The Stack of Books at my Bedside Table

I try to read at night instead of watch TV so that I can fill my brain with good thoughts before sleep.   I am a chronic over-thinker so I can’t put my head on the pillow and pass out.  So I have a stack of books near my bed that I reach for to help me fall asleep.  I avoid heavy books, nothing scary or so compelling that I need to finish it before I sleep.  Moreover, I read inspirational books, yes they come from the "self-help" section of the bookstore.  Let's just call them "wellness" books.  :)

I've gone through phases with the stack over the years.  It used to include fashion and interior design magazines and books.  Then, over the last 10+ years the stack evolved to include “The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying," books about the neuroscience of the brain and it's connection to consciousness and books by Pema Chondron.   I guess my aging brain craves to understand and make sense of the changing and uncertain world around us.  In those same years, I lost my father to stroke, I had 3 children and we saw significant change in politics from Bush to Obama and now Trump. 

Every book in my stack has given me the perfect bit of wisdom that I was looking for. 

My most recent edition to the stack is “When Breath Becomes Air”. I have to say I was a bit nervous about reading the book because I already knew the sad ending. Yet, when I read it, I was so deeply

impressed by the writing and the thoughts and the feelings it evoked in me.  Without giving it all away, one of the poignant messages I gained from this book was, to enjoy the simple pleasures in front of you: the smile or laugh from the ones you love, time with family, watching a sun set.  If you haven’t already read this book, you need to add it to your list.  

May you enjoy the simplicity of your day and have the gift of time to read through your own stack of books. 

Hope to see you for a workout soon.  

Best, 

Barb