Healthy Living in Other People's Words

I find life to be, on the most part, an easily traveled path. I trundle along, taking care of myself and regularly checking in on those who matter most to me. Occasionally, an unexpected interaction with other people or events can shake things up a bit. And believe me, when this happens I sometimes feel as though life is as difficult a summit to ascend as Mount Olympus. My day-to-day life is as stress-less as possible due, in large part, to explorations I've taken into healthy living. So I thought I'd take a moment to share with you 5 books I regularly consult for a healthy mind, body, and spirit.

1. An Open Heart: Practicing Compassion in Everyday Life, by the Dalai Lama.

• I studied a wee bit of Eastern Philosophy in University many years ago now. There are parts of some established religions that I find compelling but the Dalai Lama's Buddhist teachings on compassion are unparalleled. It's not that compassion isn't readily heralded in most religions as being one of the greatest virtues one can hold. It's that the Dalai Lama offers an inspiring guide to the practical application of such a path. When you help others, you do indeed help yourself.

2. Feeling Fat, Fuzzy, or Frazzled, by Richard and Karilee Shames.

• The problem with leading a stressed, work-filled, play-less life is that you run the risk of wearing out your body's physical ability to take care of itself. Loads of people feel exhausted, and loads of people are diagnosed with the ailment du siecle, Depression. I don't want to suggest that Depression is a figment of our collective imaginations, I don't believe that at all and I wouldn't want to devalue anyone's life experience because of it. However, for many others they have simply overtaxed the delicate hormonal balance between the Thyroid, Adrenal, and Reproductive glands. This book helps you identify what your potential Endocrine deficiency may be and recommends advice on what you need to know, need to do, and how to work along with your General Practitioner or Naturapathic Doctor to alleviate those horrible symptoms. This book has changed my life.

3. A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose, by Eckhart Tolle.

• Eckart Tolle is my favorite of today's Spiritual Advisors. His lessons on focusing on the present and working toward elimination of ego-based thought patterns have left me the most powerfully happy individual I have ever been. I am a work in progress so I continually consult this book for little reminders. A rewarding life exists in the "Now" so I'm embracing it all.

4. The 100-Mile Diet: A Year of Local Eating, by Alisa Smith and J.B. Mackinnon.

• Though I have never undertaken the monumental effort of eating local for a year, I must admit this book has the potential to inspire the idea in even the most doubtful. The lesson is clear: a simple, urban pioneering life can only, ultimately, lead to a healthier people and earth. I find the idea of getting back to basics quite an endearing prospect. I long to grow my own food, can it, gift it, store it. I've promised myself to visit the Farmer's Markets every weekend this year. I'm starting small.

5. Eat Pray Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert.

• I find myself cringing at the idea of promoting such a popular book. But I can't help but embrace a book that covers three of my main obsessions: Food, Spirituality, and Love. And the author explores these over three different countries! Reading it is like eavesdropping on a stranger's travelogue adventure and honestly, observing someone else struggle with and come to terms with failings and successes will leave you wishing the story continued. It will also leave you desiring and learning the same for yourself.

These books have all struck a very deep and resonant chord in my life. If you choose to pick up one or two I hope they can do the same. I wish you Compassion, Energy, Consciousness, Health, and Adventure in all that you do.