I’ve got quite the library of books these days.
I use them as reference material for writing, and as a form of therapy. When things go sideways emotionally, I take a huge amount of “Oh Thank God” comfort in knowing I have all these incredible resources to help get me back on the path of living with an open heart.
What does living with an open heart entail? A summary:
- Not taking my shit out on others;
- Realizing the issues I see in others are always in some way or another alive in me as well;
- Accepting that there is a lesson in every single thing that comes down the pipe of life;
- Acknowledging that there is a purpose and a reason for everything that happens to me.
Books are necessary because I can’t always talk to my therapist, at least not on demand. And I can’t burden my friends and family with every thought and subsequent feeling that feels uncomfortable.
Meditation is an amazing tool that saved my life (I share more details in the book I’m writing – sign up for my newsletter to stay in the loop) but sometimes I want a bit of guidance to layer on top of it.
So I use my books as a tool to help me keep my heart open.
I read, I reflect, and I unburden myself of thoughts that try to keep me in the shadows. And with some love, acceptance, and patience – for myself and others – I come out the other end of the draining and low vibing energy that is living with a closed heart with an open one.
One of the books I reference most often is The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo.
Mark Nepo is a poet and author whose writing I’ve turned to most mornings over the past 3 years.
The mornings can be challenging. I experience a heavy dose of thoughts from the moment my eyes open. My mind begins to populate a to-do list that is almost always undoable in a single day. And if I’m feeling particularly scattered I’m prone to letting my comparison obsessed ego take charge, and get even more jacked up through a social media scroll.
Reading a passage from The Book of Awakening in lieu of the aforementioned activities has proven to be an excellent way to align my morning mind with my purpose and my drive to be well.
This book offers 365 days a year of guidance on how to start and continue throughout the day with my heart open, which I really appreciate, and think you might as well. So consider incorporating this inspirational heart opening book into your morning routine. It goes well with tea or coffee.
PS: I was going to set up a link to the book, but I say, head to a local bookstore to get it instead. 🙂