Best Reads to Savor the Rest of Summer
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With a month left to go, I'm wishing you time to savor these last weeks of summer. And if you find some time for kicking back, I highly recommend any of these amazing reads.
These are my favorite books that I read this year and each has truly gifted me with insight, healing, wisdom, and growth.
Summer Savory Reads
Inheritance by Dani Shapiro
Such an engaging, thoughtful, emotional read that offers many pauses for deep personal inquiry. As with all of Dani's books, I could not put this one down.
It's the New York Times Editors' Choice and has received strong praise from all the major critiques. NPR writes" "Inheritance reads like an emotional detective story... Her prose is clear and lovely, and her searching questions are unfailingly intelligent... The relevance of Shapiro's latest memoir extends beyond her own personal experience. Inheritance broaches issues about the moral ramifications of genealogical surprises."
Radiant Sutras by Lorin Roche
I open this book every day. The sutras read like poems filled with infinite insight and wisdom. I often use one to build a theme for my practices. Actually, it's not a book. It's a living breathing master.
"Like feeling and reading Shakti in print. I read a little bit each day, then close my eyes and do the exercise, or ponder the thought. I let the warm sweet loving words and imagery wash and heal my many layers of self." ― Lilias Folan
Love Warrior by Glennon Doyle
I stumbled into this book and I can't remember how. But what I can tell you, is it was not only a great (listen) read, but Glennon Doyle truly provoked a reconnection to my own inner strength, my warrior power, that I didn't realize I had not been accessing. Dear I say, "listening to"... Be careful - this one may just wake up your inner warrior too!
"This memoir isn’t really about Glennon rebuilding her relationship with her husband; it's about Glennon rebuilding her relationship with herself. It’s about one woman letting go of the gendered messages she’s been surrounded by her entire life, and communing with her fullest, most authentic self. Utterly refreshing and... just totally badass."― Bustle.com
The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael Singer
My second time around reading this book was maybe even better than the first. Actually, truth be told this time I listened to it on audio. There are so many bite sized power moments. A sentence or two that can be a year of teaching in and of it's self. I continue to use a few techniques from this book daily.
And... I'm grateful for the following amazing teachers and authors for the words of praise (below) for, Deep Listening, I HIGHLY recommend all of their books!
The Spirit and Practice of Moving Into Stillness by Erich Schiffmann
Art of Attention by Elena Brower
Yoga for Life: A Journey to Inner Peace and Freedom by Colleen Saidman Yee
Dharma of the Princess Bride and The Road Home by Ethan NIchtern
The Book of Esther and Brookland by Emily Barton
PRAISE FOR DEEP LISTENING
“Deep Listening by Jillian Pransky is the fruit of her own deep inner listening and is her gift to those who have ears to hear. Literally, each page is filled with practical, sage advice gleaned from many years of practice, many years of deep listening, and the wisdom accrued from a life well-lived.”
—Erich Schiffmann, author of Yoga: The Spirit and Practice of Moving Into Stillness
“Accessible, profound, and clear, the wisdom of Deep Listening grants us a chance to greet our habitual stress with new eyes of kindness and compassion. Through concise, consistent, and cumulative practices, Jillian provides us with the context to live more openheartedly and transform our ways of seeing and being.”
—Elena Brower, author of Art of Attention and Practice You
“Jillian has a way of being with you through the pages of this book so that you immediately trust her as if she were a tried and true friend. She wants you to reap the benefits of an art form that she is passionate about. Her detail to setting up yoga poses creates a depth of relaxation that few have touched, and her honesty will open up your own heart.”
—Colleen Saidman Yee, author of Yoga for Life
“Deep Listening blends essential aspects of the vast wisdom traditions of yoga and Buddhism that will benefit yoga enthusiasts and meditators alike. Step by step, Jillian offers a powerful and wonderfully crafted program that brings us deeply into our own sense of wholeness and helps us inhabit an integrated and heart-centered practice.”
—Ethan Nichtern, author of Dharma of the Princess Bride and The Road Home
“Deep Listening inspires mindfulness even when it’s hard to sit still. It teaches how to be alone without zoning out and without seeking to escape. With the same loving, down-to-earth wisdom she brings to her classes, Jillian Pransky helps you access a sense of well-being. This book is a delight to work with, essential reading and practice for everyone who needs to slow down and relax—that is, for pretty much everyone in our hectic world.”
—Emily Barton, author of The Book of Esther and Brookland
Student Testimonials
I am a holistic yoga therapist working in Vancouver, WA. I took Jillian's three day Restorative Yoga training in CA this spring and was impressed with her knowledge about the affects of stress on the body, and conversely, how to initiate the relaxation response. This book delves into Jillian's personal relationship with chronic stress and the many things she's learned to help the mind and body recover. This book isn't about finding a fix to life's stress, but rather tools that help you better adapt to life's stresses, changes and challenges. Through journal prompts, meditation practices, yoga poses and breathing exercises Jillian offers a wealth of information for anyone looking to learn how to relax and let go of chronic tension. I highly recommend her work, and especially this book! - Bret D. Canfield
This is the type of book that feels like an old friend, the friend you know- who reminds you to get intimate with breath, mindfulness and simple practices that work. Jillian’s writing is evocative, without being ‘preachy’ or 'new-agey’ - it’s clear, accessible, and universal. She brings the authority of science (relax and response theory, along side mindfulness/MBSR) with intimate stories and examples from her vast experience as a master teacher, mother, and practitioner. It’s cumulative journey that’s grounding, rested, and reminds you to give yourself permission to pause.
If you are new to Mindfulness, Daily Practice, or Restorative yoga- check this book out- it’s a great introduction that will continue to build in your life. For those whose journey with these practices are more familiar, this book is a master handbook. - Erick DuPree
