Resources

There are so many books out there with information and advice about your physical health, emotional well-being or lifestyle–some are really good, and some…not so much. Trust me, I’ve read lots of both. In an effort to add more resources and value to this site, I’m sharing some of my favorite reads. Some are timeless books that I go to over and over again, and others are serving up just what I need in the moment. I hope you find them useful. Enjoy!

Recipes for Self-Healing by Daverick Leggett

This is the best book I’ve seen on nutrition from an Eastern perspective, and is my go to reference when it comes to Chinese food therapy. In his book, Daverick Leggett simply and clearly lays out the foundations of healing with food. His explanations are clear, accessible, and come from a place of nourishing each of your body’s elements.  In the early sections of his book, Leggett offers up background information with clear reasons for each recommendation. The latter half of the book includes over a hundred recipes that  are easy to make and use familiar ingredients. The descriptions of each recipe’s healing actions help readers choose those that are best suited to their health. Leggett debunks the myth of good and bad foods, and instead highlights the importance of listening to what your body needs and enjoying the foods you eat. I’ve had Recipes for Self-Healing for years, and every time I refer back to it, I find more information–and more reasons to love this book!

When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chodron

I picked this book up after the death of my 28 year-old son almost two years ago. I was looking for a lifeline, and what I found was a book of beautifully written wisdom on coping during difficult times. Chodron is an American Buddist nun, teacher at Gampo Abbey is Nova Scotia, and author of several books. I found this to be one of those books that I had to read in small bites. I found myself getting through a few pages and having to put the book down for several days to process the insights that Chodron puts forward. Reading When Things Fall Apart felt like a very loving friend was walking with me through my sadness, giving me a reality check and at the same time times gently offering me compassion and solid advice. Chodron acknowledges that all of us face despair, fear, and hard times in life and this book gives us the tools to cope. I highly recommended this source of guidance and insight to anyone going through a tough time.

The Chemistry of Calm by Henry Emmons

Emmons is a psychiatrist who works to help people integrate natural therapies into their treatment of mental health disorders. For people with anxiety or chronic worriers, this book is a game changer. Emmons offers an alternative to pharmaceutical treatments, but doesn’t rule them out. Instead, he describes natural ways to treat anxiety, that include nutrition, supplementation, mindfulness, and meditation–all as a path to cultivate calm and resilience. Emmons explainins how foods affect your brain chemistry, discusses aligning with nature, promotes mindfulness and meditation to slow down your mind, and talks about compassion as a way of cultivating self-acceptance. Based on solid science and deep perception, Emmons gives the reader the tools for resolving their anxiety and restoring their physical and emotional health.