- Table View
- List View
A Do-It-Yourself Retreat: How To Bring Out the Real Good In You
by Joseph HoganThe do-it-yourself appeal which is somewhat popular today is not just a fad. It meets the basic need in man to be creative.This DO-IT-YOURSELF RETREAT makes the same appeal to your highest creative instincts.However, in this case, you are shown not how to make some thing, but HOW TO BRING OUT THE REAL GOOD IN YOU and make yourself into the truly great person that God intended you to be. These pages will help you to discover who you really are, and the discovery will prove to be encouraging and consoling.Although you are doing-it-yourself, this retreat follows a time-tested and approved method. It is progressive. Step by step it helps you to bring out the potential for all the goodness and greatness which is present in you.You are also following a mystery story—these are God’s mysteries—so you do not peek at the chapters ahead. One step at a time is best, and God be with you on the way.This book is for...Those who have never made a retreat, and those to whom the word may sound strange or even forbidding. I think you will like it, and though you start it as an experiment, you may find it so interesting and worthwhile that you will want the fuller and richer experience at a retreat house.Those who would like to make a closed retreat but cannot, especially God’s beloved sick and suffering and those in the evening of life.Those who have made a retreat and who would like to retain the clarity of vision and the peace of soul it gave them.Husbands and wives who would like to make a retreat at home, either together or individually. It can help to oneness in outlook.Finally, but finally only for emphasis, this book is for students who are making an open retreat and want a companion book—collateral reading—to keep them in the spirit of the retreat.
A Doctor at Calvary: The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ As Described by a Surgeon
by Dr Pierre Barbet The Earl of Wicklow‘We did not know; nobody has ever told us that!’ These were the words, spoken in tears, of Pope Pius XII on first reading passages from A Doctor at Calvary, Dr. Pierre Barbet’s scientific and reverent study of the Crucifixion of Christ. From an examination of the Holy Shroud of Turin—the authenticity of which Dr. Barbet accepts from medical evidence—a remarkable reconstruction of Christ’s terrible agony is presented in language that cannot fail to move the heart.What kind and what degree of physical torture did Our Lord suffer on Calvary? What was the medical cause of His death? These are among the questions answered in A Doctor at Calvary, one of the most significant contributions to Christological science in modern times. Christ’s preliminary sufferings—the agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, the scourging, the carrying of the cross—the wounds of the hands, in the feet, in the heart, the causes of the rapid death, and the entombment are recounted with the devotion and compassion of an ardent Christian and with a brilliant doctor’s accuracy of anatomical detail.‘Without doubt this is one of the most gripping and moving books to have been published in many a year.’—Harold C. Gardiner, S. J.‘As an aid to vivid viewing of the Passion, this book is peerless.’—Rev. John S. Kennedy, Balancing the Books‘…a profoundly moving study of the Passion.’—Commonwealth‘…a remarkable reconstruction of Christ’s agony and death.’—Jubilee‘This volume is an outstanding example of how science can contribute not only to theology, but to solid Christian piety, and thus be an aid to love of Christ.’—The Voice‘This is a gripping and powerful book of the highest stature.’—Voice of St. Jude‘Sincere study of this book will enable us for the first time to understand what is behind the words: ‘Jesus suffered and died for us.”—America
A Dog Named Boo: How One Dog and One Woman Rescued Each Other—and the Lives They Transformed Along the Way
by Lisa J. EdwardsThe International Bestseller"The 'feel good' book of the season… Boo&’s story reminds all of us that life is full of possibilities and that hope often arrives wagging a tail." —Best Friends magazineThe dunce of obedience class with poor eyesight and a clumsy gait, Boo was the least likely of heroes. Yet with his unflappable spirit and boundless love, Boo has changed countless lives through his work as a therapy dog: inspiring a six-year-old boy to speak for the first time in his life, coaxing movement from a paralyzed girl and stirring life in a ninety-four-year-old nun with Alzheimer&’s disease. But perhaps Boo&’s greatest miracle is the way he transformed Lisa Edwards&’s life, giving her the best gift of all: faith in herself.This is the inspiring true story of how one woman and one dog rescued each other, a moving tribute to hope, resilience and the transformative power of unconditional love.
A Dog Named Mattis: 12 Lessons for Living Courageously, Serving Selflessly, and Building Bridges from a Heroic K9 Officer
by Mark TappanTake a ride-along with Sergeant Mark Tappan and his amazing K9 partner Mattis, whose heroic actions will inspire you to live courageously, serve selflessly, and love passionately because every human (and dog) has a purpose.Sergeant Mark Tappan shares a unique bond with his K9 partner Mattis, one of the most decorated police K9s of all time. Mark knew from the first time they interacted that Mattis was something special. As a man of deep faith, Mark also knew that God's most profound teaching often comes through the most unexpected sources, and he soon realized that Mattis was going to teach him about loyalty, selfless service, and so much more.In A Dog Named Mattis, Mark shares twelve life lessons he's learned from working with Mattis. Through these first-hand accounts of bravery and service, you will learn profound lessons, like:being willing to 'go all in' and work with all your heart even when things are uncertain,how persistence pays off when you are willing to stick with what you know is right,how to be strong and courageous in the face of adversity,and much more. You will also get a behind-the-scenes look at the world of police K9s and gain a deeper understanding of:the many ways that K9 units assist police departments,what a K9 officer's daily life looks like,what kind of training police dogs and their handlers must go through,how a police dog is tested and selected,and the lengths a dog will go to in order to complete their mission. A Dog Named Mattis will capture the hearts of dog lovers everywhere and remind you that true success is built on relationships filled with trust, communication, and love.
A Dog Walks Into a Nursing Home
by Sue HalpernA layabout mutt turned therapy dog leads her owner to a new understanding of the good life. At loose ends with her daughter leaving home and her husband on the road, Sue Halpern decided to give herself and Pransky, her under-occupied Labradoodle, a new leash—er, lease—on life by getting the two of them certified as a therapy dog team. Smart, spirited, and instinctively compassionate, Pransky turned out to be not only a terrific therapist but an unerring moral compass. In the unlikely sounding arena of a public nursing home, she led her teammate into a series of encounters with the residents that revealed depths of warmth, humor, and insight Halpern hadn’t expected. And little by little, their adventures expanded and illuminated Halpern’s sense of what virtue is and does—how acts of kindness transform the giver as well as the given-to. Funny, moving, and profound, A Dog Walks into a Nursing Home is the story of how one faithful, charitable, loving, and sometimes prudent mutt—showing great hope, fortitude, and restraint along the way (the occasional begged or stolen treat notwithstanding)—taught a well-meaning woman the true nature and pleasures of the good life. .
A Dog Year: Twelve Months, Four Dogs, and Me (Thorndike Press Large Print Nonfiction Ser.)
by Jon KatzBONUS: This edition contains an excerpt from Jon Katz's Going Home."Change loves me, defines and stalks me like a laser-guided smart bomb. It comes at me in all forms, suddenly and with enormous impact, from making shifts in work to having and raising a kid to buying a cabin on a distant mountaintop. Sometimes, change comes on four legs." In his popular and widely praised Running to the Mountain, Jon Katz wrote of the strength and support he found in the massive forms of his two yellow Labrador retrievers, Julius and Stanley. When the Labs were six and seven, a breeder who'd read his book contacted Katz to say she had a dog that was meant for him--a two-year-old border collie named Devon, well bred but high-strung and homeless. Katz already had a full canine complement, but instinct overruled reason, and soon thereafter he brought Devon home. A Dog Year: Twelve Months, Four Dogs, and Me is the story of how Devon and Jon--and Julius and Stanley--came to terms with each other. It shows how a man discovered a lot about himself through one dog (and then another) whose temperament seemed as different from his own as day is from night. It is a story of trust and understanding, of life and death, of continuity and change. It is by turns insightful, hilarious, and deeply moving.
A Dose of Positivity: Tools, Techniques, and Strategies to Live Life on Your Terms
by Mike DiamondLife coach and television personality Mike Diamond explains his tried-and-true methods for empowerment and offers tools and stories to help you find your purpose and create your ideal future. Mike Diamond got off to a bit of a rough start in life—battling undiagnosed dyslexia, exposure to drugs and alcohol at age 12, and struggling to finish high school. A stroke of luck, however, earned him a Green Card in 1997, and he moved to the States, where he landed acting roles and built a career in entertainment, appearing on Miami Ink and NY Ink, and later directing, producing, and starring in Bondi Ink Tattoo Crew. Despite this initial stream of success, however, Mike found himself spiritually bankrupt and thoroughly miserable. Realizing his life depended on it, in 2006 Mike decided to get sober and, with his life completely turned around, has now helped hundreds of people on their own paths to recovery. In A Dose of Positivity, Mike shares not only his own incredible stories of overcoming hardship, but also reveals his personally tested techniques for staying grounded, finding success, and creating positive change. This book provides concrete tips on how to lean on and trust your Source—the spiritual energy and intuition within you—to maintain the flexible attitude necessary for your success. No matter what obstacles you face, a properly cultivated mindset can make all the difference. With A Dose of Positivity, unlock your potential and discover how to make your dreams a reality—with guidance from someone who&’s personally tested everything he recommends.
A Drag Queen's Guide to Life: A Drag Queen's Guide To Life
by Bimini Bon BoulashThe perfect gift for Bimini and Drag Race fans!'MAGIC! A fun, fierce, honest origin story of how to drag yourself up out of trouble and become an icon' Katherine Ryan'A triumph for UK queer culture' Travis Alabanza'Eye-opening, intelligent, thoughtful as well as sassy and surprising - a must read' Lorraine Kelly_______________________________________A witty and inspiring guide to transforming your life through lessons from drag, by the UK's favourite drag queen and star of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, Bimini Bon Boulash.From being told she couldn't have dance lessons as a kid in Great Yarmouth to having to conform to the stereotypes of the gay scene in London's East End, people have always been trying to put Bimini Bon Boulash in a box. It was only through discovering the art of drag that she began to fight back against those preconceptions, and understand that she had the power to define herself.In A Drag Queen's Guide to Life, Bimini tells the story of how drag took her from the brink of self-destruction to become a gag-inducing, death-dropping, plant-based superstar. Drawing on her own experience as a nonbinary person in a binary world, as well as inspirational stories from history, politics, pop culture and fashion, she uses all her wit, charm and kindness to show us how to lead the lives we wish we could lead, through the life-changing magic of dragging up._______________________________________'Radical, life-affirming, and utterly important for this time' Riyadh Khalaf'A very important read' Gottmik'She's a superstar' Kathy Burke'You will always be our winner' Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London'A force of nature' James AcasterSunday Times Bestseller, October 2021
A Dream Deferred, a Joy Achieved
by Charisse NesbitA Dream Deferred, a Joy Achieved is a positive look at the foster care system through stories of its survivors who show there is hope for the future, even in a system often identified by abuse and neglect. With a unique perspective, this collection of inspiring stories is a testament to the fighting spirit of former foster children, and an inspiration to others currently in the same situation to emerge from the system as successful productive members of society. The stories are true to life, sometimes painful, yet full of hope, revealing those who have graduated and gone on to make the most of their lives, in spite of their challenging beginnings. The stories within A Dream Deferred, a Joy Achieved teach the important lesson that one should never give up, even if circumstances aren't the brightest and opportunity isn't immediately present. Those dreams will still be there in the future, and it is up to the foster children to make the best of their current situations.
A Dream Worth Fighting For: Never Let Obstacles Stop You from Being Your Best Self
by Tim HightowerMust adversity erase your purpose?The experience of Tim Hightower demonstrates that it is possible to recover when all that one has is pursued suddenly vanishes. Tim’s story, on and off the football field, encourages everyone who faces crippling challenges. A Dream Worth Fighting For conveys determination and resilience. Anyone who has suffered injury or loss will find their experience illuminated. A Dream Worth Fighting For helps readers regain hope and the confidence to dream again. Tim’s story is the building block to regaining strength physically and spiritually. In the midst of chaos, lasting purpose can be embraced.
A Essência de Todas as Religiões
by Dada BhagwanPujya Dadashri reconheceu as limitações dos seres humanos desta época, fornecendo-lhes uma resposta adequada que apelou para o uso de uma nova abordagem que emprega um método científico. Pujya Dadashri esclareceu o mistério por trás de tal confusão. Ele diz que toda conduta e comportamento é resultado de causas de vidas passadas. É um efeito. ’Bhaav’ é um termo que indica a intenção interior profunda, a qual não é facilmente evidente. Esta bhaav é uma causa. Ninguém pode provocar quaisquer alterações no resultado. Se a causa muda, o resultado será alterado. A fim de mudar causas, a pessoa deve fazer mudanças na bhaav. Para alterar essa bhaav, Dadashri nos ensinou as Nove Kalams (Invocações). Pujya Dadashri extraiu a essência de todas as escrituras e as apresentou para nós, sob a forma de Nove Kalams. Essas Nove Kalams são as chaves para provocar uma mudança na bhaav, em um nível fundamental. Nem mesmo o extenso estudo das escrituras trará tais mudanças na bhaav. Milhares de pessoas foram beneficiadas com a m nsagem simples dessas kalams. Ao recitar essas Nove Kalams, ovas causas internas são completamente mudadas e se alcança a paz interior nesta vida. A pessoa pára de ver defeitos nos outros, e seu principal objetivo, torna-se a busca da paz eterna.Para tornar-se preenchido com os poderes especiais que atualmente faltam interiormente, tudo que se tem a fazer é continuar a pedir a força do Deus interior. Os resultados virão naturalmente.
A Fairy Tale Wedding: Jubiläumsedition Zum 102. Todesjahr Von Karl May (Correct Times)
by Peggy D. MercerHe's popped the question. The ring is on your finger. Now comes the stressful part. You want to throw the wedding of your dreams, but you?re not Donald Trump's kid. What do you do? Statistics say the average wedding costs $20,000. Most young girls dream of the fairy tale wedding: long white gown, 8 bridesmaids, a sit-down dinner, the band everyone dances to. Many brides have been dreaming about their wedding day since childhood. These dreams come with an expensive price tag and the realisation of their fairytale day may be distant. Although weddings are very costly today, your dream day can happen. I am going to share some tips to cut corners and save money without making huge sacrifices. By taking the time to plan and investigate, you will be amazed at the amount of money that you save. Would you arrive at an interview for your dream job without prior preparation? No, you would not and that is why preparation and research will make your wedding a success without re-mortgaging the house! It's only natural to want the Cinderella fantasy wedding, complete with ice sculptures, a heavenly cake, and thousands of guests who've flown in from around the world to enjoy the accompanying dinner. It's only human to cry at the bill that this dream can rack up. Costs can add up quickly. Factor in the meal, the liquor, the music, the dress, the flowers, the photographer, the decorations and the dream wedding can seem way out of your league. But it doesn't have to be. How can the average person have a beautiful wedding with all the bells and whistles on a working person's salary? Perhaps the three letters/words that say it best are DIY (do it yourself!) Spending your life savings on your big day is crazy. You can have elegant, beautiful weddings without breaking the bank. Having a cheap wedding doesn't mean giving up style or sentimentality. It means using your imagination, using your own hands or the help of friends and family. Ask anyone you know to help out. Almost everyone will be happy to oblige. They'll be part of your special day which makes them special as well! This book will give you the best tips and tricks from the experts to cut costs without cutting class and sophistication. No one will know that your budget equals the grocery bill of a family of four. They'll be oblivious as they toast the new couple and enjoy a party to put all other party's to shame! We'll explore ways to save on all aspects of your wedding. Don't think you have to give up anything because it can all be covered. All it takes is the cooperation of your family and friends coupled with a little positive self-talk and perseverance. I have been married twice (don't worry, I got it right the second time!) For both of my weddings, I had amazing ceremonies and receptions for around $2,000. They were the talk of the town both now and then. Throughout this book, I will tell you what we did to save money and still have an amazing wedding / reception. Hopefully, you can gain some insight into a dream event for not a lot of money just like we had! Enjoy your ebook"A FAIRY TALE WEDDING (ON A SHOESTRING BUDGET)!"
A Faith for the Generations: How Collegiate Experience Impacts Faith
by Timothy W. Hermann Kirsten D. Tenhaken Hannah M. Adderley Morgan K. Morris"The reshaping of our cultural and social landscape continues, creating unprecedented opportunities. But one question remains: Is a life of faith worth embracing?A Faith for the Generations explains how a Christian campus, a classroom, or even a simple mentoring relationship can flourish and serve in passing on faith to today's emerging adults.The essays included in this monograph cover a variety of topics related to the theme originally addressed at the 2014 Taylor University Higher Education Symposium: ""A Faith for the Generations: How Collegiate Experience Impacts Faith."" After this brief introductory chapter, the monograph—as did the symposium—begins with an interview with Christian Smith, previously noted as a key voice in the current dialogue regarding emerging adult spirituality. This interview is not only insightful, but it also creates an excellent context for what follows in subsequent chapters."
A Faith of Our Own: Following Jesus Beyond the Culture Wars
by Jonathan MerrittEvery day, major headlines tell the story of how Christianity is attempting to influence American culture and politics. But statistics show that young Americans are disenchanted with a faith that has become culturally antagonistic and too closely aligned with partisan politics. In this personal yet practical work, Jonathan Merritt uncovers the changing face of American Christianity by uniquely examining the coming of age of a new generation of Christians.Jonathan Merritt illuminates the spiritual ethos of this new generation of believers who engage the world with Christ-centered faith but an un-polarized political perspective. Through personal stories and biblically rooted commentary this scion of a leading evangelical family takes a close, thoughtful look at the changing religious and political environment, addressing such divisive issues as abortion, gay marriage, environmental use and care, race, war, poverty, and the imbalance of world wealth. Through Scripture, the examples of Jesus, and personal defining faith experiences, he distills the essential truths at the core of a Christian faith that is now just coming of age.
A Faithful Farewell: Living Your Last Chapter with Love
by Marilyn McEntyreWhen the time comes for us to die, how do we say good-bye to our friends, our families, and the lives we have lived? How do we remain faithful -- to God, to ourselves, and to loved ones -- as we face our final journey? As Marilyn McEntyre acknowledges, these questions are especially challenging because we now live longer than previous generations did, and many of us die more slowly. Those who are dying have a lot of things to deal with -- fear, discouragement, boredom, pain, regret. The list is long. In this book McEntyre offers fifty-two short meditations on the very real issues faced by dying people. She addresses a wide and sensitively chosen range of subjects, including such things as anger, losing control, curiosity, doubt, loss of privacy, family conflict, sadness, gratitude, and even spiritual adventure. McEntyre’s insightful reflections -- offering what she calls “a different kind of hope” -- speak to the heart of the physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of dying. Brief concluding prayers and lines from cherished hymns further lift up the reader as he or she seeks to faithfully navigate the great transition from this life to the next.
A Father's Legacy: Your Life Story in Your Own Words
by Thomas NelsonA Father's Legacy is a journal that is sure to become a cherished keepsake for your family history, memories, and traditions. Jot down those special moments, invite the family to answer the journaling prompts together, and log the history that will be cherished over a lifetime.This journal for dads is:Designed in a 12-month format with intriguing questions and space to write your family's personal answersPacked with journaling prompts to help capture family history, childhood memories, and experiences encountered over a lifetime of livingAn ideal gift for Father's Day, Grandparents Day, anniversaries or celebrations of lifeYou'll enjoy completing and reminiscing with this personalized memoir of your father. Let his written words become windows into his heart for your entire family for generations to come.Check out other titles in this series: A Mother's Legacy and A Grandparent's Legacy.
A Fearless Heart
by Thupten JinpaThe Buddhist practice of mindfulness caught on in the west when we began to understand the everyday, personal benefits it brought us. Now, in this extraordinary book, the highly acclaimed thought leader and longtime English translator of His Holiness the Dalai Lama shows us that compassion can bring us even more. Based on the landmark course in compassion training Jinpa helped create at Stanford Medical School, A Fearless Heart shows us that we actually fear compassion. We worry that if we are too compassionate with others we will be taken advantage of, and if we are too compassionate with ourselves we will turn into slackers. Using science, insights from both classical Buddhist and western psychology, and stories both from others and from his own extraordinary life, Jinpa shows us how to train our compassion muscle to relieve stress, fight depression, improve our health, achieve our goals, and change our world. Practical, spiritual, and immediately relevant, A Fearless Heart will speak to readers of The Art of Happiness and Wherever You Go, There You Are.
A Fearless Heart: Why Compassion is the Key to Greater Wellbeing
by Thupten Jinpa'[A] timely book on compassion and its cultivation' The Dalai Lama'The bravest, cleverest and most engaging book I know on why we need to cultivate compassion' Jon Kabat-Zinn'A practical toolkit for becoming a better human being' Daniel Goleman Self-compassion is the overlooked key to achieving our goals. It can lead to increased happiness, stress reduction, a stronger sense of purpose, better health and a longer life. Yet many of us resist compassion, worrying that if we are too compassionate with others we will be taken advantage of and if we are too compassionate with ourselves we won't achieve our goals in life. Using the latest science, psychology (from contemporary Western and classical Buddhist sources) as well as stories from others and his own extraordinary life, Jinpa shows us how to train our compassion muscle. His powerful programme, derived from his remarkable course in Compassion Cultivation Training (CCT), is the perfect guide to achieving a greater sense of wellbeing.
A Feminist's Guide to ADHD: How women can thrive and find focus in a world built for men
by Janina MaschkeAn empowering, feminist guide to understanding and managing ADHD for women, written by a popular millennial doctor with ADHD.ADHD affects women in unique ways. Discover how to deal with it – and how to thrive – in this empowering guide.Whether you have received a late diagnosis, a misdiagnosis – or even no diagnosis at all but think this might apply to you – experienced coach Dr Janina Maschke offers guidance and support to all women and girls impacted by ADHD. As well as featuring the latest research, personal case-studies and practical exercises, this book gives you tips on thriving with ADHD and embracing neurodiversity.You will learn:the role of gender in understanding ADHDthe challenges of diagnosing womenthe differences between the subtypesthe role of hormones in treating symptomscommon co-existing conditionstools for thriving with ADHD.Whether you&’re seeking information pre-diagnosis or looking to manage your symptoms, this is a must-read for all women impacted by ADHD.
A Few Good Eggs: Two Chicks Dish on Overcoming the Insanity of Infertility
by Maureen Regan Julie VargoInsight and frank, friendly advice on overcoming infertility -- from two women who have lived through it all. We are bombarded by images of blissful older mothers, such as Madonna and Celine Dion. But 'Hollywood' articles about pregnancy and fertility at middle age gloss over the tremendous amount of financial, emotional, and physical effort faced by couples struggling to conceive. In this warm, funny, empathetic book, journalist Julie Vargo and literary agent Maureen Regan -- women who have experienced personally almost every aspect of infertility -- give readers a glimpse into what to expect when you're not expecting. Hormones, sperm counts -- nothing is too personal for these two outspoken women! Ranges from technical to humorous and everything in between. What are good, snappy comebacks to the question, 'Why aren't you pregnant?' What is the difference between gonadotrophin releasing hormone and progesterone? Should you freeze your eggs? These questions and many more are answered, and in the tone of a couple of good friends. Between them, the authors have gone through hormone treatments, miscarriages and multiple inseminations -- so they know firsthand the rollercoaster ride of trying to achieve pregnancy. With wise advice on how to communicate with doctors, husbands, friends, and mothers, this book is an invaluable guide for all women facing infertility.
A Few Minutes of Design: 52 Activities to Spark Your Creativity
by Emily Campbell&“A series of deceptively simple—and fun—exercises . . . A marvelous invitation to anyone with an interest in creativity, invention, and design.&” —Michael Bierut, Partner, Pentagram, New York Even concert pianists do warm-up exercises to limber up the fingers and clear the mind for the performance ahead. Designers are, or should be, no different. This delightful collection provides fifty-two exercises or activities to jump-start your creative juices, free you from creative block, start a new project, or finish an existing one. Each exercise offers insight into the innumerable small decisions involved in design. How to join this part to that, how to establish a pattern or continue the series, how to say it without words, what fits, and what doesn&’t? For established practicing designers or creatives in any field, these activities are sometimes playful, sometimes challenging—but always enlightening.
A Few Rules for Predicting the Future: An Essay
by Octavia E. ButlerThe wise words of science fiction icon Octavia E. Butler live on in this beautiful and giftable little volume."There’s no single answer that will solve all our future problems. There’s no magic bullet. Instead there are thousands of answers—at least. You can be one of them if you choose to be."Originally published in Essence magazine in the year 2000, Octavia E. Butler’s essay "A Few Rules for Predicting the Future" offers an honest look into the inspiration behind her science fiction novels and the importance of studying history and taking responsibility for our actions if we are to move forward. Organized into four main rules, this short essay reminds readers to learn from the past, respect the law of consequences, be aware of their perspectives, and count on the surprises. Citing the warning signs of fascism, the illusive effects of fear and wishful thinking, and the unpredictable nature of what is yet to come, Butler shares realistic but hopeful suggestions to shape our future into something good. An inspiring and motivational gift for students and recent graduates, fans of Butler's work, and anyone seeking a brighter day tomorrow, this exquisite gift book includes stunning Afrofuturist artwork by Manzel Bowman alongside the full text of the original essay.LITERARY ICON: Octavia E. Butler was a pioneering science fiction writer whose novels, written decades ago, remain eerily relevant, reflecting on themes of racial injustice, women’s rights, environmental collapse, and political corruption. In 1995, she became the first science fiction author to win a MacArthur Genius grant, and her books are taught in over 200 colleges and universities nationwide. This book shares Butler's timely but lesser-known essay and is a must-read for fans of her classic sci-fi works. CELEBRATE BLACK CREATORS: This book spotlights one of the greatest authors of Afrofuturism, a genre and philosophy that explores and reimagines Black culture, creativity, and liberation through fiction, art, music, film, and other media. Octavia E. Butler’s forward-thinking essay is paired with contemporary illustrations by Manzel Bowman, whose evocative images are also inspired by Afrofuturist visions. INSPIRING GIFT: A unique gift for students, recent graduates, and anyone celebrating life milestones or looking forward in life, this beautifully designed hardcover book is sure to inspire. Octavia E. Butler’s essay is also an important, evergreen reminder for writers, creatives, dreamers, and activists who want to envision and work toward a brighter future.Perfect for:Fans of Octavia Butler and her novels, including Kindred and Parable of the SowerPeople interested in nonfiction and essays by Black women writersAfrofuturism lovers and social justice-minded sci-fi readersLiterary bibliophiles looking for a stunning new addition to their bookshelfGift-giving to graduating high school and college studentsActivists and community leadersInspirational essay readersFans of Manzel Bowman and Afrofuturist art
A Field Guide for the Hero's Journey
by Jeff Sandefer Rev Robert A. SiricoDo you feel like something big is missing from your life? Do you feel trapped, bored, stuck in a meaningless routine? It may be you think you’re too ordinary to ever do something special. Perhaps you’re afraid that if you try, you’ll fail. <p><p>The startling truth is this: Just about anyone can do great things, can live a life that’s remarkable, purposeful, excellent, and yes, even heroic. If you want to be a hero, you can be. How?That’s what this book is all about. <p><p>Will you choose to do it? Will you decide to journey heroically, instead of spending your life merely marking time? If so, this is the book for you. Welcome to your heroic journey.
A Field Guide to Happiness: What I Learned In Bhutan About Living, Loving And Waking Up
by Linda LeamingIn the West, we have everything we could possibly need or want—except for peace of mind. So writes Linda Leaming, a harried American who traveled from Nashville, Tennessee, to the rugged Himalayan nation of Bhutan—sometimes called the happiest place on Earth—to teach English and unlearn her politicized and polarized, energetic and impatient way of life. In Bhutan, if I have three things to do in a week, it’s considered busy. In the U.S., I have at least three things to do between breakfast and lunch. After losing her luggage immediately upon arrival, Leaming realized that she also had emotional baggage—a tendency toward inaction, a touch of self-absorption, and a hundred other trite, stupid, embarrassing, and inconsequential things—that needed to get lost as well. Pack up ideas and feelings that tie you down and send you lead-footed down the wrong path. Put them in a metaphorical suitcase and sling it over a metaphorical bridge in your mind. Let the river take them away. Forced by circumstance and her rustic surroundings to embrace a simplified life, Leaming made room for more useful beliefs. The thin air and hard climbs of her mountainous commute put her deeply in touch with her breath, helping her find focus and appreciation. The archaic, glacially paced bureaucracy of a Bhutanese bank taught her to go with the flow—and take up knitting. The ancient ritual of drinking tea brought tranquility, friendship, and, eventually, a husband. Each day, and each adventure, in her adopted home brought new insights and understandings to take back to frantic America, where she now practices the art of "simulating Bhutan." This collection of stories, impressions, and suggestions is a little nudge, a push, a leg up into the rarefied air of paradise—of bright sunlight and beautiful views.
A Field Guide to Lucid Dreaming: Mastering the Art of Oneironautics
by Dylan Tuccillo Jared Zeizel Thomas PeiselImagine being able to fly. Walk through walls. Shape-shift. Breathe underwater. Conjure loved ones—or total strangers—out of thin air. Imagine experiencing your nighttime dreams with the same awareness you possess right now—fully functioning memory, imagination, and self-awareness. Imagine being able to use this power to be more creative, solve problems, and discover a deep sense of well-being.This is lucid dreaming—the ability to know you are dreaming while you are in a dream, and then consciously explore and change the elements of the dream. A Field Guide to Lucid Dreaming, with its evocative retro illustrations, shows exactly how to do it. Written by three avid, experienced lucid dreamers, this manual for the dream world takes the reader from step one—learning how to reconnect with his or her dreams— through the myriad possibilities of what can happen once the dreamer is lucid and an accomplished oneironaut (a word that comes from the Greek oneira, meaning dreams, and nautis, meaning sailor).Readers will learn about the powerful REM sleep stage—a window into lucid dreams. Improve dream recall by keeping a journal. The importance of reality checks, such as “The Finger”—during the day, try to pass your finger through your palm; then, when you actually do it successfully, you’ll know that you’re dreaming. And once you become lucid, how to make the most of it. Every time you dream, you are washing up on the shores of your own inner landscape. Learn to explore a strange and thrilling world with A Field Guide to Lucid Dreaming.