books | A TABLE FOR ONE

Second step towards Valentine’s Day on your own. Explore things you love to do. Expand the meaning of the day, to include some of the activities you enjoy most. I love flowers and the way they brighten the environment, even at the many stalls throughout the city. Particularly in winter, I notice them even more, as they burst out against the grey backdrop of the streets and sky. Why not treat yourself to a bouquet on Valentine’s Day? Don’t wait for someone else to give you roses! Challenge yourself to look at things differently.

“Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns. I am thankful that thorns have roses.” Alphonse Karr

Roses, roses, roses

While roses give such pleasure, so do books! Grab your favorite books on the topic of love and tuck into one, in celebration of the holiday. Enjoy a “refresh” on the subject of love. I keep some of my favorite books nearby at all times. A recent addition to my collection is “A Breviary of Psalms, Pictures & Poems”, written by my friend, Father Timothy Brown, S.J. Filled with beautiful reflections, it’s another inspirational and thought provoking book of his that illuminates new ways to understand love and life. Here’s one of his selected poems:

Reading and roses

The Early Morning

The moon on the one hand, the dawn on the other: The moon is my sister, the dawn is my brother. The moon on my left and the dawn on my right. My brother, good morning: my sister, good night.

Hilare Belloc

Incorporate the notion that the world around us offers endless beauty everyday and it’s easy to find ways to celebrate love in many forms. Not just through the people we love, but through the beauty of art, books, music, poetry, prayer, food, even nature itself. Love encompasses all things.

A simply wonderful way to approach Valentine’s Day as it arrives as “A Table For One.”

There are times that you may find yourself alone for a myriad of different reasons. It may be brief, or it could be longer-lasting. Perhaps from the loss of a good friend or loved one. There will be profound moments in everyone’s life, and sometimes, it helps to know that there are many resources you can reach to.

“Good friends, good books and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life.” Mark Twain

I’ve found that reading is a mainstay. Yes of course, for pleasure, news and information, but in addition, a really good book can also help guide you through the more difficult times you will encounter on your life’s journey.

Transitions

William Bridge’s book, “the way of transition” is exactly that. It’s an incredibly deep and honest exploration of his own loves and losses. His perspective “embracing life’s most difficult moments” is uplifting and hopeful. By sharing his own experiences so truthfully, he manages to take you with him. At the same time, he gives you powerful ways to reflect on and accept your own individual trials and tribulations.

A good friend of mine recommended this book to me, when I was going through an especially difficult transition of my own. It was truly inspirational. And ever since that first reading, I’ve kept this book at the front of my bookshelf. Any time I feel daunted by the events happening in my own life, I reach for it!

Reading is certainly one of the best things you can do on your own. In fact, for the most part, it’s a uniquely solo activity! Reaching for a truly good book to help guide you when you feel a bit lost, yields great rewards. Don’t hesitate to do it…that’s “A Table For One” moment.

A TABLE FOR ONE

THE ART OF "BEING" ON YOUR OWN

Tag Archives: books

Reading and Roses

Transitions