We just got done looking at Goldie Hawn’s “10 Mindful Minutes: A Journal” and here I am back, BAM, with “Start Where You Are: A Journal for Self-Exploration” by Meera Lee Patel. Trust me, these two journals are totally different from one another, so you’re going to want to keep reading.
Patel’s journal comes from a unique, but familiar perspective. How often have you put change on hold because things weren’t where you thought they should be for you to make that change? I’ve done. Patel, the author, has done. Odds are good that you’ve done, or maybe you’re doing it now. “Start Where You Are” encourages you to stop looking, and waiting, for that other day, and to instead start where you are. Her journal asks probing, thought provoking questions to help you find out more about yourself: what you really love, your motivations, how see yourself and how you feel others perceive you, and more. However she does mix it up. Sometimes the journal will just ask a question for you to answer, but other times you’re drawing pictures, or filling in circles or other shapes, or coloring in a drawing.
Along with her journaling exercises, Patel includes inspiring quotes from a variety of sources. Since she’s an accomplished artist, with lines of stationary sold in boutiques, the quotes are presented in colorful, whimsical fonts, suitable for framing (if you’re willing to cut them out of the book).
It can be difficult to think about yourself and your desires, particularly if you think they’re unattainable. Artist and author Meera Lee Patel does her best to make the journey a painless and playful one.
Now guess what? My friends at Perigee have agreed to send one lucky Magical Buffet reader a copy of “Start Where You Are” by Meera Lee Patel! It’s worth owning so you’ll want to get in on this one. This contest is open to folks residing in the United States that are 18 years-old and up. Contest runs 08/10/15 – 08/14/15 midnight eastern. Don’t worry international readers, I’ve got some contests coming up that you’ll be able to enter. So without further ado, may I direct attention to the Rafflecopter contest form below?
The Journal is authored by Goldie Hawn with Jennifer Repo. I’m not sure how much of whose voice we’re hearing when reading the entries but there is a welcoming warmth in the tone of the writing. The book isn’t focusing on deep, obscure meditation practices. You’re reminded of the basics: sitting comfortably and focusing on your breath. The chapters are divided into specific areas of reflection, such as Discovering Empathy, Transforming Anger, and Cultivating Optimism. In the sections you’ll find meditation exercises, and most important to the book, space to journal your reflections after you finish them.
You may not have heard of Indra Sharma, but it is unlikely, regardless of where you live, that you haven’t seen his work. Sharma is one of India’s most well-known artists. He came from a long line of traditional painters and studied in multiple traditional painting styles. As such, his work reflects Hindu spirituality, and that is highlighted to great effect by “In a World of Gods and Goddesses: The Mystic Art of Indra Sharma” by James H. Bae.
As early as 2002, Hillary had hinted that she might soon run for president. Speculation grew over the years and came to a head on January 20, 2007, when Hillary formed an “exploratory committee.” She made the announcement in no uncertain terms on her official website with the simple statement, “I’m in. And I’m in to win.” Her story was irresistible; Hillary was the 25th woman to run for president and the first former First Lady make a run at returning to the White House as the president herself.
She starts with some historical background about astronomy and astrology, getting started with stargazing, and using star energy for magic and ritual. Using star energy for magic was inspired. Somehow for all the books I’ve read on using nature energies, until “Star Magic” I had never encountered a book suggesting using star energies. The moon? All the time. The stars? Not until now. She discusses using the stars for astral travel, dream work, and ritual.
Choose the best essential oils for your creative and magical mixing with this straightforward, hands-on guide. Through step-by-step instruction on how to measure, mix, and assess blends, you’ll move beyond following others’ recipes and into creating your own oil combinations.
Just as the title implies, “Happiness A-Z” is comprised of alphabetical chapters and each letter begins a word associated with happiness. For example “B” is represented with the chapter “Bliss” and “O” is “Open-Minded”. Then the chapter begins with an introduction by the author about why the word is significant with happiness, what it means to her, and other associations. What follows after that is a great variety of quotes from different sources that play off that theme to inspire. Not to get picky, but “R” doesn’t stand for Rebecca OR rum, so I’m not entirely sure we can call this a “definitive” list. For those of you playing along at home, “R” is represented with “Relax”. Relax? Without rum? I suppose anything is possible.
For instance the first one is stress. They start out talking about stress in general and how your body reacts to it. Next, nourish your body with nutrients including foods to eat and avoid. That’s followed up with herbal stress relief which mentions things such as chamomile “being a gentle relaxant that tones the nervous system”. They discuss adrenal health which can suffer from chronic stress. Then there is aromatherapy, homeopathy, deep breathing, meditation, yoga, the Relaxation Response, “The Power of Now”, gardening, walking, a slow hobby, journaling, massage, reflexology, acupressure, and 43 other tips. I assume now you see why I call it ultimate! And it’s like that for easing anxiety, enhancing mood, resting easy, boosting brain power, maintaining a healthy weight, increasing energy, improving immunity, reducing chronic pain, recovering from grief and trauma, and cultivating joy and happiness.
The title pretty much spells it out, contained within are 365 neat ideas to help make the world a better place. On November 16, you can learn to say “thank you” in a bunch of different languages so you can always show gratitude. January 27 you’re introduced to oceana.org in case you want to adopt an animal. For July 12 you’re encouraged to grow your own garden. Why not give it a try? Tomorrow, May 12th, you’re told to “Ask ‘How Are You?’ and Mean It!”
NIV stands for New International Version. According to the Preface, “The complete NIV Bible was first published in 1978. It was a completely new translation made by over a hundred scholars working directly from the best available Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek texts. The translators came from the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, giving the translation an international scope. They were from many denominations and churches – including Anglican, Assemblies of God, Baptist, Brethren, Christian Reformed, Church of Christ, Evangelical Covenant, Evangelical Free, Lutheran, Mennonite, Methodist, Nazarene, Presbyterian, Wesleyan, and others. This breadth of denominational and theological perspective helped to safeguard the translation from sectarian bias.”
Today a documentary about the life of Randall James Hamilton Zwinge released into theaters. You may know Zwinge better as James Randi or The Amazing Randi. Upon reflection, a documentary about Randi is long overdue. However, after watching the film “An Honest Liar” any documentary released prior to this one would have been woefully lacking. Filmmakers Justin Weinstein and Tyler Measom managed through goodwill and happenstance to be on hand to capture real truth from a master magician, thus a master of diversion and manipulation. Or as Randi says, “in other words, bullshit.”