♥ Wednesday Favorites: Books; "The Tao of Pooh" & "The Te of Piglet" ♥

Almost a year ago I picked up the book "The Tao of Pooh" after having heard about the book a few times before deciding to finally pick it up (I was sold on the fact it's printed on recycled paper ^_^).  It was a simple and fun little book and an easy and fun read. 

The author, Benjamin Hoff, is incredibly inspiring and points out the basic principles of Taoism through A.A. Milne's long-loved characters of the Hundred Acre Wood. Throughout the inspiring read, we are joined by Pooh Bear, Piglet, Rabbit, Owl, Tigger, Eeyore, Kanga and Roo at various points as they interact with Hoff as he writes his book. To expand upon his points, Hoff also uses quotes and excerpts from Milne's beloved books Winnie-the-Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner, as well as various prominent Taoist texts, from authors such as Laozi and Zhuangzi. 

It was also surprising to see how actually complex and diverse the characters of Winnie-the-Pooh actually are and just how much they have to teach us. For example, Eeeyore is the eternal pessimist who complains and frets and is unable to just be. Owl and Rabbit over-complicate problems by over-thinking and over-analyzing. Tigger thinks he can do anything. Meanwhile, Pooh Bear best just Is. Hoof regards Pooh's simpleminded nature and instinctive problem-solving methods as perfect representations of the Taoist philosophical foundation. 

It is humorous, delightful, and leaves you with a smile on your face. Not only is it fun and silly, but it is incredibly helpful as well. It introduces the basic principles of Taoism and teaches them with a western approach. I didn't know much about Taoism but found the principles make more sense to me than anything I've read before. And yet the ideologies are so simple and basic that you almost feel silly for not having just realized these things for yourself. It will inspire you to live your life simply, beautifully, with appreciation and love, and to follow "The Way." 

"The Te of Piglet" is the companion book to "The Tao of Pooh" and is another wonderful read. This books expands upon the concept of  'Virtue — of the small' presenting us with Piglet whom possesses great power, not only because he is small, but because he has a great heart. It also dives in deeper and gets more complex on the issues and problems of humanity and how they tend to get in the way of living in harmony with the Tao (or "Way"). It was written back in 1992 and yet reading it I felt like it should have been written yesterday. From our materialism, destruction of nature, economy over environment, war, political agendas, and society's ideologies, this book  is incredibly relevant, eye-opening, and informative. It is a slap in the face that rings truer today than ever before. 

And we are still joined, of course, by the quirky characters of the Hundred Acre Wood, for both entertainment and valuable tools to teach us about Taoism, in this endearing book about life, love, happiness, and Being. It is another easy read and even more insightful than the first book. 

I cannot say enough good things about both of these books. Simply put, they are Incredible! And they are Must-reads!  Benjamin Hoff is brilliant in his story-telling, his information, and, of course, his writing. But enough about my praise towards these two books, go pick up a copy and read for yourself! 

Peace & Love

xo

~Bianca 

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♥ Wednesday Favorites: Book; "Way of the Peaceful Warrior" ♥

I just started re-reading this book two days ago so I figured now would be a good time to share it with you. 

"Way of the Peaceful Warrior" by Dan Millman. 

In case you don't know, I am absolutely in love with this Book. It is my favorite. Ever. Why? Well, it's a fun read but it also changed my life. I'm not saying that it will change yours, but hey, who knows, it might. Regardless, it has so many amazing lessons to teach. It is from this book that I learned...

To live in the Here & Now.

That Happiness is Now. 

That "There are No Ordinary Moments."

The Paradoxes of the Mind; how it is our biggest downfall and distraction and how to be consciously aware of it and control it. (I really can't sum this lesson up in one line ~_^)

That "Stress happens when the Mind Resists what Is" (What you Resist, Persists).

To "Let feelings flow and then Let them Go."

That Change is a part of life and that we must embrace it rather than resist it. 

"Don't Resist Life, Just do your Best."

To have a sense of Humor and laugh and enjoy life instead of falling into predictable reactions and emotions. 

It is from this book I learned these key points of the book: 

Paradox, 

Humor, 

Change, 

Happiness. 

Which I have tattooed on my arm. Like I said, this book changed my life. Now I have the reminder on my arm of its teachings with me always. 

The book is a novel but it is based off of Dan Millman's real encounter with a mysterious character he names Socrates. Dan is an ordinary young man with a feeling that something is missing from his life, and I think it's a feeling that many of us can relate to which is why we are always chasing happiness and achievement. A chance encounter brings him to an all-night gas station where he meets Socrates, an eccentric old "warrior" who becomes his mentor and teacher on a long journey to enlightenment, life's larger meaning, and Happiness. 

The story is told with heart and humor that really reaches out to the reader. I found myself laughing out loud and brought to tears by this book, that is how powerful it is. Parts of it may feel like a slap in the face, but after you get past the mind you realize it's a good thing, it's a slap in the face to wake up and open your eyes.  

This book was recommended to me by someone who has had a huge influence in my life, so I am now recommending it to you. Like I said, you may not get as powerful an effect from it as I did, but hopefully you find it helpful and inspirational. I think that it is a book that everyone should read in their lives. 

Peace & Love

xo

~Bianca 

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Wednesday Favorites: "The Legacy" by David Suzuki

This Book is a MUST-READ for anyone and everyone!

It is so good that Cory, my sister, and myself all had it read in two to three days. You simply can't put it down! Cory (my husband) never reads, he prides himself that this is actually the first book he's ever Bought himself (lol), so that's saying something! 

David Suzuki is brilliant for so many reasons. His style of writing makes for an easy read, all while being incredibly informative, precise, and to the point. He pulls readers in with the urgent information he has to share and the realization we need to face regarding the tragedies we are inflicting on our home, Planet Earth. The information he provides is vital to our existence. He is upfront and honest. He is smart and wise. And he knows how to get his points across efficiently and effectively. 

"In his own lifetime, David Suzuki has witnessed an explosion of scientific knowledge as well as a huge change in our relationship with the planet — a tripling of the world's population, a greatly increased ecological footprint through the global economy, and a huge growth in technological capacity. These changes have had a dire effect on Earth's ecosystems and consequently on our own well-being.

To deal with this crisis, we must realize that the laws of nature have priority over the forces of economics and that the planet simply cannot sustain unfettered growth. We must also recognize the limits of scientific reductionism and the need to adopt a more holistic point of view. Perhaps most importantly, we must join together as a single species to respond to the problems we face. Suzuki ends by saying that change begins with each of us; all it takes is imagination and a faith in the inherent generosity of Mother Earth."

"The Legacy" is incredibly inspiring. If you must only read one book in your lifetime, this should be it. After reading it, you will WANT to help the Earth and will be given an insightful look on our society, our life, and our home (Earth).

Open your eyes. Read "The Legacy" and you will understand. 

Peace & Love,

xo

~Bianca

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