A colleague recommended this book and I now pass on the suggestion to you, my readers.  It is a fascinating exploration of depression and anxiety from a socio-cultural lens.  I learned a lot and many themes resonated with my personal experiences and those of the clients I serve.  It seems that we might need to rethink our assumptions about the causes of these conditions and to develop new ways of approaching treatment. Lost Connections - Johann Hari  

The Artist's Way is a well-known and well-respected book and course for cultivating creativity in our lives.  I love how this book walks you through a framework that allows a personalized exploration of what art and creativity mean to you and how you can expand on those experiences.  This is a valuable tool - art and creativity can be essential practices in processing our emotional lives - both celebrating the positives and working with the challenges. Countless others have expressed appreciation for Julia Cameron's work and how it helped them to reconnect…

  This month's recommended reading is new to me, but not new to the world.  Gavin De Becker is a security specialist and he published the first version of this book in 1997.  My mother suggested it to me a few months ago; I hesitated to read it at first, but in the end found the information quite valuable. It is a surprising page turner that offers insight into how we can avoid trauma and violence by paying attention to the warning signs around us.  I worried at first…

Recently, I was fortunate to learn of the author Toni Bernhard and her inspiring works on chronic illness. Ms. Bernhard writes from a Buddhist perspective on practices that she has found helpful in dealing with her own sudden and debilitating chronic condition.  She writes with compassion for her own situation and a beautiful grace regarding her current limitations.  A grace that she acknowledges has taken her time and consistent effort to achieve.  A grace that still fluctuates. If you are looking for a resource on some new ideas…