Old Souls Book Club discussion
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What are you currently reading?
Kris wrote: "Catherine wrote: "Right now, I'm reading "Big Magic" by Elizabeth Gilbert. I absolutely adore Liz Gilbert - she is unassuming with flashes of true insight and a great sense of humour! I must admit,..."
Hi Kris, I finally finished the last chapter - and it's unusual for me not to devour that author's work! In my opinion, it wasn't in her usual brilliance zone and the parts that I did love seemed a bit anticlimactic because I had already seen an interview with her (which was fantastic) on the same subject... So while I was disappointed overall, to be fair I did go in with some very high expectations :)
Hi Kris, I finally finished the last chapter - and it's unusual for me not to devour that author's work! In my opinion, it wasn't in her usual brilliance zone and the parts that I did love seemed a bit anticlimactic because I had already seen an interview with her (which was fantastic) on the same subject... So while I was disappointed overall, to be fair I did go in with some very high expectations :)
Kris wrote: "Cate wrote: "Hello, I am new to Goodreads and am really inspired by this group, thank you. At the moment I'm really interested in alternative nutrition / medicine so my books have been centred arou..."
I have 2 books on the go right now: Nourishing Wisdom by Marc David (interesting so far) and The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg (which I'm finding absolutely fascinating!).
On the subject of nutrition, I think the best and most sensible (in my opinion) book I've read is The 3-Season Diet by John Douillard. The only piece that I question is in regard to eggs and I've been thinking I should just simply write and ask him about it.
I have 2 books on the go right now: Nourishing Wisdom by Marc David (interesting so far) and The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg (which I'm finding absolutely fascinating!).
On the subject of nutrition, I think the best and most sensible (in my opinion) book I've read is The 3-Season Diet by John Douillard. The only piece that I question is in regard to eggs and I've been thinking I should just simply write and ask him about it.
J.D. wrote: "I just picked up "The Zen Teachings of Bodhidharma." It's very stimulating so far -- more than many books I've read. It's also very to-the-point, which is great. Somebody interested in a no-nonsens..."That is on my to read list along with every other book by Red Pine aka Bill Porter. I'm currently reading his book Zen Baggage and it is one I can't hardly put down.
I'm also reading Most Intimate by Roshi Pat Enkyo O'Hara who is a Zen Buddhist Monk. The book is so good, words fail.
As far as health books, I plan on reading one on Ayurveda.
Mod
Thanks for the great recommendations James!!
I'm interested in reading your choice J.D. I'm curious about the 'Outline of Practice" that it includes.
And There Was Light by Jacques Lusseyran....and incredible true story about a young boy who was blind, and who could sense energy and read the 'colors' of people.
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I just looked it up, and it does look like an incredible memoir! I had never heard of it before - thanks for the recommendation!
I found this book in an email from Book Bub. On sale today for $1.99. The Road to Happinesshttps://www.amazon.com/Road-Happiness...
Wisdom quotations from the Buddhist country of Bhutan. I started the book and it is interesting.
I'm currently reading Writing Down Your Soul by Janet Conner. I write in a journal daily and like to explore what I haven't learned by reading about writing. This is a good one so far.
Good Grieving: Narrative Perspectives of Loss and BereavementBarbara I am reading Sharon Old poetry From her Pulitzer Prize winning book Stag.
There is a book out by Mararet Verble that is getting big reviews....and I don't mean Kirkus reviews. I think it's called Mona's Crossing.....I will have to look it up.
Good Grieving: Narrative Perspectives of Loss and BereavementMargaret Verble, Maude's Line. I am horrible with titles.
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Hey everyone! This appears to be an excellent little group. Thanks for the effort, Saiisha! I'm currently reading The Power of Now, again, for the umpteenth time. Since discovering it years ago I frequently return to it, as I think it really contains the essence of what we're all seeking, and a fundamental lesson: Be present. Look to the Now, because it's all we ever really have. Be Here, Now, fully, and let whatever rises from that state come up and out. And then watch that manifestation (whatever form it takes), look it square in the eyes…fearlessly.
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Welcome William! And thank you for the kind words! It really is a great little community of old souls that we have here :)
And of course, the Power of Now is a perennial classic by now! I go back to A New Earth the same way. The "fearlessly" part is the hardest part for a lot of us, but it's an absolute necessity for a seeker!
Ok, I just started the book,Assertiveness for Earth Angels: How to Be Loving Instead of "Too Nice", by Doreen Virtue. Has anyone read any of her books before? I had never heard of her before I visited a local spiritual shop the other weekend and saw a bunch of her books. This books' description seemed to be written about me exactly. Hoping it's great, but I will let you all know!
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I haven't read any Doreen Virtue books, but I heard good things about her Tarot cards :) But I love the title about "Earth Angels" - let us know how you like it Dewin!
I am reading / or have just finished "Power of the Soul: Inside Wisdom for an Outside World" by John Holland. I had little expectation and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. He seems very interested in helping the reader get in touch with their Soul and it truly came across to me that way.
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I love the title Julie! Pretty much says it all - thanks for the recommendation!
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- The Forest Unseen, by David George Haskell - this is a biologist's way of looking at nature as a Tibetan monk would create mandalas.
- Kissed by a Fox, by Priscilla Stuckey - a series of personal stories of communicating with plants, animals and nature, and she intersperses them with philosophy, psychology, and spirituality.
- Yoga and the Quest for True Self, by Stephen Cope - Just started
this one
- Fear, by Thich Nhat Hanh - I'm about to start...
- Your Heart's Desire, by Sonia Choquette which I just finished and reviewed: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
So what are you all reading??
I'm reading The Great Work of Your Life by Stephen Cope. Cope is a scholar in residence at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health and has written this fascinating story of realizing your life's purpose. He shares that finding this purpose can be discovered by reading the Bhagavad Gita and the central principles it highlights.
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Oh I just got done reading that book and loved it Barbara: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Let us know what you think of it when you finish.
I've been feeling under the weather the last couple of weeks. Still reading Zen Baggage. Interesting reading about the Buddhist monasteries in China as well as Bill Porter's interactions with the monks and nuns.Started How to Walk by Thich Nhat Hanh. My mind is constantly darting from one thought to another. I am interested in this book in order to practice mindfulness while walking in the evening.
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I love Thich Nhat Hanh's walking meditation!!! I'll have to check out Zen Baggage - it does sound interesting. I hope you get better soon James!
Saiisha wrote: "Kris wrote: "Thank you for inviting me to the group. I've been reading the posts and feel inspired. My name is Kris, I live in Utah. I enjoy reading, gardening and photography. I've been on Good Re..."Saiisha, Thanks for the suggestion of your writings on the Chakras. I've enjoyed the additional depth you've brought into my life.
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Oh awesome, so many books and blogs I read about Chakras seem to talk about surface level things, like colors, crystals, and scents, but I think the deeper level knowledge is even more fascinating. For those of you who are interested in what Kris mentioned, here's a link: http://www.nestintheforest.com/7-chak... that gives you an overview, and then links to each Chakra and its connection to your consciousness, and there's also an option to take a Chakra Quiz to see which Chakra guides you.
Three books : Shadowhunters by Tal Brooke, Life under the Lidless Eye by Lee Penn and Strange Fire by Tal Brooke and Peter Jones.Lyle Hutchins
I finished another audio book, Truly Seeing by Thich Nhat Hanh. This is one of the best and most insightful books I've ever read. Dharma talks focusing on the present moment.
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I haven't heard of this one, although I like the title! Thanks for the recommendation!
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Ooh, a classic! Such a deep book all set on a single day in the life of Clarissa Dalloway!
Zen Baggage is one of my favorite books of all time. A Zen Buddhist travel memoir. Bill Porter, aka Red Pine, travels China and visits the temples associated with the Six Patriarchs of Zen. Interesting background information is provided on the patriarchs and their lives.
The abbots, temple managers, monks, nuns, and lay people Porter encounters throughout China are as interesting as the patriarchs themselves.
It took time for me to get through this book because I looked up more information on the people and places mentioned in it. I took copious notes and will expand on them as my research continues.
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A Zen Buddhist travel memoir. Bill Porter, aka Red Pine, travels China and visits the temples associated with the Six Patriarchs of Zen. Inter..."
I've heard of that book James, but it slipped my mind to look it up. It does sound amazing! Thanks for the recommendation (and the reminder)
Slightly unrelated, but I had once picked up a picture book of old temples in China, and it was an unbelievably gorgeous book! I couldn't travel to all those remote places, so a book was the next best thing - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Saiisha wrote: "Slightly unrelated, but I had once picked up a picture book of old temples in China, and it was an unbelievably gorgeous book! I couldn't travel to all those remote places, so a book was the next best thing - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2... "Very interesting book. I found it online for less than $7. Looks like I will be clicking the add to cart button :) Thanks, Saiisha.
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Oh good, I hope you enjoy it James!!
Finished The Incarnations. A novel set in China and moves between the modern day and several time periods in history. The characters incarnations are intertwined over the past thousand years. I've recently become interested in reincarnation and karma so this book was a nice work of fiction that dealt with those subjects.
The feelings this book generated were intense. The modern day characters as well as the incarnations during the Cultural Revolution were powerful.
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I'v..."
I hadn't heard of this one - I usually enjoy stories of reincarnation, so thanks for the recommendation!
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https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2..."
Thank you... sounds fun!!
I just finished Soul Shift, Finding Where the Dead Go. It is an interesting read by Mark Ireland son of world renowned medium Richard Ireland. Mark shares his personal search for meaning after his son's death. I am starting Yoga's Healing Power, Looking Inward for Change, Growth and Peace.
What are other's reading?
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Oooh, the Soul Shift sounds fascinating Kris - I'll have to look it up! "Finding Where The Dead Go" is a perfect title for a Halloween read :)
I just finished 'Unveiled Mysteries' by Godfre Ray King. This book is hard to wrap you head around at time, but it also has insightful wisdom. If you want a weird read - go for it. I'm currently reading'The Science of Becoming Oneself' by Torkom Saraydarian - excellent reading!!!
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Weird read huh? I just ordered it from the library - I'll let you know what I get out of it, thanks Barbara :)
I can't decide if I believe the book's story of St. Germain from another vibrational level meeting with the author and sharing this information. I am skeptical but the insight in some of the material is pertinent. I'll be interested to hear what you think!!
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I see... I'll be sure to let you know!
I have just finished "The Truth of All That Is: The Angel Book to Enlightenment and Personal Transformation" by Amelia Bert. I am simultaneously reading "The Universe Has Your Back: Transform Fear to Faith" by Gabrielle Bernstein and (brace yourself) Pussy: A Reclamation by Regina Thomashauer. In addition, I am still reading (for a long long time now since the beginning of January) The Disappearance of the Universe by Gary R. Renard, it's a fascinating fascinating read but it's so much to take in, I need to read it in small quantities.
I enjoy seeing what everyone is reading.I recently finished two good books:
Married to Bhutan by Linda Leaming
I had only vaguely heard of Bhutan before but now I wish I could go there - long term.
A Heart Full of Peace by Joseph Goldstein
I'm currently reading:
Infinite Awareness by Marjorie Woollacott
A neuroscientist discovers that consciousness is not mechanistic.
The Global Soul by Pico Iyer.
His personal experiences with the Dalai Lama.
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I wish there was a way to tag someone on a post on Goodreads (anyone know if there's a way?) - I think Dewin might be interested in the Angel Book to Englightenment - it sounds fascinating!
I've heard good things about the Universe Has Your Back - are you enjoying it so far Julie?
As far as the Pussy book, I've seen it advertised widely, and I think it's a necessary conversation at this time, but I'm not sure it's right for me :)
I loved the title of the Disappearance of the Universe, but the book fell short for me (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...). Let us know what you think of it when you're done reading it!
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I recently finished two good books:
Married to Bhutan by Linda Leaming
I had only vaguely heard of Bhutan before but now I wish I could go there - long te..."
As always you bring an interesting selection of recommendations James! So you want to go to Bhutan long-term huh - it's seems like a fascinating culture and country, from what I've read and heard.
I love the sounds of The Infinite Awareness - I'll have to check that one out... thanks James!
Old Souls Book Club
Books mentioned in this topic
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Good Grieving: Narrative Perspectives of Loss and Bereavement (other topics)
Good Grieving: Narrative Perspectives of Loss and Bereavement (other topics)
More...
I'm reading it now too Kris, thanks to Catherine's recommendation, and I like it so far... it's easy to read, more like short essays, similar to the War of Art (Steven Pressfield) if you've read that book; but in Liz Gilbert's way :)