Staff Picks: Shake Off the Winter Blahs
by lucroe
Winter can, for some, be a time of hibernation, less productivity, and result in sealing yourself off from others. The books here can help open us up to ideas on how to break free of some of the negativity that winter may bring and to gain inspiration in this ‘closed off’ period of time.
Wintering by Katherine May | Request Now
A beautiful and inspirational memoir that provides insights from literature, mythology, and nature to push through the isolation and negativity that can accompany winter. To learn and grow from a self-imposed retreat, to become revitalized from resting, and to embrace the quiet stillness of nature are some bits of nourishment gathered here.
Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Kristin Neff | Request Now
Be kind to yourself, love yourself like you would a best friend, admit failures when they happen but use it as a learning experience not to belittle yourself. These are just some of the bits of wisdom covered along with self-development exercises to uplift yourself. She includes chapters on how self-compassion affects parenting (the author is a parent of an autistic child), how we relate to others, and in love and sex. She also has a chapter on mindfulness and self-compassion with accompanying exercises. As Neff states self-compassion is more effective at motivating us because “its driving force is love not fear.”
The Miracle of Mindfulness : an Introduction to the Practice of Meditation by Thích Nhất Hạnh| Request Now
A classic introduction to the practice and study of mindfulness meditation from the renowned Zen Buddhist teacher Hanh. This brief book provides the beginner with an overview and step by step guide to practice meditation at home. Utilizing techniques and teachings from Hanh, the reader can learn to be in the here and now, to live each moment mindfully.
Awe : the New Science of Everyday Wonder and How it Can Transform Your Life by Dacher Keltner | Request Now
What is awe and how do our reactions to it inspire meaning in our lives? Using scientific studies and personal stories from his own life as well as others, he encourages the reader to experience the “eight wonders of life” that are most likely to induce awe: nature, music, the visual arts, spirituality, collective moments, moral beauty (e.g., courage in battle), mortality, and epiphanies. Keltner emphasizes the importance of awe inspiring moments to enlighten and rouse us from our winter slumber.
My Hygge Home : how to Make Home Your Happy Place by Meik Wiking | Request Now
The definition of Hygge is “a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.” You may want to start enjoying this cozy ideal with Wiking’s book that discusses home design ideas, slow cooking, gardening tips, and more. Wiking also wrote the Little Book of Hygge which offers even more ideas for enjoying the day to day routines, work, and home life using Hygge as your guide. Also enjoy Hygge at the Downtown library where local crafter, Beth Battey, will be on-hand teaching and helping with crochet or knitting projects, and you can also do jigsaw puzzles or quietly read.
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