Disclaimer: I didn’t get all the way through this book before I had to return it to the library because someone else had requested it. When I found out I only had two days left, I powered through the sections that were most important to me, browsing at times. What I did read was interesting and powerful, so I wanted to share the book with you even though I didn’t get a chance to read it completely.
Still with me? Ok. Let’s talk about trauma. With the under-reporting of sexual trauma, broken homes and families, and the many other ways people can be hurt in this world, everyone has some connection with trauma. Either you’ve experienced it, or know someone who has.
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma, by
When my friend Laurel mentioned Finding Spiritual Whitespace: Awakening Your Soul To Rest, by Bonnie Gray, was next up on her reading pile, I picked up a copy for myself.
Based on the title, I was already on the journey. Plus, I’ve been curious to get a purely Christian perspective on this concept since reading After the Ecstasy, The Laundry, which included Christian ideology alongside other faith traditions.
I’ve introduced a lot of whitespace to my life this year, and I tend to still feel defensive about it. No one really gives me grief about my dance class, but meditation? The first response I often get if I mention that is, “But what do you do while you’re meditating?“
Originally written in German, with an English translation released a year later, The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate―Discoveries from A Secret World, Peter Wohlleben was featured on NPR a few years ago. I immediately searched for a copy on inter-library loan, but my library system didn’t own a copy, so I put it on my Amazon wishlist to remind me to try again later.
I finally discovered my library had purchased a copy this winter, which I requested immediately. What followed was a lovely read.
Depending on the time of year and the subject matter, there are varying numbers of library books in my reading pile. As of today, 80-90% of my pile is library books. That means they have an expiration date, which increases the pressure to read them.
Curious about the titles?
A friend from my Netherlands retreat recommended Richard Rohr to me. She didn’t give me a specific book to read. I knew since Rohr was a religious writer, that the Chaplain would probably be able to help me out, so I asked him. Sure enough, he went over to his bookshelf, and brought me Breathing Underwater: Spirituality and the Twelve Steps.
I had reservations about characterizing Rohr as a religious author because that word has so much baggage. I want to tell you that if it is a heavy word for you, if it makes you feel angry, or defensive, take a breath and stay with me.
