Book Recommendations

I feel like the announcer at the end of Reading Rainbow (feel free to sing along: I can go anywhere/Take a look, it's in a book/The Reading Rainbooooooow). Books mentioned in this program include

Sadhana: A Way to God, Christian Exercises in Eastern Form by Anthony De Mello
"Truly a one-of-a-kind, how-to-do-it book, this small volume responds to a very real hunger for self-awareness and holistic living. It consists of a series of spiritual exercises for entering the contemplative state -- blending psychology, spiritual therapy, and practices from both Eastern and Western traditions."

This book is a gradual introduction to meditation and mindful awareness, starting with short, focused practice and moving into deeper exercises. I highly recommend it for anyone is experiencing resistance to meditation and stillness.

Also, visit the Yoga Journal Web site's Meditation Section for ideas on beginning this practice.

The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? by Rick Warren
In 40 brief chapters (each of which can read as a daily devotional), Rick Warren answers the age-old questions: Why am I here? What is my purpose? Asserting that our responses to those quandaries must start with God, he explains how we can achieve fulfillment by enacting His plan.

I was very hesistant to pick this book up, thinking it was just another self-help fad. But after only the first six chapters, I'm finding new insights and ways of thinking (including the idea of chronos and kairos that I mentioned last night).