How to spend a day

A collection of what I’m reading/listening/doing these days

    The dogs are resting against my feet at the foot of the bed. The door is wide open letting in the sun and the cool morning breeze. I’m not-so patiently waiting for Ivy to wake up (her sleeping-in skills are legendary) so we can start one of our most favorite days of the year; READ ALL DAY DAY!  A day in which we do nothing but read. We can’t even be bothered to put down a book and get food so we’ll often enlist the help of the boys to bring us snacks throughout the day.

While I wait for Ivy I thought I would share what I’ve been reading lately and a few other inspiring things I’ve been enjoying. I’ve always found the reading/listening/watching lists of others to be so inspiring. It’s the reason why my “to read” list is so long. I just keep on reading great books that then point me to more great books. It’s one of my most favorite “problems” in life. 

So let’s get to it. 

Books

1. What We Wish Were True: In this book of essays detailing the author, Tallu Schuyler Quinn’s battle with brain cancer, she asks herself “Did I adequately praise all there is to love here?” From the perspective of her life ending Tallu teaches us what we will truly come to cherish and honor in the end. As we are deep in the height of summer there is much to love here and as I sit admiring the garden, the sun, the birds… I think often of Tallu’s words and hope that at the end of my days I can say with confidence that I praised all there is to love here. 

2. Book Lovers: On a completely different note I read some fiction. I saw this book by Emily Henry on many “must read” lists, so I put it on the list of vacation reads. It didn’t last until vacation. I kept finding excuses to reach for my phone and listen to the audiobook. It was sweet, funny and lighthearted (not a genre I generally gravitate towards). 

3. The Summer Book: This book is so fitting for the season. Another fiction on my book list that generally skews non-fiction. Tove Jansson writes with ease and beauty of an island life inhabited by an elderly grandmother and her 6 year old granddaughter. Their relationship is endearing and how they spend their days is enviable. Exactly what I dream of summer days. 

4. Self-Compassion: I’ve deemed this summer the “Summer of Self-Compassion”. With the expert guidance of Dr. Kristin Neff and her years and years of research on the subject I’m working on changing my inner dialogue. This is not a new concept for me but by putting the intention and emphasis on this act I’m retiring old habits of comparison, inner-critics (her name is Gertrude and she is ruthless), while acknowledging my humanity - which means I won’t always get it right. I’ve not yet finished the book as I’m recruiting more and more people to read it with me because this is something that so many of us need. Maybe you too would like to join in the “Summer of Self-Compassion”? 

5. Outside: I’ve been anticipating Gill Meller’s latest book for quite some time. If there is someone that I’d most like to cook with it would be Gill. We share a passion for the outdoors and marrying our love of food there. This book is loaded with beauty and inspiration.

Podcasts

1. Krista Tippett in conversation with Pico Iyer: Ever since I first started listening to, On Being, Krista Tippett has been someone I’ve deeply admired. Years ago I took an online class she taught on how to be a good listener because I was in awe of how she brought out the soul and deep truth of everyone she interviewed. Truly a gift. In this interview the tables are turned and she is the one answering the questions generously guided by the lovely Pico Iyer. She does so with the same wisdom, kindness, and soul you get from her podcast. One of the things that really struck me during that interview was how she spoke of “the root crisis of our time is fear. We’re collectively living in fear.” She asks the question: Can enough of us not live out of something higher? Her response to that has become her mission: “How to make goodness riveting.” In a time when we’re constantly reminded of the very real and true devastation of our world, she brings to light those who are seeking and living into the goodness that also exists. 

2. The Happiness Lab: Social Media and Our Brains: Having taken June off of social media (influenced greatly by the book Stolen Focus) this podcast helped me pinpoint why I can fall into a bit of a pit when I’m continually scrolling through my feed. One of the biggest factors of social media affecting mental health is when we start comparing ourselves to others we see through the squares. Having that awareness can help me put down the phone when I feel the comparisons happening. I’ve also created some boundaries around my time on the app and have become much more engaged there which they said is much better for your mental health than simply scrolling through your feed. 

When I’m not reading or even while I’m reading (I love audiobooks) I’ve been playing with clay; learning how to manipulate this piece of earth into cups, bowls, platters and more. It’s been such a fun creative outlet that has no expectation of me. Although I’ll admit that I do find myself of someday dreaming of a ceramics studio. I do love a good dream. I’m finding myself marveling at the works of many great artists including; Katherine Moes and Element Clay Studio.

I’ve also been marveling at the garden. I’m so thrilled with the results of putting in more intention, time, and knowledge into this space. I’m learning and growing so much (yes, that was slightly a garden pun).

I always feel like there is more to share but let’s stop there for now. This was so fun for me and I hope maybe you found another book or two to read. Please drop in the comments what you’re reading/listening to/getting inspired by so we can all benefit from your list. Pile on the books in my “to read” list please!