What I'm Reading this Week ( Jan.25, 2009) by Accident or by Design?
Quote de Jour
"If you can read these words, thank a teacher."
All week, a silk covered, coffee table book on India, sat on my coffee table unopened. This gorgeous jewel from the library teased me but I ploughed through the usual menu of magazines. I knew if I opened this massive book, I wouldn't be able to put it down and there wasn't time. The Chinese new year loomed, I wanted to get the house shipshape and ready for feng shui. I practice feng shui, the ancient Chinese art of placement, of balancing various elements within a space for harmony and good flow of chi or universal energy. Crystals and other 'cures' were collected from every room and placed outside in the sunshine for cleansing. I felt good. All was well in the moment. Without warning, as I walked from the laundry room into the kitchen, my knee gave out. Twisted in pain, my plans for cleaning and prepping disappeared in a flash.
"But I have so much to do!" My inner slave driver said. I slapped on an ice pack, popped an Advil and continued. No dice, amigo. Pain spoke louder than the slave driver. I surrendered to the couch, elevated my knee and opened the book on India. I spent the rest of the afternoon transported to an exotic and yet familiar world. I highly recommend this beautifully illustrated book for anyone contemplating their first visit to India, as a primer on the history, art and culture. I don't recommend having an accident in order to free up time to read. But sometimes being temporarily disabled, slowed down or delayed by our bodies or external events is just what the doctor ordered. I'm hobbling around today doing what I can, and doing what so many of us have difficulty with; asking for help.
Obama has graced covers every single week since I began this blog. The one new novel I'm reading this week is Life at First Try, a semi-autobiographical debut by Mark Budman. So far so good. Fresh, funny and engaging new voice.
"If you can read these words, thank a teacher."
All week, a silk covered, coffee table book on India, sat on my coffee table unopened. This gorgeous jewel from the library teased me but I ploughed through the usual menu of magazines. I knew if I opened this massive book, I wouldn't be able to put it down and there wasn't time. The Chinese new year loomed, I wanted to get the house shipshape and ready for feng shui. I practice feng shui, the ancient Chinese art of placement, of balancing various elements within a space for harmony and good flow of chi or universal energy. Crystals and other 'cures' were collected from every room and placed outside in the sunshine for cleansing. I felt good. All was well in the moment. Without warning, as I walked from the laundry room into the kitchen, my knee gave out. Twisted in pain, my plans for cleaning and prepping disappeared in a flash.
"But I have so much to do!" My inner slave driver said. I slapped on an ice pack, popped an Advil and continued. No dice, amigo. Pain spoke louder than the slave driver. I surrendered to the couch, elevated my knee and opened the book on India. I spent the rest of the afternoon transported to an exotic and yet familiar world. I highly recommend this beautifully illustrated book for anyone contemplating their first visit to India, as a primer on the history, art and culture. I don't recommend having an accident in order to free up time to read. But sometimes being temporarily disabled, slowed down or delayed by our bodies or external events is just what the doctor ordered. I'm hobbling around today doing what I can, and doing what so many of us have difficulty with; asking for help.
Obama has graced covers every single week since I began this blog. The one new novel I'm reading this week is Life at First Try, a semi-autobiographical debut by Mark Budman. So far so good. Fresh, funny and engaging new voice.
Wow, I really love the colors of this.
Never figured out why we were given knees!
Useful but never when we want them.
Peace.
I popped the back of my knee in October, and for the first time, suffered knee pain back and front for weeks.
Lots of stretching for me.
Beginning to see the end of the knee problem, hope you will, too.
I did not read much this week, but your reads look great.
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Thanks for the reminder about stretching. I've had knee issues before and my acupuncturist/physiotherapist gave me excercises to do but I stop when I improve instead of doing them daily... for forever LOL.
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I hope your knee is better now Layla. I think there are those times when the Universe will throw something in to truly slow us down so we can do that which we are needing, yet perhaps are rushing by. You must have needed both the rest and the information in this book for a reason. This is just my thinking. Our plans often are adjusted because there is something we are supposed to see or pay attention to. Sending you wellness wishes for your poor knee. Love and Light, Judi
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Thank-you! Initially, that's what I thought too, but there was another component. I listened to my body and got the deeper message and am mending nicely
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So true, Layla! If we aren't taking the time we should, the Universe will find a way to slow us down. Did I mention that I started physical therapy today? lol I know next to nothing about feng shui, but find the concept quite fascinating. I do take certain steps to keep the most heavily trafficked areas in our home free of negativity and emotional build up. When I feel the energy in a given room is not grounded enough, I'm likely to add a bowl of stones or some potted plants. When it feels congested, I usually set up a tabletop water fountain. I'm not sure what the term "cures" refers too, but it sounds like what I do with focus objects once a month (placing in sun or moonlight). I guess I should take some time and research feng shui! Any books you'd recommend?
wishing you laughter
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There are other good online sources like www.wofs.com just don't get suckered into buying all the gewgaws. Lillian Too has written tons of books. She's the Oprah of feng shui but she's pretty good. Moving things and elements in indoor and outdoor spaces comes naturally to anyone intuitive.
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Oh, that color of the book looks so rich! So very India. I miss wearing those colors. Turquoise, yellows, oranges, reds and greens ...oh, you have transported me to my world, Layla.
I'm sorry the price was so high! How is your knee now? Take care, sweetie!
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Those rich Indian colors excite my imagination! My knee is my current teacher and I'm feeling better.
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