9 books that transformed my life
I get asked by many people how can I be so positive with all that I
have been through. How am I always able to see the bright side of most
situations? What I can say is this, first, I am not always happy, I am human, just
ask my boys I’m sure they have plenty of examples for you J Second, I have
recognized through my own journey, life is just that a journey. We are here to
learn from both the good and not so good. There are lessons all around if we
take the time to look. I choose to see life as a gift, I think being widowed at
41 created this change in mindset.
I do understand that we are all on our own journeys. We have different
paths. B.K.S Iyengar said it best in #5 on the list, “What most people want is
the same. Most people want physical and mental health, understanding and wisdom
and peace and freedom.
With those wise words, I give you my
list. The books listed below have shaped and molded me into the person I am. It
is my hope that a seed is planted.
1.
Conversations
with God volume 1 , an uncommon dialogue, Neal Donald Walsch:
I interestingly
enough, I bought this books years BEFORE (10 to be exact) I actually read
it. This book intrigued me. It opened up wonderful conversations with
mom (who had been a nun for 8 years but did not take her final
vows). This book can be powerful if you are open. I read after Scott passed and
was pretty raw. It was a powerful book for me.
2. Broken
Open, Elizabeth Lesser:
Personally, it was a toss-up between
1 and 2. This book was suggested to me by a dear friend. It is filled with
short stories of several people’s struggles. The common thread of being broken
open. Being taken out at the knees, not knowing how to go on. For those that
choose to phoenix from the ashes and live their "second life".
Learning to take the lessons from their "first life" and help
others. I have re-read this book many times, I use a different highlighter each
time.... the pages have turned into quite a rainbow.
3. The 5 love languages (all versions are great,
adults, teens, kids), Gary D. Chapman:
Words of affirmation, Acts of
Service, Receiving gifts, Quality Time, Physical touch….
I recognized that as I have gotten
older, my love languages change….
This book brought clarity to my
needs within my own relationships and also to my boys.
4. The Four Agreements, Don Miguel Ruiz:
I believe everyone would
benefit from reading. Four simple rules to live life.
1st) Be impeccable with your
word 2nd)Don’t take anything personally
3rd) Don’t make assumptions 4th) Always do your best….
5. Light on Life, B.K.S. Iyengar:
One of my first yoga
reading's. It reminded me of reading Proverbs in the Old Testament or a grandmother
passing on wisdom. From Asana's to Ananda and everything between. It is
about an inward journey to enlightenment. Truly brilliant.
6. Yamas and Niyamas, Deborah Adele:
Another yogi read. You will find many yoga studios will have classes
reading this gem. It can be thought of as guidelines or golden nuggets of
wisdom *that give direction to a well lived and joyful life*. Yamas- restraints,
includes nonviolence, truthfulness, nonstealing, nonexcess and
nonpossessiveness. Niyamas- observerances, include
purity, contentment, self-discipline, self-study and surrender.
7. The Power of positive thinking, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale:
When thinking back, this
was the first planted seed to 'the shift is the gift' thinking. It carries a
message of faith and inspiration that has lasted the test of time. First
published in 1952, it is as pertinent today as the day it was written.
8. Living with Himalyan Masters, Swami Rama:
Swami Rama takes you on his journey with stories of living with 5 different
Himalayan masters. The stories are amazing, entertaining and enlightening. I
think I devoured this book in a few days, the stories were that good.
9. The Bible Promise Book:
It is a modified cliff
note version of the Bible. One can look up easily for specific needs. Trust, Anger,
Courage, Guidance. It is a quick reference for the reader to find biblical
verses that directly relate to the topic of interest.
Wishing you health and happiness,
*Deborah Adele,
Yamas and Niyamas
