Ellen’s Book Nook — April 2020: Books to Calm & Soothe the Soul

By Guest Blogger Ellen Bryant Lloyd 

“Often when you think you’re at the end of something, you’re at the beginning of something else.” 

I love this quote by the renowned Fred Rogers (aka Mr. Rogers), especially in today’s climate. It gives me hope. There is no question that our world will be different on the other side of COVID-19, but it is my hope that there will be more positive aspects than negative ones.

We are all well versed in the unbelievably sad stories that have come out of these unsettling times, but let’s look for the positive ones. The stories that highlight human kindness. The ones that shine a light on compassion and people coming together to make a difference. Families and friends connecting in meaningful ways and truly valuing the gift of relationship. The ability to see landscapes more clearly without pollution. It is my hope that this list continues to grow. And grow.

One way of finding hope and encouragement is through books. Books are a source of solace and comfort. They calm anxiety. They help soothe the soul.

Yes, we are all in this together. Please continue to follow the guidelines to stay safe, but also continue to direct your prayers, thoughts and positive energy so we can add to the hope and belief that there will be a strong silver lining when the cloud of COVID-19 is but a memory. Here are suggestions for books that you may find helpful during this time. Stay well!

Books that may help calm and soothe the soul:

–       The Prophet by Khalil Gibran

–       Little Ways to Keep Calm and Carry On: Twenty Lessons for Managing Worry, Anxiety and Fear by Mark Reinecke

–       The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh

–       The Wisdom Way of Knowing: Reclaiming an Ancient Tradition to Awaken the Heart by Cynthia Bourgeault

–       The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World by Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu and with Douglas Carlton Abrams

–       Radical Compassion: Learning to Love Yourself and Your World with the Practice of RAIN by Tara Brach

–       Gift of the Red Bird by Paula D’Arcy

–       The Gratitude Diaries by Janice Kaplan

–       The Contentment Journal by Rachel Cruze

–       The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

–       Daring Greatly by Brene’ Brown

–       Oh, The Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss

–       The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down: How to Be Calm and Mindful in a Fast-Paced World by Haemin Sunim

–       The Collected Poems of William Wordsworth

–       Brave Enough by Cheryl Strayed

–       Stillness Speaks by Eckhart Tolle

–       The Mindful Day: Practical Ways to Find Focus, Calm and Joy from Morning to Evening by Laurie J. Cameron

–       How to Breathe: 25 Simple Practices for Calm, Joy and Resilience by Ashley Neese

–       You’ll Get Through This: Hope and Help for Your Turbulent Times by Max Lucado

–       The World According to Mister Rogers: Important Things to Remember by Fred Rogers

Ellen Bryant Lloyd is the author of FRECKLES and FRECKLES and The Great Beach Rescue. Please visit www.funwithfreckles.com and www.facebook.com/funwithfreckles to learn more about Freckles. Ellen writes a blog about her perspectives on life and parenting at www.mindfulmom.wordpress.com and tweets at @EllenBLloyd. She lives in Greensboro with her husband and two children.

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