The Four Agreements

This book has been recommended to me multiple times.  I finally read it and I'm glad I did. I am a big believer in the power of the mind.  I think you can influence your life either positively or negatively by what you believe. This book lists and discusses four agreements you should make with yourself in order to live a life of happy freedom from the status quo.  The four agreements are:

1) Be impeccable with your word
2) Don't make assumptions
3) Don't take things personally
4) Always do your best

The author explains how, by implementing these agreements into your life, you can open your heart and mind to more compassion and love. I love reading positive writing like this.  I know it's not for everyone, but if you gravitate towards writing about inner peace or Zen-like topics, this is a good selection. It's also a quick read, but be sure to have a highlighter handy.  There are some good points made that you won't want to forget.

Bring Me the Rhinoceros

Zen koans.....are difficult. I had a Zen Page-A-Day calendar in 2011 that had quite a few koans.  I would always think a little more when I got to a day that had a koan on it.  The koan would go something like this:

"Teacher, why is the bird brown?"

The teacher replied "Now you understand."

I completely made that up off the top of my head, but I'm not too far off from the abstract thought involved with these riddles. I was perplexed, yet intrigued. I don't quite remember how I found this book, but I'm pretty sure I just typed "Zen koans book" into Google's search box.  Either way, this book is going to take some brainpower to get through.  Each koan gives you pause.  The author presents the koan, the background story to the koan, and how you can work with the koan.  You really have to examine it and the various ways it can apply to life.  There are fourteen koans.  Not all of them are life changing and sometimes the description of the koan is dry and uninteresting.  However, that could also be because those are the ones that left me scratching my head.  There are several, though, that led me to moments of clarity and introspection.  If you want something to mentally chew on, this could definitely be considered a hearty meal of meat and potatoes.

Happier Than A Billionaire

This book speaks to the adventurous traveler in me.  This is the true story about a woman and her husband (both chiropractors) who decide to give it all up in the United States and move to Costa Rica.  What follows are the, often hilarious, adventures as expats.  I really enjoyed, not only the story, but the subtle lessons within the story.  As I am currently very interested in a simplified life, this book seemed right on time for me.  I thoroughly enjoyed it!  If I could pack my bags and make a go of it tomorrow, I probably would.  You don't really need a lot in this life to be happy, and this book helps us see why that's so true.

The Novice: A Story of True Love

I have been interested in what I call "Zen" reading for a few months now.  Thich Nhat Hanh is one of the authors I always enjoy.  He is very clear, concise, and compassionate in his writing.  This parable follows in that same tradition of simplicity.  A woman disguises herself as a man and becomes a novice monk during a time when women were not allowed to enter into monastic training.  A local girl claims that she has been impregnated by the young monk (obviously not knowing "he" is a "she").  The story of compassion that develops is one that will cause you to take a look at yourself and ask "Can I one day possess the compassion of this novice?"  Perhaps, it is a goal we should all be striving to achieve.

The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating

Slow down in life........and enjoy it. Enjoy the stillness and the quietness in those moments.  A pretty good book about the observation of nature (although it is definitely not for everyone).

Anger

Perfect book to finish up while I was at the hair salon for 4 hours!!!  whooo---saaaaa!

Peace is Every Step

My personal improvement is always an ongoing project.

Listening Below the Noise

I really enjoyed this book.  I  have tried many times to actually "sit" and meditate and it feels so forced for me.  This book talks about how silence can help you can meditate in any moment if you are quiet and present.