Soul to Soul by Gary Zukav

November 15, 2012

Since I've been dealing with all sorts of medical issues, enjoying the outdoors has been the furthest thing from my mind and not much of a desire. However, while being home sick yesterday, I took just a few moments to sit out on my front porch and soak in some warmth and colors. The leaves that were still attached to a tree limb were breathtaking. I sat there, sniffing, holding my tissues and hot tea, and just closed my eyes and gave thanks for all that I have in life.

Being so sick at times tends to make me a little bit depressed, and I begin to sink into a dark place where it becomes "woe is me." This is the time of year where we are supposed to be reflecting on our lives, giving thanks and looking forward to a positive future. I would like to recommend a book that addresses the "Why is life so difficult?" question. My life has been very difficult with health issues for over two years now, and I’ve become so self-absorbed that I think everyone wants to know about my latest treatment, medication, and blood pressure reading. Not to mention that my car was stolen two weeks ago from the parking lot in broad daylight. I don’t know if you wanted to know that, but there I go again, thinking everyone wants to know all about my junk in my life.

In Soul to Soul by Gary Zukav, I was taken to a new place in thought and spirit. After reading this book, I was able to take some of my "junk" in life and work on ways of letting it go or allowing myself to reflect on the situation to feel the feelings, and then release it. I have not perfected myself, but I have made progress from time to time. I’d like to pen an excerpt from his book:

"The thorns on a blackberry plant cover every surface- stems, leaves, and even the bases of the flowers. They all point down the vine in the same direction so that one catches you (and if one does, many others usually do) you must stop immediately and gently move in the direction that the thorns are growing to release yourself. If you try to pull away, the thorns will not let you go. They dig in deeper and, if you don’t stop, they will tear flesh.
Picking berries without getting caught on the thorns, and knowing how to release yourself when you do, is part of a learning experience that has more value than putting berries on the table. How many times have you gotten caught in a circumstance, tried to pull away without taking time to assess your situation, and been injured? Sometimes your circumstances will not release until you stop, relax, and move with the flow."

I hope you take the time to review this book and allow yourself to be taught to go with the flow. Other books by Gary Zukav are:

• The Seat of the Soul
• The Heart of the Soul
• Soul Stories
• The Mind of the Soul
• Soul to Soul Meditations

Beth F.
Boardwalk Branch