the struggles in our lives and live with more authenticity. A must-read for those who continuing their journey of self-compassion.
November 14, 2025
A warm hug! An absolute warm embrace of a book. Definitely got some serious inspiration for some of my own kindness practices. Loved this one.
November 8, 2021
I stumbled across this book and author via Netgalley and Freemantle Press, which provided me with a free audio version, and was surprised by how much I enjoyed the wise, lightly humorous, deeply affectionate advice from the author, who comes across as fully human while striving toward enlightenment.
I had never heard of Brigid Lowry, whom I have now learned is a children's book author from New Zealand currently living in Australia, but this collection of essays, written for adults, was a pure delight and comfort to read. Drawing on Buddhism and common sense, Lowry makes the case for why we all need to take more care to treat ourselves with kindness and lays out practical steps for doing so. The audiobook narrator, Vanessa Rhodes, did a wonderful job, too, and added to the cheery reassurance the book offers. This book would make a great gift. I feel fortunate to have read it.
I had never heard of Brigid Lowry, whom I have now learned is a children's book author from New Zealand currently living in Australia, but this collection of essays, written for adults, was a pure delight and comfort to read. Drawing on Buddhism and common sense, Lowry makes the case for why we all need to take more care to treat ourselves with kindness and lays out practical steps for doing so. The audiobook narrator, Vanessa Rhodes, did a wonderful job, too, and added to the cheery reassurance the book offers. This book would make a great gift. I feel fortunate to have read it.
January 5, 2022
A short easy read, reminding us to be kind to ourselves and others and to show gratitude for the many small things that make life a gift. A good book to help develop a positive attitude and not beat oneself up about the negatives we may encounter in our lives. I only gave it three stars because as another reviewer commented, it is like dipping your toes in, or a skimming across the surface of life. But a worthwhile book that left me feeling I have the means within myself to change my attitudes and responses to life around me and live a calmer and happier life.
October 26, 2021
Title: A Year of Loving Kindness To Myself
Author: Brigid Lowry
Publisher: OrangeSky Audio
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"A Year of Loving Kindness To Myself" by Brigid Lowry
My Opinion:
Wow, what good audio read. 'A Year of Loving Kindness To Myself' was well-written about this person deciding to live her life no matter what all she had gone through from her horrible childhood with some strange parents to being who she is today. It was good to see how she changed, which was good for her ... making life peaceful for her and accepting things the way the universe is... what can be done about it. The story is quite a good read, even short but having something go to say about life...'ideals, job, loving-kindness, friendship, grief, gratitude, self-care, sadness, fun, loneliness, two failed marriages, and let's not leave out some priceless poetry' that was well presented in the read. Month by month, she told the reader what was going on at that present time. I laughed at that speeding ticket...excepting it, paying the ticket, and going on with her life.
One thing enjoyed was how she spoke about staying out of other people's business managing hers was more than enough. Amen to that! The saying ... I have enough... I am enough when shopping...do I need this at this time? Why try to impress others... Let go of unnecessary stuff, do things myself, give away things I don't use and can't wear, research first, and present love and kindness to myself...
Looking after one shelf is essential, but one's family is important too, even the animals, and let's not leave out dear friends that sometimes one has to say no.
Staying busy can help keep one's mind free and get some joy out of life and fun. But after all is said and done, we all have troubles of some sort. Dealing with it well... know everyone does have some problems and how we handle it is well...? She learned she didn't have to apologize for being herself ... she is stronger and happier. After all, she had been through...' now a strong one, a funny one, the smart one, loving mother, the joyous grandmother, loyal friend, dreamer, seeker, optimist, writer, wow...moving forward...not a fixer project'...appreciating all that is around her. Doing healthy things...any things that drain you stop...May she get those green velvet slippers with roses on them...Wow, this was one read that I couldn't put down until the end... A good read for anyone wanting to love kindness for themselves.
There is a lot more left in this story that gives one a different way of looking and dealing with life, with this being a good collection 'of contemplative, wry, sometimes funny assays about living thoughtfully and with care amidst life's challenges.' So, pick up this read and start reading.
"A Year of Loving Kindness to Myself" would be a wonderful gift to give to a friend.
Thank you, NetGallery and OrangeSky Audio, for an audio read and my giving you my review.
Author: Brigid Lowry
Publisher: OrangeSky Audio
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"A Year of Loving Kindness To Myself" by Brigid Lowry
My Opinion:
Wow, what good audio read. 'A Year of Loving Kindness To Myself' was well-written about this person deciding to live her life no matter what all she had gone through from her horrible childhood with some strange parents to being who she is today. It was good to see how she changed, which was good for her ... making life peaceful for her and accepting things the way the universe is... what can be done about it. The story is quite a good read, even short but having something go to say about life...'ideals, job, loving-kindness, friendship, grief, gratitude, self-care, sadness, fun, loneliness, two failed marriages, and let's not leave out some priceless poetry' that was well presented in the read. Month by month, she told the reader what was going on at that present time. I laughed at that speeding ticket...excepting it, paying the ticket, and going on with her life.
One thing enjoyed was how she spoke about staying out of other people's business managing hers was more than enough. Amen to that! The saying ... I have enough... I am enough when shopping...do I need this at this time? Why try to impress others... Let go of unnecessary stuff, do things myself, give away things I don't use and can't wear, research first, and present love and kindness to myself...
Looking after one shelf is essential, but one's family is important too, even the animals, and let's not leave out dear friends that sometimes one has to say no.
Staying busy can help keep one's mind free and get some joy out of life and fun. But after all is said and done, we all have troubles of some sort. Dealing with it well... know everyone does have some problems and how we handle it is well...? She learned she didn't have to apologize for being herself ... she is stronger and happier. After all, she had been through...' now a strong one, a funny one, the smart one, loving mother, the joyous grandmother, loyal friend, dreamer, seeker, optimist, writer, wow...moving forward...not a fixer project'...appreciating all that is around her. Doing healthy things...any things that drain you stop...May she get those green velvet slippers with roses on them...Wow, this was one read that I couldn't put down until the end... A good read for anyone wanting to love kindness for themselves.
There is a lot more left in this story that gives one a different way of looking and dealing with life, with this being a good collection 'of contemplative, wry, sometimes funny assays about living thoughtfully and with care amidst life's challenges.' So, pick up this read and start reading.
"A Year of Loving Kindness to Myself" would be a wonderful gift to give to a friend.
Thank you, NetGallery and OrangeSky Audio, for an audio read and my giving you my review.
December 18, 2021
“Prajna
All your pretty dresses won’t save you.
You can’t wriggle out of it.
The suffering of this floating world
will continue to present itself.
Just keep on being the Buddha,
white flowers in your open arms.”
If you’re struggling to maintain grace and good humour amidst daily potholes and pitfalls, Brigid Lowry may be just the warm, wise and witty companion you need. She’s inspiring in an unassuming way. Rather than essays, I believe much of this collection of Lowry’s writings could be called vignettes and prose poems.
At a time when mental health is more important than ever, Lowry offers ways of living simply, practising acceptance, and learning new ways of enjoying creativity and contentment in all kinds of emotional and political weather.
The author shares her own struggles and insights in her book through which she hopes to offer the reader strategies and wisdom for finding ease and grace.
Informed by contemporary psychology and Zen Buddhism, Lowry’s vignettes offer reflections on everything from friendship to grief, and from gratitude to self-care. At just over two and a half hours, “A Year of Loving Kindness to Myself” is perfect for anyone requiring a reminder to add a little extra love and compassion to their lives. Vanessa Rhodes, the narrator, has a warm, confident voice, too.
Sally Gillespie, the author of “Climate Crisis and Consciousness”, describes the book as “A must-read for cultivating a tender and loving approach to ourselves, others and our world”.
I thoroughly enjoyed this creative, soothing read. “A Year of Loving Kindness to Myself” is an audiobook I would like to listen to again and again.
“It is wise to remember that everyone has their own unfolding, and that the way we see things is only one way of seeing things.”
A huge thank you to @NetGalley and @orangeskyaudio for this audiobook.
All your pretty dresses won’t save you.
You can’t wriggle out of it.
The suffering of this floating world
will continue to present itself.
Just keep on being the Buddha,
white flowers in your open arms.”
If you’re struggling to maintain grace and good humour amidst daily potholes and pitfalls, Brigid Lowry may be just the warm, wise and witty companion you need. She’s inspiring in an unassuming way. Rather than essays, I believe much of this collection of Lowry’s writings could be called vignettes and prose poems.
At a time when mental health is more important than ever, Lowry offers ways of living simply, practising acceptance, and learning new ways of enjoying creativity and contentment in all kinds of emotional and political weather.
The author shares her own struggles and insights in her book through which she hopes to offer the reader strategies and wisdom for finding ease and grace.
Informed by contemporary psychology and Zen Buddhism, Lowry’s vignettes offer reflections on everything from friendship to grief, and from gratitude to self-care. At just over two and a half hours, “A Year of Loving Kindness to Myself” is perfect for anyone requiring a reminder to add a little extra love and compassion to their lives. Vanessa Rhodes, the narrator, has a warm, confident voice, too.
Sally Gillespie, the author of “Climate Crisis and Consciousness”, describes the book as “A must-read for cultivating a tender and loving approach to ourselves, others and our world”.
I thoroughly enjoyed this creative, soothing read. “A Year of Loving Kindness to Myself” is an audiobook I would like to listen to again and again.
“It is wise to remember that everyone has their own unfolding, and that the way we see things is only one way of seeing things.”
A huge thank you to @NetGalley and @orangeskyaudio for this audiobook.
November 25, 2021
"Writers don't want to write, they want to have written."
"A Year of Loving Kindness to Myself" is a pleasant, fast read. Like most memoirs/self-help novels, there's an ongoing theme of growth and following happiness. There's a rather brief journey through Lowry's life, which feels just like touching water with the tip of your toes... I wish we could've known more about it.
I enjoyed most of what I read, except certain bits where Brigid chose to "give lessons" through one liners with small descriptions (it felt like I was reading an article in a Blog instead). The narration is casual, like a talk in a coffee or a park. I liked the variety of concepts (Iike the Japanese concept of Enoughness, which was foreign to me), even if a lot of them seem overrated (family, happiness, sadness, etc).
I'd recommend this book to anyone looking for a taste breaker from fantasy or romance, or anyone that needs a little push going through a hard day. Lowry's lessons might sound cookie-cutter to most cynics but take them with an open heart and you'll enjoy it as much as I did.
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC!
"A Year of Loving Kindness to Myself" is a pleasant, fast read. Like most memoirs/self-help novels, there's an ongoing theme of growth and following happiness. There's a rather brief journey through Lowry's life, which feels just like touching water with the tip of your toes... I wish we could've known more about it.
I enjoyed most of what I read, except certain bits where Brigid chose to "give lessons" through one liners with small descriptions (it felt like I was reading an article in a Blog instead). The narration is casual, like a talk in a coffee or a park. I liked the variety of concepts (Iike the Japanese concept of Enoughness, which was foreign to me), even if a lot of them seem overrated (family, happiness, sadness, etc).
I'd recommend this book to anyone looking for a taste breaker from fantasy or romance, or anyone that needs a little push going through a hard day. Lowry's lessons might sound cookie-cutter to most cynics but take them with an open heart and you'll enjoy it as much as I did.
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC!
November 10, 2021
“It is wise to remember that everyone has their own unfolding, and that the way we see things is only one way of seeing things.” - A Year of Loving Kindness to Myself by Brigid Lowry
This book's beautiful cover caught my eye while scrolling NetGalley, but the title sounded very "woo woo.” I wasn't familiar with the author or narrator, but at only 2.5 hours in length, it was a small risk to try it.
This collection of brief essays was such a pleasant surprise! The first 12, about half of this slim volume, focus on a month (January through December) and a theme (having fun, anxiety, living simply, creativity, etc.). The author is Australian so her experience with seasons is opposite the northern hemisphere.
The remaining 27 essays have a wide range of topics, from friendship and Friday to travel, sitting quietly, solace, house-sitting, and death. All include humor, insight, and emotion. The quote above stopped me in my tracks - something my judgmental nature needs to be frequently reminded.
Brigid Lowry is Buddhist and includes her faith in several essays. I don't share her belief but found it very interesting to learn how it informed her thoughts.
The audiobook is narrated by Vanessa Rhodes who reads the deeply personal text with a great array of emotions in her rich Australian accent. I'm thankful I first experienced these essays on audio, but the wisdom passes too quickly in this format so I'm ordering a print copy to flag and mark meaningful passages (something I rarely do).
Thank you to OrangeSky Audio and NetGalley for the review copy.
This book's beautiful cover caught my eye while scrolling NetGalley, but the title sounded very "woo woo.” I wasn't familiar with the author or narrator, but at only 2.5 hours in length, it was a small risk to try it.
This collection of brief essays was such a pleasant surprise! The first 12, about half of this slim volume, focus on a month (January through December) and a theme (having fun, anxiety, living simply, creativity, etc.). The author is Australian so her experience with seasons is opposite the northern hemisphere.
The remaining 27 essays have a wide range of topics, from friendship and Friday to travel, sitting quietly, solace, house-sitting, and death. All include humor, insight, and emotion. The quote above stopped me in my tracks - something my judgmental nature needs to be frequently reminded.
Brigid Lowry is Buddhist and includes her faith in several essays. I don't share her belief but found it very interesting to learn how it informed her thoughts.
The audiobook is narrated by Vanessa Rhodes who reads the deeply personal text with a great array of emotions in her rich Australian accent. I'm thankful I first experienced these essays on audio, but the wisdom passes too quickly in this format so I'm ordering a print copy to flag and mark meaningful passages (something I rarely do).
Thank you to OrangeSky Audio and NetGalley for the review copy.
December 12, 2021
2/5 Not really up my alley but some will love!
This review is for the audiobook version.
First off, it should be noted that this is basically a diary and that should definitely have been in the description because I would not have picked it up. I didn't mind this type of book when I was younger and reading it physically but I don't really like it audibly. Despite being described and titled as a loving yourself book there was quite a bit of this book that was other than that which wasn't great since I was already having a bad day. Maybe this book would be good for those who already love themselves and not those who have always struggled with their self-image.
I probably won't be picking anything up from this author again unless it seems like something I'd really like. For those that like books about struggles and growth you should check this out though because it would definitely be more up your alley!
Disclaimer: I read/listened to this arc on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This review is for the audiobook version.
First off, it should be noted that this is basically a diary and that should definitely have been in the description because I would not have picked it up. I didn't mind this type of book when I was younger and reading it physically but I don't really like it audibly. Despite being described and titled as a loving yourself book there was quite a bit of this book that was other than that which wasn't great since I was already having a bad day. Maybe this book would be good for those who already love themselves and not those who have always struggled with their self-image.
I probably won't be picking anything up from this author again unless it seems like something I'd really like. For those that like books about struggles and growth you should check this out though because it would definitely be more up your alley!
Disclaimer: I read/listened to this arc on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 8, 2022
Such a gorgeous, contemplative breath of fresh air.
Marvellous collection of words and thoughts that really buzzed my sense of gratitude for life - which is already buzzing magnificently after surviving cancer.
Last night a golden orb spider had created its intricate web across a busy thoroughfare on my front doorstep. I immediately thought of this book. Earthly magic!! I thought as I pondered how to weave and duck around it.
I'm even going to give meditation another crack. Towards the end of the book Brigid's very simple meditation description makes me feel like I could achieve some level of success.
Oh and I have bern inspired to return to journaling (I started with 10 wonders...well I eargerly scribbled down 8, 3 Adventures and a Promise to self)
I promise to sit on the couch and watch Summer cricket, read, Google interesting wonders and admire my sparkling fish tank - WITHOUT the 'should be' guilty voice chewing my ear off.
Thank you Brigid.
Marvellous collection of words and thoughts that really buzzed my sense of gratitude for life - which is already buzzing magnificently after surviving cancer.
Last night a golden orb spider had created its intricate web across a busy thoroughfare on my front doorstep. I immediately thought of this book. Earthly magic!! I thought as I pondered how to weave and duck around it.
I'm even going to give meditation another crack. Towards the end of the book Brigid's very simple meditation description makes me feel like I could achieve some level of success.
Oh and I have bern inspired to return to journaling (I started with 10 wonders...well I eargerly scribbled down 8, 3 Adventures and a Promise to self)
I promise to sit on the couch and watch Summer cricket, read, Google interesting wonders and admire my sparkling fish tank - WITHOUT the 'should be' guilty voice chewing my ear off.
Thank you Brigid.
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