RE: BOOKS for which I am grateful... (Full Version)

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Imenuff -> RE: BOOKS for which I am grateful... (9/29/2007 9:18:06 AM)

Solomon, thank you for your suggestions. The books sound worth having. I especially like the quote
quote:

# Do it! All about getting the stuff you want, and taking an active approach to getting it. Helps you put aside procrastination.
. I think I am "Chairman of the Board" of Procrastinators of the World[:D] [:@][:'(]. Thank you for a very valuable suggestion.

Glenys, I am not at all familiar with your two books although "Grandfather's Blessings intrigues me since my grandfathers were both dead before I was born.



Solomon -> RE: BOOKS for which I am grateful... (9/29/2007 9:41:05 AM)

quote:

Thank you for a very valuable suggestion.


The full text of the book is available for free here.



buttington -> RE: BOOKS for which I am grateful... (9/29/2007 10:07:51 AM)

"I think I am "Chairman of the Board" of Procrastinators of the World"
 
Betty - you are not....I am!!!!! You aren't born under Capricorn are you?
J



Imenuff -> RE: BOOKS for which I am grateful... (9/29/2007 9:31:01 PM)

Jude,You made me laugh[:D][:D] In America there is something called a "round toit". It is usually found at souvenir shops, a small round piece of wood that has been hand painted and has the words "round toit" on it. I have received several as gifts because I am always going to eventually get "around to it". Perhaps we just should both be co-Chairs of Procrastinators of the World.

Solomon Thank you for the link. I know the material will be a big help and perhaps when my friends go on vacation they won't bring back any more "round tuit"s for me.



J1937 -> RE: BOOKS for which I am grateful... (9/30/2007 3:48:14 AM)

Hi everyone, a special "hi" to all procrastinators! May I join you [:D] ? I think it´s time to get round to talking about Step 4 of Rosenberg´s "Non-violent communication"! After 1) observing without blaming or criticizing, 2) getting in contact with my feelings + expressing them and 3) stating the need behind my feelings, it´s time for Step 4), which is about requests.

(Oh dear, it´s been hard work to get this arranged as I wanted it! [:@])

We all know that a clear request for the concrete action we would like to be taken is far more likely to bring the desired effect than an order or a demand. To illustrate this, I have a little story to tell.

When I started teaching at a new school, I put into practice what I had learned: ask your students to do what you want them to do, instead of commanding  them. At the first parents´day, one mother surprised me by reporting that her son had told her, "This new teacher always says `please´"!

Having finished summarizing the 4 steps, it´s important to say that it is, of course, necessary to apply them not only to ourselves, but through empathy to others as well, finding out about their feelings, needs and requests.[;)]

Juliana









celtic star -> RE: BOOKS for which I am grateful... (9/30/2007 6:56:45 AM)

Hi Betty
I came across Rachel Naomi Remen's books a while ago. She is a medical professor and also a counsellor to people who have chronic and terminal illness. The two books I have read are a series of vignetttes, re- telling "stories" that have been passed to Rachel by her grandfather who was a Rabbi but also the journeys and discoveries of the people that Rachel has encountered and helped thorugh her work and life and those who have helped her, ( often one and the same).
The books are really difficult to describe but are beautiful, insightful and healing and I would urge everyone to read them. In particular the dedication at the beginning of " my granfather's blessings" is so pertinent ( I think!) it says:
" For Everyone Who Has Been Given More Blessings Than They Have Received"
Namaste Glenys x



artemis611 -> RE: BOOKS for which I am grateful... (9/30/2007 6:02:16 PM)

One of the books I'm most grateful for is a small book called The Tao of Healing, an adaptation of the Tao Te Ching, by Haven Trevino.  I keep it at my desk at work and read some part of it almost every day.  It's good for the "healer" and the "need to be healed" alike.  It reminds me in my work day that I am only an instrument of a higher power, that my ego must stay out of the way.  Here's a sample:

Quiet the mind
Be still
And watch the breath of God
Rise and fall
In all things.
Allow God's breath
To be your breath;
Allow God's nature
To be your nature.

The nature of God
Is to love and be loved;
Your desire to love creates intention,
Intention focuses attention,
Attention illuminates understanding,
Understanding manifests forgiveness,
Forgiveness is the fountainhead of Love.

Intend to be Love
And know death for what it is:
The inbreath of God.



Imenuff -> RE: BOOKS for which I am grateful... (10/1/2007 10:10:51 AM)

Namaste, Glenys, Thank you for your post regarding Rachel Naomi Remen's books. I had not heard of her and am in the process of writing a seminar to possibly do with terminal patients. The re-telling of others' stories is always such a valuable touch-stone. I will be in transit for several hours in the coming week and these sound like really valuable traveling companions.[:D][:D]

Lori, I have copied your "sample." What a very special gift [;)]to use when things seem to be moving toward chaos, fear, or doubt. Namaste!



Hildegard -> RE: BOOKS for which I am grateful... (10/1/2007 11:39:58 AM)

Betty, I can only second Glenys' regard for the books by Rachel Naomi Remen. They are really very worthwhile reading. Not only are the stories touching, but the author's kind and understanding spirit comes across in a way that makes me want to be able to meet her.

Edda



bookdragon -> RE: BOOKS for which I am grateful... (10/2/2007 2:58:20 PM)

Though I am an avid reader, I find self help books to be a little much. I learn more from living then from how to books. There is one book, however, that is my "bible". It is the book called Alcoholics Anonymous. I am in recovery and have been for the past 23 years. This book is not just a guide for people who need help with alcoholism, but if studied and used the way it is laid out, a guide for living life. If any of you have ever studied the 12 Steps for any reason, you will know what I mean. Each step is a step up from admitting powerlessness to having a spiritual awakening and helping others. There are over 300 different support groups that use the 12 Steps as they are written in this book. They merely substitute whatever their particular problem is-from drugs, gambling, emotional problems, eating-I have even heard of one for people with emphysema-it doesn't matter. This is the one book that is always in reach and that I read faithfully, no matter what.

I also read anything by or about Mother Teresa. I love her philosophy: that every person we meet is Jesus and we should treat each person as we would Jesus. Not that I do that as completely as some, but I try to remember that it could be me sleeping in the woods or wondering where my next meal is coming from. It has opened doors in my heart and given me a new outlook and perspective. "But for the Grace of God...there go I." A good philosophy to try and live by.

Hope everyone is having a loving day,
Lyla



Imenuff -> RE: BOOKS for which I am grateful... (10/3/2007 10:50:00 PM)

Lyla, thank you for the suggestion. A woman I companion gave me a copy so that I would understand her spirituality better. Sounds like I should give it a more thorough reading.



bookdragon -> RE: BOOKS for which I am grateful... (10/4/2007 3:52:18 AM)

I'menuff-Do read it, with an open mind. The knowledge is taken from many sources, but the early AA's used the book of James from the Bible. One of my favorite lines-now this is not a direct quote-is that we should not be ashamed to claim God as our higher power. It also talks about how we are children of God. When I was in the grips of my disease, the only thing I knew for certain was that God didn't believe in me anymore. I had given up my faith that He would take care of me. Little did I know that He had been taking care of me, all along. If He hadn't been there, I would not have lived to get sober and live the life I have now.

Lyla



celtic star -> RE: BOOKS for which I am grateful... (10/5/2007 12:11:46 PM)

Hi Edda, I was thrilled that you share my enthusiasm and admiration for Rachel Naomi Remen, her books and her work - truly a gift. Hope things are well with you and that things are moving in a positive direction for Leon. Warmest Wishes to you Glenys x



Hildegard -> RE: BOOKS for which I am grateful... (10/5/2007 12:22:55 PM)

Dear Glenys, thank you for your note! I am always glad to find someone enthusiastic about something I like! Leon's heel is much better, but still not completely healed. I do hope we are soon seeing light at the end of the tunnel!
With every good wish,
Edda



ena -> RE: BOOKS for which I am grateful... (10/5/2007 6:15:04 PM)

Juliana, Please accept my slow response.  The reason I love Gilead is that it raises many "faith" questions for the narrator, a pastor, who is now aged and reflecting on his life's journey in the form of a memoir for his young son.  How's that for a run-on sentence? The language is unique and inspiring.    I did have a hard time geting into the novel, but I selected it for my book group so I had to complete it, as the facilitator.  I can't recall the other titles, but send them to me if you can, and I'll wrack my brain.  Hope to hear from you soon, Jayne



J1937 -> RE: BOOKS for which I am grateful... (10/6/2007 11:49:08 AM)

"Our Lady of the Lost and Found" (Schoeperen sp?), "Lying Awake" (Mark Salzman) and "Gilead" (Marilynne Robinson).

Hi , Jayne, Thank you for your response - late or not, that doesn´t matter! [;)] I have copied the titles you mentioned, and they appeared here right at the beginning. It is good to know something about the contents of what someone recommends, as well as about the value a book represents to them.

After Rosenberg, who has really opened new worlds for me, I´d like to talk about another book by an American author. I have given talks about it, and each time I have been amazed at the positive reactions it has triggered off. You see, German writers often tend to write in a very academic, abstract way, which people sometimes find hard to deal with, whereas American writers mostly use a much more down-to-earth style.
So here comes Gary Chapman with his Five Love Languages. It is all about improving human relations, with numerous vivid examples drawn from his professional experience. My first reaction to it - which has always been shared by the audience - was, "If only my parents had known this, if I had known about it earlier...". Have any of you read the book? Do you share my enthusiasm? [8D]

Juliana
_______________________________

"Speak Peace in a World of Conflict"



buttington -> RE: BOOKS for which I am grateful... (10/6/2007 1:01:13 PM)

Dear Juliana,
Please read my post for today on "Today I'm Grateful for"
 
No, I haven't heard of the book you mention, but it sounds good. Perhaps after I've read the Rosenburg !!![;)]

Love Jude



Imenuff -> RE: BOOKS for which I am grateful... (10/9/2007 11:32:20 PM)

Juliana, you did such a great job of giving important points of Rosenberg's book, I am really looking forward to your synopsis of Five Love Languages. Thank you for culling the choicest morsels from Rosenberg's book and putting them so succinctly.[;)]



J1937 -> RE: BOOKS for which I am grateful... (10/10/2007 2:13:08 AM)

Dear Betty, So you want to read the book the easy way [;)] ? Well, as I have no intention of SELLING you the book with a marketing interest, but rather make you acquainted with its SPIRIT and its CONTENTS, I will of course meet your request ( just a little later)  [:)][8D].

Juliana
_____________________________
"Speak Peace in a World of Conflict"



J1937 -> RE: BOOKS for which I am grateful... (10/10/2007 5:41:41 PM)

To keep my promise: In "The Five Love Languages" Gary Chapman finds a very good image for an experience which we all know: he speaks of a "love tank" which we have inside of us. When it is filled, we feel well. We all know that, don´t we? The question is: how is it filled? To my mind, it is the author´s merit to have found out that we speak and understand different "love languages", just as we have different native languages. (Hence my occasional problems with English [:-]  !) That´s why it is possible to miss one another, even when we really love someone --- he/she may not feel loved. Therefore it is important to learn the love language of our partner, son, daughter, relatives, friends..., just as we learn foreign languages. Gary Chapman names five of them, including several "dialects". Do you want to know them? > to be continued [:D] !

Juliana

________________________________

"Speak Peace in a World of Conflict" 



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