Monkeys on Books

As is the usual case, my mind works like a hydra, a many headed serpent. Cut off one head and another appears. Get rid of one thought and another replaces it. Worse yet, it is often more like how Liz Gilbert describes it in her book "Eat Pray Love", monkeys swinging from tree to tree. Just enough time to catch hold of the branch and give you a little spring board to the next one. Lately I find myself finding some interest and calming of the mind in books.

My list begins with "Eat Pray Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert which I am enjoying nightly and mulling over in my dreams. My sister had read it and seemed to enjoy it but we never talked about why. So, my colleague and friend who is a counsellor loaned me it after I expressed an interest in travel writing. It has turned out to be so much more than that, although it is a good travel story thus far. My friend in Phoenix agreed with me when I said "I am Elizabeth Gilbert!" I know I am not her, but our minds are very similar, freakishly so. Yes, I am crazy and I know it and embrace it! Currently I am praying with Liz, I love corporate prayer!

Recently I met up with some friends with whom I used to work in Japan. They still reside in Japan, she is Japanese and he is a Canadian. It is one of those friendships that really truly can be called such. It withstands the geographic distance, the time span between face-to-face interactions and cultural differences (of which I can say I have with both of them, seeing as he is a guy). Embarking on a new venture in her career has given her some insight into learning about yourself and she suggested "The Art of Extreme Self-Care" by Cheryl Richardson. I have, of course, not begun this book, as I am trying to calm the mind, not overload it. However, I have visited the website and downloaded one of her podcasts as a foretaste. We'll see where that takes us!

Another one of my friends, and I am lucky to call her that as she is really a wise colleague with whom I am fortunate enough to share space with on this big rock overlooking the ocean, has talked about a book along which she tries to align with philosophically. "The Four Agreements" by don Miguel Ruiz is simple in its view of how life should be lived out. I already know the agreements from memory and am curious to see how he gleans, analyzes and synthesizes wisdom from major thinkers of our human history.

The school psychologist who graces our school with his care and wisdom is one of those great thinkers. He suggested a book to me over 2 years ago. My roommate at the time snatched it up from me like it was water for her thirsty brain (she is even more crazy than I, for which I am grateful I have some to aspire towards!) She has since bought copies for all of her friends and family, spreading the gospel, as such. Now at some point I want to have some sort of intelligent conversation with our school psych because he is truly amazing, so I will read this book too. What I really mean to say is, I will continue to read this book, because I have read the first eighth or so. It is really the catalyst for me being interested in brain research and the path it has taken me on since then has been as invigorating as what I envision being a pioneer must have been like, so much new to see and take in. "The Brain That Changes Itself" by Norman Doidge, MD will likely find its way from my book shelf to the prominent spot beside every chair in which I perch this summer.

The last and final book that is on my list, at this point in my day, is "Boundaries" by John Townsend and Henry Cloud. God has always blessed me with constant contact with other crazies and among them is so much variety and vibrance. I really value each encounter I have with the people in my life, whether it is a comfortable one or not. AND I am fortunate enough to know some highly respectable and enthusiastic women of all ages. Currently I am connecting with a group that challenges me and empowers me to be and explore who I am made to be. So in an effort to harness what comes out of their hearts and minds and to not be out every single night of the week sponging off of them all individually, I am trying to get them together in one place at one time to talk about things that might help us understand our world, our creator, our purpose, our selves a little more. So starting this month, we are studying together this book. Maybe I am already getting some of the premise of the book without even having cracked the cover yet!

So to recap, the five books are:

1. Eat Pray Love, Elizabeth Gilbert - http://www.elizabethgilbert.com/eatpraylove.htm

2. The Art of Extreme Self-Care, Cheryl Richardson - http://www.cherylrichardson.com/

3. The Four Agreements - don Miguel Ruiz - http://www.miguelruiz.com/

4. The Brain That Changes Itself - Norman Doidge, MD - http://www.normandoidge.com/normandoidge/MAIN.html

5. Boundaries, Cloud and Townsend - http://www.cloudtownsend.com/

Even as I am drawing to a close, my mind is listing more and more books that are actually on my list, but in an effort to tame it, I write them on a small piece of paper and add it to my pile.

But for now that is my monkeys, errr, my thoughts on books.