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Tuesday, January 22, 2013

2 Books of Influence


Words I Choose to Live By

I have found two books that have helped me deal with my fears regarding my place in the world and how to manage that place with peace and love.

One book is The Epicurus Reader: Selected Writings and Testimonials translated and edited by Brad Inwood and L.P. Gerson (Hackett Publishing Inc. 1994). This book focuses on the Ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus (341BC-270BC). The premise and purpose of his philosophy was to attain happiness through tranquility in life. By meeting with students in a garden and including women students Epicurus stood apart from the other schools of thought of the era. Experiencing the richness of everyday things such as eating and walking one can discover the connection to the naturalness of living.

The Second book is The Art of Peace by Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of the martial art of Aikido. This is a book of instructions through contemplations and a philosophy that love is the root of warriors. Morihei Ueshiba (1883–1969) was the founder of Aikido. At age eighteen, Ueshiba joined the Japanese military, during which time he also developed his skills in the martial arts. He eventually left the military, deeply discouraged by the death and destruction that result from combat. Ueshiba continued to experiment with a variety of martial arts, finding particular joy in the spiritual aspects of martial arts. He came to believe that a real warrior was one who was rooted in love, and it was in this spirit that he began to develop Aikido, a martial art that emphasizes harmony and the peaceful resolution of conflict (Google Books, 2010).

Both books address harmony of mind, body, and spirit. Mindfulness is a skill and practice that can aid in recovery and emotional balance.

Nicole Black

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