The Art of Doing Nothing — Simple Ways to Make Time for Yourself
By This book advises us on the beauty of savoring life’s simplest moments, especially for our culture of overachievers and those with busy, fast lives. This French/American author provides practical everyday ideas for rest and relaxation, espousing the notion that “being” might be more significant than “doing.” This lovely book is full of delicious photos by Erica Lennard and delightful essays on the joy and benefits of staying in the moment, meditating, watching the sunset; even the simple joys of taking a bath or nap or simply sitting and pondering life without the guilt.
The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy
By Valerie Ann Worwood
This is my go-to book for anything regarding essential oils. It’s a truly comprehensive book at 600 pages but chock full of easy-to-follow recipes using essential oils to be used medicinally or through aromatherapy. You’ll find everything from body and beauty care to creating delightful fragrances and of course basic home remedies everything from coughs to colds to bug bites. Something fascinating that I’ve learned from this author and book is that oils can also be used in cooking! Essential oils offer another wonderful non toxic alternative to healing so if you’re interested, this is a comprehensive and easy to use book.
Less is More
By Mina Parker
Photos by Daniel Talbott
This is a daily read for me in terms of randomly selecting a page and being reminded of the benefits of simplicity. Mina Parker, the author, reminds us through her beautiful meditations that we CAN make daily choices that bring us closer to the essence of happiness. With daily mindfulness and a practice of gratitude for all that we have, we have the opportunity to journey forward with joy in living simply. I also love the photographs take by Daniel Talbott. They are rich in the beauty and diversity of the natural world around us. I’ve had this treasured little book for several years now but never get tired of reading one of these nuggets of wisdom each morning.
Half Full
By Mina Parker
Photos by Daniel Talbott
This is another sweet little book I love by the author of “Less is More” Mina Parker. If I’m not reading a page from that book each morning, it’s this one. This book is full of charming tidbits-quotes, meditations and small essays from some of our wisest teachers throughout history. Most of them offer a piece of advice on the lighter and brighter side of life.
The photos by Daniel Talbot are great fun, too. This book presents a wonderful opportunity to stop and be reminded that life really IS half full, if you look with perspective, humor and gratitude each day. This book along with “Less is More” make wonderful gifts for those truly seeking a life of simplicity and gratitude.
A Short Guide to a Long Life
By David B. Agus, MD
What I love about this book by Dr. Agus, is that chapters are short and to the point. The advice he offers is practical and easy for anyone to do. If you want to “look” younger, “stand straight with good posture” he says. How hard is that? If you’re really serious about living a healthy, long life, this is one of my favorite books to read. He reminds us that good health includes emotional, physical and spiritual well being. In addition, if you are going through cancer treatment or are a cancer survivor, Dr. Agus provides easy to follow guidelines for extending one’s life. There are so many long, clinical books written by doctors on the bookshelves, but this isn’t one of them. This one’s a keeper on my bookshelf!