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Bare Naked at the Reality Dance!

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I just finished reading Bare Naked at the Reality Dance by Suzanne Selby Grenager. When I was asked if I’d like to read this inspirational book, I took one look at the title and asked, “How soon can you send it to me?”

I’m a sucker for attention-grabbing titles and this one grabs you with both hands.

Book Description:

Do you want to wake up and fall in love with yourself? Do you want to make the difference you were born and are dying to make? That’s what Suzanne Grenager does—and will help you do—in this intimate, from-the-trenches transformational journal of a wife, mother, daughter, yogini, spiritual mentor and work-in-progress. Whether you are a novice or veteran on the spiritual path, Suzanne’s soul-thrumming real-time trek toward her Self will amuse, shock, inform, and, most of all, inspire you to see and be the wild and wonderful person you already are. In the Himalayas and in Nova Scotia, at the ashram where she is blasted by a Swami yoga master’s love, and down on the farm, Suzanne’s struggles, triumphs and insights will ignite you from deep inside out. Instead of telling her readers what to do, this natural born teacher offers the example of her hard-won self-love and trust, spurring us to a way that is utterly our own. In her warm, transparent and distinctly feminine voice, Suzanne empowers us to take who we are and run with it, into a world that can’t wait for our light.

Love is who we are when we let go of who we are not.

Now’s as good a time as any to address a question I’m occasionally asked.  No, I do not always agree with absolutely every viewpoint, idea, belief, or concept expressed by the authors of the books I read and/or recommend.  I don’t choose my books based upon the criteria of I must agree with every single word and the author and I must see eye to eye on absolutely everything.  Where would the fun be in that?!  If you never broaden your horizons or stretch the boundaries of your mind, you can forget about growth of any kind, shape, or form. Sure, you may not be familiar with the term yogini (when I first saw the word, I pictured someone doing yoga in a bikini), but here’s the thing, you don’t have to be! I’m convinced that we can learn something from everyone. Yes, even someone doing yoga in a bikini.

Truth be told, some of my favorite books are those where I find myself blissfully unaware of where the author is “coming from” in the beginning.  I happen to enjoy the heck out of watching the answer unveil before my eyes.

The author of Bare Naked at the Reality Dance , Suzanne Selby Grenager is a very spiritual author and her writing is nothing short of beautiful. You’ll find her story very inspiring, insightful, and informative. This is a book I would definitely recommend.

Feelings are the voice of the soul. 

Author Biography

Suzanne Selby Grenager is a seasoned writer and spiritual mentor with a well-honed gift for helping people see, appreciate and express their particular greatness. A former Philadelphia Inquirer and Spiritsite.com columnist, her work has appeared in Yoga Journal. Suzanne was an early Kripalu Yoga student, teacher and regional leader, and for 10 years, a transformational life coach. Certified in the holistic Rubenfeld Synergy Method, she has lived in India and Egypt and has a second home in Nova Scotia. She is married to Trond Grenager, a Norwegian architect, and has two grown children.

The more I treat myself that I am worth it, the more worthy I see that I am. 

Five Wishes: A Gift That Changed My Life…

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Below is a guest article by author Gay Hendricks. To read my review of Gay Hendricks wonderful book Five Wishes, click here.

Five Wishes — A Gift That Changed My Life (and Can Change Yours Too)  by Gay Hendricks, author Five Wishes

When I was in my thirties, I had a conversation that ignited a hidden power in me and revealed to me my life-path. I tell the story of this profound moment of my life, an experience that set me on a path to having all my dreams come true, in my new book Five Wishes. My hope and intention in sharing this moment with you is that it gives you not only a story you’ll enjoy but also a powerful tool you can use to make all your dreams come true.

The Conversation That Changed My Life

Oddly enough, the conversation that changed my life took place at a party I didn’t even want to go to. I’m not a party-person in general, and I had some personal stuff going on in the relationship realm that made me not want to be at a big, festive event. I was feeling anything but festive.

I was in the early stages of my relationship with Kathlyn. I was deeply attracted to her, but I was already feeling the early warning signs of the relationship’s demise. I could feel an old familiar fear of commitment stirring within me. It was a fear that filled my mind with doubt and caused me to look for things to criticize about her. I was achingly familiar with this pattern; it had caused the deterioration of several relationships in my past. I would get involved with someone, then about six months into the relationship I would start to pull back, usually just about the time the woman wanted me to make a deeper commitment.

Kathlyn was relatively new in town and wanted to go to the party so she could meet people. I had agreed to take her, and I didn’t want to face her reaction if I changed my mind. That was another pattern of mine: To do something I didn’t want to do in order to avoid the unpleasantness of the other person’s disappointment or anger. Finally I decided to put aside my resistance and fulfill my obligation. I suited up, rehearsed my party-smile, and marched forth into the cold November night. Little did I know I was about to have a conversation that would change my life forever.

After an hour or so I was getting tired of being convivial and participating in party-chatter. To get out of the fray, I sidled into a quiet den that was lined with bookshelves. There I found another “escapee” who was browsing books on the shelves, a tall fellow with a shaven head, about sixty years of age. We greeted each other and exchanged names. He said he’d gotten tired of small-talk and was taking a breather.

I told him I felt exactly the same way.

That’s when the conversation shifted into a new dimension.

“Well, since we’re here and we don’t like small talk, let’s not have any,” he said.

“Done deal,” I said, thinking our interaction was over.
Instead, he said “Then let’s either have some Big Talk or no talk at all.”

I took a deep breath and plunged into the unknown. I told him I was up for some Big Talk.

Right away he offered a piece of information that definitely qualified as Big Talk. He said he’d had a near-death experience, but that it turned out to be possibly the greatest experience of his life. He said that through the experience he had received the gift of a profound question.

I asked him to tell me more.

He told me the details weren’t important, but he offered to ask me the question that had come out of the experience.

“It’s big,” he said, “Are you absolutely certain you want it?”

I could feel the icicle-butterfly sensations of fear in my stomach, but I could also feel a heightened sense of excitement and alertness all over me.

“Yes,” I said.

“Okay,” he said, “Imagine you’re on your deathbed.”

I gulped. “Okay.”

He said it might be today or tomorrow or fifty years from now, but whenever it was, imagine that he came to visit me on my deathbed.

He asked me to picture him standing beside the bed, telling me goodbye. From this perspective, he said, ask yourself this question:

“Was your life a complete success?”

He continued: “You might say ‘Yes, my life has been a complete success’ or you might say ‘No, my life has not been a complete success.’”

“Right,” I said, intrigued by the direction this was taking.

“If you said ‘No, my life was not a complete success,’ you would have some reasons why it wasn’t. For example, J. Paul Getty, who was the wealthiest man in the world, said on his deathbed, ‘I’d gladly give up all my millions for one experience of marital happiness.’ If he’d been given a wish, that’s what he would have wished for.”

I was fascinated by what he was saying, but I could also feel a growing sense of anxiety in my belly. What did all this have to do with me?

“If you told me on your deathbed that your life had not been a success, what would be the things you’d wish had happened that would have made it a success?”

My mind went TILT. What an amazing question! Right away I knew the main reason my life was not a success:

Because I never enjoyed a long and happy marriage with a woman I adored and who adored me…a lifelong blossoming of passion and creativity with a woman.
Ed asked my why that was important to me. The words seemed to tumble out of my mouth. First, to have this kind of relationship would accomplish something I’d never seen in the world, and certainly not in my family of origin. Second, to enjoy lasting love with a woman would mean that my moment-to-moment experience would be rich and joyful. Third, I had a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in the field of counseling psychology and had counseled thousands of people on their issues and concerns. What good was all that training and practice if I couldn’t figure out how to experience genuine, lasting love with one other human being?

“Okay,” he said, “turn the wish into a goal, and put it in the present tense, as if it’s happening right now.”

I rearranged the words in my head. My life is a total success because I enjoy a happy marriage with a woman I adore and who adores me. I’m enjoying a lifelong blossoming of passion and creativity with her.

“Is that something you really want?” he asked.

“Yes.”

“And is that something you’re willing to commit yourself to, body and soul?”

I immediately felt a gut-dropping sensation of fear, but in spite of the wave of terror I said, “Yes.” Remarkably, as soon as I said yes the fear disappeared completely.

I felt my whole body light up with an inner smile. I had no idea if I could accomplish this goal, but I knew I would die unsatisfied if I did not commit myself body and soul to the quest. Getting clear on this goal and its importance to me awakened a burst of energy and aliveness I could feel all over.

Fast Forward To Now

In my book, Five Wishes, I share the whole journey with you, all the ups and downs along the way to seeing my five greatest wishes come true. I’m about the same age now as my benefactor was when he asked me that powerful question. I think his great value in my life was not just the question—it was that he held a space for me in which all my dreams could come true. Now, I know it’s possible. I’d like to hold that space for you, so that your deepest wishes and greatest dreams can come true. From my own life and from working with people for the past thirty-some years, I’ve found that human beings have a great deal more capacity for achieving our dreams than we usually give ourselves credit for. I believe we can attain all the important wishes of our lifetimes—if we get our hearts and minds in harmony about what those wishes are.

For assistance in helping you clarify your own Five Wishes, you’re invited to use the resources of www.5wishesbook.com, where you can download the Five Wishes worksheet, the Five Wishes movie, and other useful resources.   –  by Gay Hendricks, author Five Wishes

Bio
Gay Hendricks is the author of more than 25 books in personal development, relationship and conscious business. With his wife, Dr. Kathlyn Hendricks, he is the author of Conscious Loving, Spirit-Centered Relationships and The Conscious Heart. The Hendricks Institute, based in Ojai, California, offers seminars around the world in conscious relationship and bodymind vibrance. He may be reached through www.5wishesbook.com and www.hendricks.com.

In the Heart of the World by Mother Teresa

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In the Heart of the World by Mother Teresa
 

“In these times of development, the whole world runs and is hurried.  But there are some who fall down on the way and have no strength to go ahead.  These are the ones we must care about.” – Mother Teresa

The powerfully beautiful and beautifully powerful quote above is just one of the gems from Mother Teresa found in In the Heart of the World: Thoughts, Stories and Prayers.  I was sent a copy of the book to review on Self Help Daily and it’s my honor to do so.

Mother Teresa’s name and image will forever be associated with her kindness, gentleness, and compassion.  Her selfless work with the “poorest of the poor” should be an inspiration to all of us.  In the Heart of the World  is filled with her eloquent wisdom, motivation, and inspirational teachings.  Below are just a few precious examples:

Be kind in your actions.  Do not think that you are the only one who can do efficient work, work worth showing.  This makes you harsh in your judgment of others who may not have the same talents.  Do your best and trust that others do their best.  And be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength shines.

We too are called to withdraw at certain intervals into deeper silence and aloneness with God, together as a community as well as personally.  To be alone with him – not with our books, thoughts, and memories but completely stripped of everything – to dwell lovingly in his presence, silent, empty, expectant, and motionless.  We cannot find agitation.

If we were more willing to see the good and beautiful things that surround us, we would be able to transform our families.  From there, we would change our next-door neighbors and then others who live in our neighborhood or city.  We would be able to bring peace and love to our world, which hungers so much for these things.

In the Heart of the World is a highly inspirational book that leaves an impact upon its lucky reader. It would make an excellent gift for a high school or college graduate. Actually, I can’t think of anyone this book wouldn’t be an ideal gift for.

As I read this book, I lost myself in the beauty that was and is Mother Teresa.  Reading her words was so incredibly peaceful and relaxing – yet, at the same time, an unrest crept up inside of me and stirred around.  I realized that there is far more that I can and should do to help others in the world who are far less fortunate.   While on the early pages, I kept thinking, “What the world needs right now is another Mother Teresa.”  But, as I approached the final pages, I thought, “What the world needs right now if for more men and women to start caring more about people and less about possessions.  It needs more hearts that are broken for the suffering of others.  And more people refusing to look the other way.”

We don’t need another Mother Teresa as much as we need to be touched by the lady who DID walk amongst us.

“I must be willing to give whatever it takes to do good to others.  This requires that I be willing to give until it hurts.  Otherwise, there is no true love in me and I bring injustice, not peace, to those around me.”  – Mother Teresa

 

Turning Your Upside Down World Right Side Up!

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I just finished reading a book by Deb Scott, The Sky is Green and the Grass is Blue: Turning your upside down world right side up!.  There were so many things I loved about this book – from the author’s infectious positive and fun-to-read style to the catchy title – a title that starts the reader off on a journey to discover what the author has in mind.  As an avid book reader who always has more books that she wants to read than time in which to read them, I love something else about this book – something that I’ve started embracing books for having: Large enough text for me to lie the book on the front of my treadmill and read as I trudge along.  Big bonus!  I actually finished this wonderful book this afternoon while getting in my daily exercise on my treadmill.

There is great power in the now. Give up the hope of a better past, and start focusing your time and energy on a better present moment, right now. – Page 15, The Sky is Green and The Grass is Blue.

I’d categorize this book under the following categories:

  • Spiritual
  • Self Help
  • Self Improvement
  • Inspirational
  • Motivational
  • Recovery
  • A Book that Makes You Glad to Be Alive!

That last category?  Just made it up – Just for this book.   When I finish reading a book, I ask myself what my initial opinion of the book is.  After the standard, “Like it, love it, or eh -so-so,” I always have a few summarizing thoughts about the book, the author, or the way the book left me feeling.  After reading The Sky is Green and the Grass is Blue: Turning your upside down world right side up!, I thought, and subsequently wrote down, the following:  “This book was like a walk through an inspirational and spiritual garden.  There were so many lovely thoughts, quotes, stories, and illustrations along the way – just like beautiful flowers along a garden’s path.  I kept stopping to pick one and could see one just ahead – from the first page of the book to the last.”

I share a lot of books with you, my friends who also happen to be my readers.  If I got something out of a book, I want at least the same for you.  But it can be tricky.  I don’t want the article to come across as a book review, per se.  My goal for Self Help Daily is for you to truly get something out of every single post – whether it’s a dose of inspiration, a blast of motivation, something to think about over the course of the day, or even a good (loving) kick in the butt (speaking of which, put down that soft drink).    All of this means, I like to share something with you from the book that’ll give you food for thought for your day and, hopefully, your life.  However, in fairness to the author – I never want to give too much away.

Generally, I just approach it like I do everything else in life – I let my heart be my guide. So, here goes!

As I said, The Sky is Green and the Grass is Blue: Turning your upside down world right side up! is filled with insightful, wonderful gems. Some of these are quotes, some are examples, and some are stories. However, the majority of these gems are the author’s own lovely thoughts and views of life. Deb Scott has lived a full life and seen her share of troubles and triumphs. It’s because of this view that she’s able to write such a thought-provoking and inspirational book.

We may not be able to control the direction of the wind, but we can always adjust the direction of our sails. – Deb Scott

It seems to me that this book is written, primarily, with the individual in mind who has been in a battle or who is currently on the battle lines. Even though neither description fits me, personally (for which I thank God profusely), I did get a great, great deal from this author and this book. I can only imagine what someone who has suffered any sort of abuse or addiction would take away from this book. I have an idea that it’d be this: A new life.

I’m not even remotely exaggerating.

Deb Scott has battled a demon (alcohol) that many face but only the strong defeat. She also battled an abusive relationship. I love that she didn’t just find her way out of the darkness… she’s going back for others who haven’t found their way out yet.

The Sky is Green and the Grass is Blue: Turning your upside down world right side up! can serve as a beautiful guide and companion to those who are looking for the light at the end of the tunnel. Make no mistake about it, it’s there and Deb Scott can be your guide.

I want to hasten to add, however, that even those of us who have been ridiculously blessed – having never been mistreated by anyone and who can claim coffee or chocolate as the only addictions they’ve ever had – can, and will, benefit from this book and author.

We magnify what we focus on. – Deb Scott

Here’s an example. Deb Scott points out, beautifully, a truth that I have always felt strongly about: The more we focus on something, the larger we make it. We actually end up magnifying what we want most to diminish! If you keep focusing on a small habit or trait of a loved on… keep thinking about it…. keep talking about it…. keep obsessing over it… it will become so large that you won’t be able to stand being in the same room with it. That’s why it is so important to focus on positive things in life and positive traits in people.

Think about it, our thoughts fill the room that we happen to be in. Do you really want to be filled with negativity, criticisms, and pet peeves? Hadn’t you rather be surrounded by love, laughter, positive thoughts, and positive energy?

The next time you begin to zero in on insignificant, petty little habits or idiosyncrasies of someone, switch your frequency. Think about his sense of humor – how he always makes you laugh. Or think about her sweet nature – how she wouldn’t hurt anything or anyone, even if they struck first.

Instead of thinking about your “small” house, think about how “cozy” it is! Instead of thinking about all the work you have to do, think about how blessed you are to have a job and the health with which to do it. Instead of criticizing yourself for being overweight, focus on how young you look, your beautiful hair, or your eyes that your friends envy so.

Fill your thoughts and fill your world with positive energy and show negativity the back door. There’s no doubt in my mind that I come across as Mary Poppins sometimes. It’s a fact I don’t just live with, I actually embrace. And it’s something that isn’t reserved for my writings or blogs – I’m this way in the kitchen, in the store, while vacuuming, in the laundry room, working in my yard… and so on. I simply think any time spent generating negative energy is a waste of time and an insult to God. It’s also not fair to people around you – the ones you spew it all over!

My husband and I had a funny talk last night at supper. He was talking about a guy he has golfed with before. He said he wasn’t his favorite golfing buddy because he was so negative. Then he told a story about a guy he likes to golf with. This guy isn’t as good of a golfer as the other guy, but he apparently thinks he’s the next Tiger Woods. He’ll hit a so-so shot or even a bad one, then look at my husband and say, “Wow. I couldn’t have hit that one any better!”

I love this guy!

Remember, we can’t unscramble the scrambled eggs. But we can come up with delightful new recipes to serve and enjoy them. – Deb Scott, Page 39, The Sky is Green and The Grass is Blue

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone and everyone. I promise that you’ll find plenty of beautiful flowers to cut and enjoy along the garden’s path.

Buy The Sky is Green and the Grass is Blue: Turning your upside down world right side up! on Amazon today.

Book Review: Better Because of You

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I mentioned, in my last post, an inspirational little book I just finished, Better Because of You by Ginny Hutchinson and Kathy Haffner.  I am absolutely in love with this book and I hope you’ll soon have the opportunity to fall head over heels in love with it as well.

This book is perfect for you if you….

  • Love inspirational books and writings.
  • Love books that read very fast, leaving you more time for other things.
  • Are looking for more peace and zen in your life.
  • Are looking for more joy and happiness.
  • Would like to have your life touched and enriched.
  • Would welcome a ray of sunshine into your world.
  • Are into books that you’ll read again and again and again…

Okay, I could have said this book is perfect for anyone and everyone, but I had a few bullet points lying around and wanted to use them.

This colorful, wonderful-natured, and fun little book is just a little over 100 pages.  It’s not the sort of book that you get half-way through, put on the shelf and then have to force yourself to continue.  Truth be told, it’ll never make it to the shelf.  This is the sort of book you like to keep near you, just in case you need a uplifting quote, an inspirational shot in the arm, a soothing pat on the back, or a motivational kick in the behind.  Believe me, you’ll find just what you need when you need it inside Better Because of You.

I highly recommend this delightful book.  Its positive outlook is contagious and it will give you a lift just when you need one the most.  The gist of the book is to show the reader small, simple things they can do each day to make a big difference in their life… as well as in the lives of others.

The authors give many original insights into life and its many facets.  They share useful tips to help the reader get more joy from life while derailing stress that would like to rob them of this joy.  One of my favorite suggestions is below:

Create a Visualization Board.

Buy a blank poster board.  Think about your life one to two years from now.  Cut out and paste up pictures from magazines or download images from the Internet that represent your dreams, key relationships, a dream home, education, charities to support, vacation destinations, or hobbies that interest you. – Page 30, Better Because of You

I love the thought of having a Visualization board.  My oldest daughter recently put one together on a computer program (Paint), using pictures she rounded up online.  What can I say, my offspring is as environmentally-conscious as I am.

The book is filled with great tips and advice.  Along with each tip, the authors include personal examples of individuals who have experienced the fruits of the tip.  As you’d expect, these have as much of an impact on the reader as the tips do.

The book also includes over 40 pages of inspirational and motivational quotes.  They’re grouped by subject, so you’ll always be able to find just the inspiration you need, in just area you need it.  Sort of like making sure you get the right shot in the right arm.   There’s even a great (equally inspiring) website you can visit and take part in, http://www.betterbecause.com/.

Book Description:
This book shows you how to make life just a little bit better in all 7 facets of your life.

Read true-to-life, inspirational stories that can help you do small things each day to make a big difference in these 7 areas:

– Health
– Wealth
– Wisdom
– Work
– Play
– Others
– Service

Authors Ginny and Cathy are successful Fortune 100 executives who wanted to make a positive difference in the world.

Simply revealed are their 3 core beliefs based on the valuable (and humorous) lessons they learned in the corporate world, decades of marriage and raising children.

This book is essential reading for anyone looking for simple insights on leading a happier life. This book shows you how you, as one individual, can be an irresistible force for positive change.

A portion of proceeds support Room to Read, a non-profit leader educating children in developing countries.

Look Up!

Take time to be present and relish the ordinary moments of your life.  Be aware of your current place, not the past or future.  This means, look up from your cell phone, laptop, or TV.  See what’s going on around you. – Page 16, Better Because of You

I actually read the quote above during a lunch break last week while  serving on jury duty.   All of the jurors had spread out and gone to different restaurants but (you know me), I rushed across the street to a coffee house. I was sitting near a window thinking about this website that hadn’t been updated, that blog that needed a post, the laundry pile that could frighten small children, my cats who would surely sulk for a month, supper that wouldn’t make itself, and so on.  After getting my Steak and Cheese Panini, iced tea, and coffee (yes, two sources of caffeine, don’t judge me) – I sat down and pulled the little book from my purse and began to pick up reading where I’d left off.  The quote above is the first thing I read.

I realized that I was very guilty of not relishing the moment I was in at the time – something that I normally excel in.  I’m simply not the person who can be found living in the future or the past – for better or worse, I’m forever in the moment, trying to make it count double.  However, a chaotic couple of weeks was beginning to turn me into a bundle of nerves – and a bundle of  nerves doesn’t do anyone any good.

I literally took a deep breath, put the book back in my purse, and enjoyed my sandwich and tea. Then I sat and slowly drank my (outstanding) coffee without thinking about anything except my surroundings, my blessings, and this wonderful ride we call life.   The next time you find yourself coming unwound or unraveled, take a deep breath.  Then take in your surroundings and the beauty that’s outside your window.  Within this pause you’ll find clarity, peace, and relaxation.  As they say, “Look Up!”

The adorable logos above are available on BetterBecause.com – I obviously chose my own mantras, but there are plenty to choose from. You can have the logos printed on a number of products, including coffee mugs and tumblers.   How cute are they?

Order Better Because of You on Amazon today.