Argues that certain kinds of stress can be motivating and provides ten principles to help transform everyday stress into a productive pathway to adaptation and growth.
Seeking Serenity chronicles a curious little girl, Serenity, as she searches to find the meaning of her name. In her dreams, she meets up with 10 Nobel Peace Laureates and asks, "What is Peace?" Each Nobel Peace Laureates responds with one simple word that peace means to them. In this inspiring journey, Serenity teaches us to look within and aspire to inner and world peace.
In a provocative and practical look at modern stress, Seeking Serenity offers an empowering new message: Stress can serve as a guide to living our happiest and healthiest lives. In Seeking Serenity, stress columnist Amanda Enayati challenges our long-held assumptions about stress, painting a groundbreaking picture that separates myth from reality when it comes to what is commonly referred to as the plague of modern life. Weaving together stories, research from science, history, philosophy and diverse faiths, and everyday exercises, she crafts a fascinating tale that begins with the behind-the-scenes machinations of corporate villains and ends in the power of our stories to shape our realities. We are living in an era of dramatic highs and lows, with lives that move at a pace and intensity impossible at any other time in history. These contradictions throw us off-kilter, out of harmony and balance, creating what we perceive as never-ending and destructive cycles of stress. But life itself has always been—and will always be—a series of fluctuations: the good days, the bad days, the excruciating days. The key to mastering stress lies in the way we experience it. Seeking Serenity presents ten revolutionary principles developed from the emerging science of stress and reinforced by literature, philosophy and age-old spiritual wisdom that help us to differentiate between destructive and constructive stress, and to master stress in the everyday by learning how to: Shift our perceptions to interpret inevitable challenges in a way that serves us better; Embrace a narrative that casts stress as a pathway to adaptation and growth; and Commit to breaks, buffers, and protective practices that will minimize and neutralize the adverse impacts of toxic stress. Drawing on extensive research and remarkable case studies, Seeking Serenity presents a clear and accessible action plan to achieving more joyful and productive lives, stronger communities and a better world.
The third volume of the 15th-century spiritual classic that condenses Buddhist teachings into one easy-to-follow meditation manual The Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment (Tib. Lam rim chen mo) is one of the brightest jewels in the world’s treasury of sacred literature. The author, Tsong-kha-pa, completed it in 1402, and it soon became one of the most renowned works of spiritual practice and philosophy in the world of Tibetan Buddhism. Because it condenses all the exoteric sūtra scriptures into a meditation manual that is easy to understand, scholars and practitioners rely on its authoritative presentation as a gateway that leads to a full understanding of the Buddha’s teachings. Tsong-kha-pa took great pains to base his insights on classical Indian Buddhist literature, illustrating his points with classical citations as well as with sayings of the masters of the earlier Kadampa tradition. In this way the text demonstrates clearly how Tibetan Buddhism carefully preserved and developed the Indian Buddhist traditions. This first of three volumes covers all the practices that are prerequisite for developing the spirit of enlightenment (bodhicitta).
In the expanded edition of this profound exploration of Christian identity, David G. Benner illuminates the spirituality of self-discovery. He exposes the false selves that you may hide behind and calls you to discover the true self that emerges from your uniqueness in Christ. Deepen your experience of God through discovering the gift of being yourself.
This book is about people who have found it necessary to change the way they feel. They have learned that one’s feelings are largely the result of certain complex patterns of habit. To change these emotional habits requires understanding, patience and self-discipline. In simple language this book attempts to describe some of the practical ways in which one can replace misery with serenity.
*Note: This is a novella told from Declan Fraser's point of view, based on events that take place in "Chasing Serenity." This is a companion piece to that novel and as such, the author recommends reading "Chasing Serenity" before "Behind the Pitch." This is NOT a rehash of Chasing Serenity.* Expat Irish rugby player Declan Fraser only wanted to play the sport he loves. He didn’t want to be stuck in this middle-of-nowhere town at this all too quaint university. He didn’t want his team captain to be an entitled jackass who switched Declan's position on the squad just to make himself look good. And he sure as hell didn’t want to fall in love with graduate student Autumn McShane. Autumn is stubborn, but gorgeous; she bristles at any hint of dependency on anyone or anything, but she’s also a survivor. She’s everything Declan didn’t know he wanted. When Autumn finds herself in the middle of a challenging bet with her ex-boyfriend - who just happens to be the arrogant team captain that Declan hates - he feels honor bound to help her out. But he didn’t expect to fall for her in the process. “Behind the Pitch” reveals the most twisted and erotic thoughts in Declan’s head as he navigates through his on again/off again, frustrating and deeply erotic relationship with Autumn McShane. And lordy, does he have a filthy mind.
If you long to draw nearer to the Creator, crave to feel the Spirit’s comfort, or yearn to follow Jesus along the journey of faith, you will treasure the humble wisdom that has crossed your path. Seek, Wait, Trust: Poems for Navigating the Spiritual Journey contains the pensive, poetic voice of Mary Morgan Brown and the compelling prayers of Rev. Dr. Gregg Brown. “These are not just literary offerings, but also testimonies of what God can do and will do,” Rev. Dr. James A. Forbes, Jr. observes in his Foreword. “In many of these poems, scripture verses have morphed into direct advice not so much to be quoted, but actions to be taken. Listen not so much for rhymes or meter, literal or symbolic intent. Listen with your heart to hear the voice of God. God has heard the interrogatives, intercessions, petitions, and gratitude of your soul and has lovingly placed an answer in your spirit...If you do not discern the meaning on your first reading, read again and again. When you are finally ready, say ‘Speak Lord, your servant child is ready to hear!’” This book is a boat of wisdom for those on a quest for deeper meaning and purpose in life. The foreword is the bow; the poetry, the hull; and the prayers, the stern. Take the helm. Seek and chart a steady spiritual course. Wait for God’s navigating guidance. Trust your entire destination to the living Lord. • “Mary’s pensive, piercing insight and Gregg’s vigorous, Heaven-bound prayers will leave the reader revitalized and transformed for a closer walk with God and more loving interactions with people.” – Jackie Wright, publicist, President of Wright Enterprises • “Ms. Brown’s poignant, tender, and always relatable poems render new insight to scripture, bridging the peaks and valleys of an ongoing spiritual search.” – Robin Fletcher, writer, Founder of RdF Consulting Services • “It is a poetic dance and masterpiece of movement through self-discovery...it is the essential traveling case required of believers.” – Rev. Dr. Clarence L. Johnson, Senior Pastor, Mills Grove Christian Church, Disciples of Christ
Laugh and learn with these 101 inspiring and amusing stories for moms who do it all! Make some “me time” to relax and read this collection of inspirational and entertaining stories— with great tips from other busy moms too. You can’t believe how busy you are, but you know you need to carve out some time for yourself. Read how other moms like you are surviving their multitasking years. They share their best tips, plus some of their funniest disaster stories. You’ll be entertained while you pick up some great ideas for your own life. You’ll learn about: Making “Me Time” – how to make sure you take care of yourself Feeding the Family – not everyone is a domestic goddess! Sharing Good Advice – moms pass on tips they wish they had known when they needed them! Feeling Guilty – story after story about why you should NOT feel guilty Learning from Our Kids – all we have to do is stop and listen Laughing After the Fact – disaster stories always get better with time Handling Housework Hassles – great tips and funny stories give you perspective Slowing Down – don’t be such a busy mom that you don’t have time to be a mom! Juggling a Career – yes, you can create balance