Sweet Labor of Love

I met Robyn at a book swap. We had to bring cookies. Being as domestic as I am, I brought Chips Ahoy, she brought these nice homemade ones ;) Well, one taste of those and we were sold, not only me, who you know am a sweet tooth, but my friend who usually hates anything that may seem healthy at all. He loved her cookies! Preferred them over any of the store-bought ones! Pretty much that's like saying a kid ate broccoli, loved it and wants more!

Well, later I found out Robyn has a cookbook! And today I found out that not only does she have a cookbook, but ALL THE PROCEEDS GO TO THE ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION. Not some... ALL!

From the book’s site: http://thecookbook.ning.com/

“The cookbook - WARMING FOODS FOR COOLER WEATHER by Robyn Rubenstein - offers delicious (mostly vegetarian) recipes that promote brain health, with all proceeds donated to the Alzheimer's Association.”

You can check it out at:

http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/warming-foods-for-cooler-weather/6610444

Truly, this is a selfless labor of love that should really be getting more attention. She’s really trying to promote healthy eating yet tasty (and I’ve tried the cookies and I can verify it’s not one of those sounds good but it’s really not type of things ;P), and at the same time it’s helping the Alzheimer’s association, a cause close to her heart.  

Good, good for you and good for others. In all ways, beneficial! Check it out! :)

The Cata-list: Enlightening Reads

Ready to take the next step that’ll bring you closer to your goals?

Then you’re ready for the Catalyst list:

8 great reads that’ll entertain and inpsire

If you're like me, you've read lots of books of the self-improvement, spiritual, healing genre. However, you are always looking for more to feed your mind and soul. Many go by and leave not a dent in our lives. Then, there are those few that actually change us, those are the catalysts. Those that bring a warm feeling to our hearts and memories to our heads when we hear the title or author mentioned. So here is my catalyst list, in no particular order:

      1. The Artist's Way  

by Julia Cameron

Sure, some of the exercises seem too hokey and pop-psychology to work, but if you commit to actually doing the tasks assigned, you'll be glad you did your homework by the unfolding events that follow in your life. By the way, despite its title, this book is definitely not just for artists.

     2. The Mind Body Prescription

by Dr John Sarno   

Ok, so this one's not as much spiritual as it is medical/psychological self-help for dealing with physical pain. If you're reading this thinking "Gimme a break!" Well, why don't you follow through just like John Stossel did and actually give it a chance? You'll be surprised! This one has medical research to prove it. This author is an MD who works at the NYU Medical Center. This is for the Doubting Thomases within us all. If you're more logical and/or skeptical, this is the book for you. This book does not ask you to believe in fairies, affirmations or energies unseen. This one will prove to that side of your brain what it needs to know to appease its doubts.   

3.  The Reconnection

by Eric Pearl

This book is geared more towards the mystical side but the author demystifies energy healing, with a bit of humor no less. This is for those of us out there who are beyond fear-based teachings regarding this subject.

      4.  The Circle  

by Laura Day 

Short book that in a few steps helps you uncover hidden self-sabotage and thereby allowing the real magic of embodying your New Reality come to pass.

5.  The Way of the Wizard

 by Deepak Chopra 

One of Deepak's first, before he became a huge star! Through the story of Arthur and Merlin, you're guided through different steps or episodes that lead you to a more peaceful and happy state.

6.  The Celestine Prophecy

by James Redfield

I admit it. Even I had reluctance to read this novel. Let’s just say if you see it often, pick it up before it hits you on the head. It’ll reach you when the time is right.  

7. Siddharta

by Herman Hesse 

Classic. The surrounding peace of this journey is a welcome  retreat anytime.   

8. Daily Guidance from your Angels

by Doreen Virtue   

Trust me, just a quick blink through one of the pages with the thought of the day and you'll start to shift your consciousness into being kinder to yourself, and therefore to others. Everyone wins!   

This list is not all-inclusive and I’m sure you have your favorite catalyst book. If you’d like to pick up other enlightening and transformative reads, you may want to look up titles by favorites such as Wayne Dyer, Osho, C.S. Lewis, Shakti Gawain, Louise Hay, among many others.

Every author is truly inspired to bring the best to us by reminding us of the magic we can create when uniting the mystical and realistic in our lives, cause after all, as said best by Sarah Ban Breathnach: "The world needs dreamers, the world needs doers, but above all the world needs dreamers that do." We should think of ourselves not only "as seekers, but rather finders". You know there won't be one cover-it-all book with the answers to all your inquisitive mind/heart/soul wants and needs to know and grow.  However, each little piece helps us on our journeys.

May these books bring you as much insight and joy as they've brought me.