*This post is part of Free for All’s “Making Magic” series, which will focus on Kelley’s exploration of the opportunities in the library’s Creativity Lab as well as musings about art, creativity and imagination.
I’m writing this on New Year’s Day and thinking about all of the resolutions that people make at this time of year. Get organized, lose weight, exercise, be more patient, eat healthier…. Wonderful aspirations all, but how many people actually keep them after the first week or month passes? And what do they say about how we feel about ourselves? Usually resolutions involve something we don’t want to do but feel we should, they focus on our faults and failings, the things we feel are “wrong” with us. They say, “You’re not good enough” and spur us onto changes that often aren’t sustainable.
The truth is, you are good enough, and you have everything you need. In 2017, in the words of Elizabeth Gilbert, my wish for you all is to “embrace the glorious mess that you are.” Maybe if we all loved ourselves a little bit more, we wouldn’t need resolutions because treating ourselves and each other better would come naturally.
In the spirit of just that idea, I offer you a list of books about mindful and compassionate living. What does this have to do with creativity and imagination you ask? You’ll be surprised at where your art goes when you take the time to be mindful, be present to the world around you, and especially when you tune into what’s going on inside of your gloriously messy self.
The Yamas and Niyamas by Deborah Adele
In this introduction to the ten ethical foundations of yoga, Deborah Adele devotes a chapter to each Yama and Niyama that includes clear examples and explanations of the concepts followed by a series of questions to help readers spend time deeply exploring each principle. Whether you’re a yogi looking to deepen your practice, or someone who just wants to expand your way of living and thinking, you’ll find lots to explore here.
The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh
Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh wrote this brief but thought provoking book that teaches us to bring mindfulness to our everyday activities. In Hanh’s world, even an act as simple as washing the dishes is an opportunity to find peace and presence in each moment.
The Invitation by Oriah Mountain Dreamer
“It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for, and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart’s longing.” Thus opens Oriah’s famous poem, The Invitation, which is the basis of her book. The Invitation asks readers to look deep into themselves to learn to experience life fully. Rachel Carlson, author of Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff says, “The Invitation is a treasure. If you want to live more deeply, honestly, and passionately, you must read this book.”