Friday, January 28, 2005

Recommendation for Joyous Daily Inspirations

Sometime last year, I happened onto a used copy of "Simple Abundance - A Daybook of Comfort and Joy" by Sarah Ban Breathnach. It's a pretty hardback book of 366 inspirations for women. Turns out it was a New York Times bestseller in 1995.

The backcover blurb gushes, "In the past, a woman's spirituality has been separated from her lifestyle. Simple Abundance shows you how your daily life can be an expression of your authentic self...as you choose the tastiest vegetables from your garden, search for treasures at flea markets, establish a sacred space in your home for meditation (prayer?) and follow the rhythms of the seasons and the year. Here, for the first time, the mystical alchemy of style and Spirit is celebrated."

Flowery, sacchrine words. Almost made me dump the book. But I gave it a chance....thank God. It's glorious. I bought myself a brand-new copy at Borders for 2005.

The author is a Christian, although you don't need to be Christian to enjoy it. She's a gifted, creative writer who's a girlfriend. She knows us. She's a self-confessed former "workaholic, careaholic and perfectionist." She'd made money and worldly success the center of her chaotic life.

Writing this book in the mid-1990s changed her ways. In her intro, she says that as the book evolved "from creating a manageable lifestyle into living in a state of grace, I began to barely recognize the woman I once was."

She adds and I agree,"Simple Abundance has reminded me what to do with a few loaves and fishes and has shown me how to spin straw into gold. Simple Abundance has given me the transcendent awarenesss that an authentic life is the most personal form of prayer. Everyday life has become my prayer."


I recommend this joyous book for every woman. It will soothe your soul, grow your gratitude and compassion, and cause you to more fully appreciate the details of everyday life. It's done that for me. I think that has a name....Holy Spirit.

Check out Sarah Ban Breathnach's website, too....Simple Abundance.

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