June reading and learning

Agap being_bf206

Hello friends! You didn’t know it, but I have been away for 7 days and am finally home.  (Thanks to all who left comments on last week’s two pre-scheduled posts! I will respond soon, I promise, and return the visit.)  Ah, home, how I love thee.  We were on a cruise with no access to the online world and I totally shocked myself by realizing how much I love being connected to all my online friends and classes.  This mini world I’ve created for myself keeps me grounded in such a delightful way.

Fill me in on what you’ve been up to lately.  Here’s a quick update on what I’ve been learning and reading over the past month.

Soul ShakersThe most important work I’ve done this past month is because of this mastermind community.  They have been phenomenally loving and supportive, complimented and purchased my artwork, encouraged me to define some boundaries for myself and my space, and helped me see that I need more self-care in my daily life.  I think I see a future blog post idea here, don’t you? Anyway, check out the new Soulful Life Sanctuary that just opened July 1.  It is FABULOUS!

Screen Shot 2014-04-18 at 1.48.06 PMI began a new year-long photography class, Be Still 52, with one of my favorite people in the world, Kim Klassen.  This one, as I wrote about at length here, is as much about still life photography as much as it is about slowing down and taking care of myself.

Proj Light Year Liv Lane

I can’t tell you how much I am enjoying this year-long journey, Project Light Year with Liv Lane: a soulful journey to your brightest year yet.  In June, we focused on gratitude.  To be grateful, we must be comfortable with giving and receiving goodness, which is pretty hard actually! I learned that the heart of gratitude comes from recognizing that most of the goodness around us comes from outside of ourselves – some one or some thing beyond ourselves – which in effect requires some level of humility.  It was interesting and good stuff this month, as it always is.

VIVA Institute logoI’m taking a class through Viva Institute about opening to my innate intuitive abilities and listening to that “still, small voice within.”  I am slightly nervous about sharing more because there is so much I don’t know yet.  Let me just tell you that I’ve been having fun with it and will tell you more soon.

OneLittleWord2014In June, for One Little Word 2014 with Ali Edwards, I checked in with myself and my word.  “Finding ways to cherish myself has been a fun challenge.  I am actively tuning in to my intuition.  I appreciate the FULLNESS of my life.  I am feeling really good.”  You can read it here.

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June books

June books: The Middlesteins: A Novel by Jami Attenberg

I think this novel is supposed to be about emptiness… in our lives and in our stomachs (it’s about a compulsive overeater).  This is about a dysfunctional Jewish family and the relationships within it.  I have to say it’s full of heartache, tragedy, and regret… not an uplifting read, but well-written and a good story.

A Still, Small Voice: A Psychic’s Guide to Awakening Intuition Echo Bodine

OK so you say the word “psychic” and immediately, if you’re like me, the person loses credibility.  This isn’t like that.  This book is amazing… all about intuition and tuning into your gut reaction.  It’s readable, humorous, and very informative.

The Snow Queen: A Novel by Michael Cunningham

I absolutely love the way Michael Cunningham writes.  He subtly moves from one character’s POV to another, rounding out this novel of two brothers and their mid-life searching with heartbreaking truth.  I could practically feel this story and the hopes and dreams of each character.

An Adventurer’s Guide to the Jungles of Time and Space by Mike Dooley of tut.com

Mike Dooley has a way of making me feel inspired and loved… his daily Notes from the Universe are a highlight of my morning e-mails.  This compelling little story reveals the origins of space, time, matter, and miracles. It offers a unique way to assess your place in reality and to begin creating major life changes. Lighthearted yet philosophical, it challenges its readers to re-think the very meaning of life.

Love Life by Rob Lowe

“I want to be seen for all I am, not just what you see on the surface.  But it is up to me to let you in, to give you the keys to know me in that way, and to do the work of connecting beyond what is comfortable and easy.”  

This is so timely as I really ponder how to connect with people authentically. I loved his first autobiography, Stories I Only Tell My Friends, so much that I was looking forward to reading this one as soon as I heard it was coming out.  I now talk about Rob Lowe like I am best friends with him… I feel like he’s so down-to-earth and, well, human.  Did anyone see him visiting with Oprah about this book? Does anyone want to have this book just to be able to stare at the cover all day? Anyway… this memoir holds more stories about work, life, raising his sons, and love and marriage.  Highly recommend.

Carry On, Warrior: The Power of Embracing Your Messy, Beautiful Life by Glennon Doyle Melton

I listened to Glennon read this on a car trip and loved her gentle and approachable stories about her life.  I’ve loved her blog, Momastery, because it is simply hilarious.  Glennon writes about relationships, marriage, and raising kids with an overarching message to women: you are not alone.  I literally laughed out loud several times because I identified with her stories so much.Change happens, if it needs to, when we become aware of what we are, not when we try to become what we are not.

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I am also reading an entry a day in The Book of Awakening: Having the Life You Want by Being Present to the Life You Have by Mark Nepo.  My favorite passage from June: “For me, finding where I fit in the world feels a lot like spiritual fishing.  The vast, mysterious ocean of experience keeps calling, and whether it is by buckets of question or nets of honesty, I keep hauling up food from the days.  I keep hauling in shells and pearls and seaweed from a common depth that no one can see, and then I spend time cleaning what I’ve found and hearing what it has to say.”  

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What have you been reading lately? And are you on Goodreads? I’d love to connect there.

Everything I’ve Ever Read (I think)

Currently Reading

More monthly book reports

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19 Responses to June reading and learning

  1. That *IS* a lot at once! I just sent you a Goodreads request! As for the internet…I’m always back and forth. I think it would be nice to shut down now and again and I sort of miss the days when only people had email and no one had to use it at work. But I made one of my best friends over the internet back when NO ONE met on the internet, 17 years ago!!!! I can’t believe it’s been that long, but we were pregnant together, so I know it’s true. Plus, I met my husband online so three cheers for the internet from me! 🙂
    Jill @ Do Try This at Home recently posted…Getting Your Kids in the Picture: The subtle differences between bribes, threats, and good natured cajolingMy Profile

    • Naomi says:

      I know what you mean. I was talking with someone who is headed to her freshman year at college and telling her how nobody had computers in their dorm room and iphones weren’t invented yet. She was staring at me like I was nuts. Now it seems that absolutely everything is online.

  2. Debbie Goode says:

    Love all the book reviews!
    Traveling as we do….I adore my internet friends!

  3. Pingback: Creating room for possibility |

  4. I will definitely check out the Michael Cunningham book! I love my daily Notes from the Universe too – often posting them on facebook because they are so timely. I’ll have to check out the Mike Dooley book too. After ordered a slew of books in June, I decided to go with what I have right now – starting with re-reading some of the books I put back up the shelf to re-read at another time. I’m trying to clean all the clutter out to let in more down the road. Thanks for the post – lots of good things here!

  5. Amy Putkonen says:

    Hi Naomi,

    What a wonderful post. It’s like visiting with an old friend. 🙂 You, me & Rob Lowe can hang out anytime! 😉 I’ve read Echo’s book. She is a local celebrity here in the Twin Cities. I actually heard her speak once and she was good. At the local shows here, she pulls in a big crowd and she often writes for the Edge Magazine (also local, but a great read if you into metaphysical stuff!)

    Thanks for talking about Rob Lowe. I need to give him another glance. I had never taken him very seriously – he seemed to have a rather unimpressive vibe happening so I never paid any attention. This makes me curious. I am on GoodReads too. I will look you up. 🙂

    I agree with Cheryl in that I can’t imagine how you do it all. Would love to live a day in the life and see what you get up to.
    Amy Putkonen recently posted…Tao Tuesdays: Chapter 55My Profile

    • Naomi says:

      I don’t know where I’d begin a Day in the Life! It’s not very relaxing at all. I am really trying to simplify today. I started much slower, just with a cup of coffee and cuddling my daughter, and it has been much more relaxing.

  6. Nanette says:

    I’m on GoodReads but have to admit I’m pretty about updating. You’ve inspired me to get back to that.

    Thanks for your recommendation list.

    Glad to hear you had a good time on your cruise. Being unplugged can be a good thing ;-).
    Nanette recently posted…Déjà vu strategic marketingMy Profile

    • Naomi says:

      Nanette, I’ll look for you on GoodReads. I’m finding it great for getting good recommendations based on what I’ve liked in the past. Thank you so much for visiting and reading!

  7. You’re always up to so much Naomi! I’m glad you’ve found some supportive communities that are a feel-good fit for you. I hope you had a wonderful vacation despite being unplugged.
    Deborah Weber recently posted…T is for TuesdayMy Profile

  8. Oh my, with all you’re doing how do you find time for yourself?? Just a little thought. But all of what you’ve provided here is great info. Thanks

  9. SKJAM! says:

    I am indeed on Goodreads, and it was my reviewing activity there that inspired me to create my review blog. I’ve been reading many things, including a collection of the Superfriends tie-in comic from the 1970s. Surprisingly good!
    SKJAM! recently posted…TV Review: Sheriff of Cochise/United States Marshal | The Lone WolfMy Profile

  10. Linda Watson says:

    It is a different world without internet, but I do enjoy getting away from it at times. Glad you’re back!
    Linda Watson recently posted…When Zeus Swallowed MetisMy Profile

  11. Cheryl says:

    First, I love the up top photo…the blue flower is stunning…no internet, wow…I’d like to give that a try…actually when we go away in August the house does not have internet but I do have phone…
    You’ve been amazing again in all that you do and read…I have to go rest now after reading your blog post…whew…wiping my brow..you running circles around me..
    Welcome home.
    Cheryl recently posted…Look Who’s TwoMy Profile

  12. I agree with both of Sarah’s points. I think the internet gets unfairly blamed for lots of things wrong with people and society. It’s just another medium in which larger issues find expression. I read an essay by a writer who gave up the net for a year, and found out his problems were psychological, not solely the result of the constant interruptions he was getting from social media. I think the net is a tool, and we all can configure it to suit ourselves, and cut down those interruptions. I had a totally wonderful 4th of July, drove to Logan Utah with my friend Sharon and saw our favorite band. We got to jump up and down, and sing along with my favorite musician in the world, Kevin Cronin, only a few feet away from us. I took hundreds of pictures, and some are pretty decent, but they badly need cropping and organizing. Let me know if you’re interested, and I can send you the URL. We also camped out in the Medicine Bow range of Wyoming, and tomorrow we’re going to explore some of the higher parts of Chaffee County Colorado.

    • Naomi says:

      It sounds like you have had amazing experiences lately, my friend. I agree with you on the internet… it’s the people behind it that can abuse it.

  13. Thanks for the book list! I was just thinking about scoping out some new reading options. Good reminder on the Rob Lowe books. I heard him interviewed on NPR about one of them and found him so impressive. I’ll be looking for them.

  14. Sarah says:

    Being without internet access is definitely hard for me as well. I love my on-line friends. I am so impressed with how many books you get read in a month. The Rob Lowe one sounds really interesting.

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