There are times when life gets hectic, and we think we’re too busy to add anything else to a full schedule. Many people find that that’s not necessarily true, however; they find that taking time to be still, and to be in the silence, has a way of easing a hectic day, thereby allowing it to become full and harmonious instead of busy and hectic. Thich Nhat Hanh, Emmet Fox, Joel S. Goldsmith, and Yoga Unveiled are waiting to be included in a hectic and busy day.
Essential Writings by Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese monk, was “Drawn from more than twenty of his books. . .” I think when we live in the way explained in Essential Writings, we discover that mindfulness is the key to staying in and appreciating what’s before us to do; Essential Writings could be a wise choice for 2010. Thich Nhat Hanh uses different words that say the same thing – always reminding us in a gentle way that “. . . life can be found only in the present moment.” And “Our appointment with life is in the present moment.” On the back cover is written, “. . . Through his writings and retreats he has helped innumerable people of all religious backgrounds to live mindfully in the present moment, to uproot sources of anger and distrust, and to achieve relationships of love and understanding.” www.plumvillage.org
I think there’s a wonderful energy emanating from the words in The Sermon On The Mount by Emmet Fox (1886-1951). He was born in Ireland, educated in England, lived and lectured in the United States, and died in France. His writings are not preachy, and his words open a reader’s mind and heart. He studied, researched, practiced, lectured, and, in The Sermon On The Mount wrote in a concise, easy and eloquent manner about Jesus’ teachings, and their relevance in our every day life. It could be a wise choice for 2010.
Thinking about meditating this year? -The Art of Meditation by Joel S. Goldsmith (1892-1964) could be a wise choice for 2010. Here are a few words from the back cover of the book: “Joel Goldsmith, one of the great American Christian mystics of the twentieth century, spent his life educating others on ‘The Infinite Way, . . .'” Also on the back cover is written: “. . . The art of listening for the inner voice is the advanced form of prayer practiced by mystics down through the ages, regardless of their religious tradition. Practicing the simple procedures outlined in The Art of Meditation will connect readers seeking spiritual wisdom with God and open their consciousness to the knowledge of who they really are.” And Marianne Williamson has this to say about the book: “. . .Joel Goldsmith has opened a door in my soul. He has helped me immeasurably in my search for peace.”
Yoga Unveiled goes back to a place and time when yoga came into being, and the different forms of yoga that have evolved through the centuries. All those interviewed bring yoga to life, so that the “gift of yoga” – the reasons for yoga – are clearly understood. And understanding yoga results in an Aha! moment. It’s about yoga, yes, but it goes far deeper than realized upon first watching. I love this DVD, and appreciate having it in my life. www.yogaunveiled.com