What's On Your Nightstand?
When I interviewed activist Frances Moore Lappé for my book, Your Truest Self, she revealed to me that she was a "Nightstand Buddhist." Meaning, most of her understanding of spiritual life in that moment came through reading.
I fell in love with that term. And it sure made me think.
What would my nightstand say about me should a stranger walk into my bedroom and take a look? What books would the intruder find?
Here's the skinny on my stack:
Peace Pilgrim: Her Life and Works in Her Own Words
Turning the Mind into an Ally by Sakyong Mipham
The Wisdom of Listening by Mark Brady
The Joy Book by Ingrid Goff-Maidoff
Be An Island: The Buddhist Practice of Inner Peace by Ayya Khema
Truthfully, I cannot believe I have this many books going at once! Perhaps the intruder would think I am a bit overstimulated, or just plain looney tunes ...
Along with the stack of books, there are eye drops and the ever-present glass of water (to ease dry eye/dry mouth syndrome). Also a pen and small notebook to capture middle of the night inspiration—the pages are empty, by the way. Then there's a tag from a new sweater from TJ Maxx, a heart shaped frame with a picture of my three children, a miniature laughing Buddha, and a tiny Asian-inspired box. (BTW, my nightstand looks nothing like the lovely one in the photo above. Wish I had that one instead.)
So what would your nightstand say about you? What are you reading these days?
(Image courtesy of http://childrenfurniturebeds.com)
I'd love to hear because I am always on the prowl for a new mind-opening book ... as if I need one more. :-)
(Image courtesy of http://childrenfurniturebeds.com)
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28 comments:
You asked and I, like you have a stack :-).
"The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein. A wonderful book! I will be reading all of his others now.
"Calling in the One" by Katherine Woodward Thomas-I just started this work book, but I can tell it is amazing already.
"Ask and it is Given" by Esther and Jerry Hicks-This book is always close by. I have read it for years.
And last is a book just given me
called "The Alienist" by Caleb Carr
The verdict is out on this one as I am only on page 10 :-).
My bedside books include new gems and old favorites:
I just started "Your Truest Self" and I am savoring each page.
A friend sent me "A Summer All Her Own" by Rosanne Keller and it's off to a good start.
"Everyday Grace" by Marianne Williamson has worked its way to the top again, a book I read and read again.
I am slowly making my way through "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron, a book that challenges me to tap my creativity.
On the advice of writers I admire I bought a copy of "If You Want To Write" by Brenda Ueland, and I have flipped through but haven't really started reading yet.
oooh, thanx for sharing your current read list, i believe the best way to find new reading material is to see what those whose thoughts you resonate with are reading
i used to be able to absorb many books on the go at once, but lately i have to take them one at a time - a process of simplification
on my nightstand are two books, one i am currently reading: "Spiritual Intelligence-A new way of being" by Brian Draper
and the book I'm reading next: "Your Truest Self"
:-)
Well I always like reading fiction and am currently working my way through the Marcus Didius Falco books again (by Lindsey Davis). Currently reading Last Act in Palmyra.
Also reading Shakti Mantras by Thomas Ashley Ferrand which is about discovering the divine feminine within through Vedic chant.
Also on my bedside table is my Moleskine journal which I write in before sleep every night and my Sigg bottle for midnight dehydration.
And my Lumie daylight alarm clock which is an essential in the UK at this time of year!
A tall red lamp casting the right reading light, the latest issue of More magazine, Sue Monk Kidd's new memoir Traveling with Pomegranates, and Rockin' in Time, the textbook for a class I'm taking, plus the ever present notebook and pen.
P.S. Now Jan, your notebook pages are empty with all that inspiring reading going on? Hm, have you snuck a chick lit or romance novel in there that you're not telling us!
Annie,
Marvelous selections. The only one I am familiar with is the Hicks book. Thank you for these offerings!
Sharon,
Oh, too kind. I am glad you are finding my book helpful. ;-) M. Williamson's books are definitely up for the "re-read now and again" award. Good stuff! And the Artist's Way is a perennial fave, for sure. Such soulful reading!
Kel,
I always use to read just one at a time from cover to cover before starting another. I wonder when all that changed? Hmmmm....It does bode for greater serenity, I imagine. The Draper book sounds marvelous! And I do hope you enjoy YTS. :-) I'll be eager to hear your thoughts...
I love seeing what everyone is reading!!! I've read and loved several of those listed...the Sue Monk Kidd memoir I just finished...loveley. Right now, I am reading:
*Second Journey - the Road Back to Yourself by Joan Anderson (enjoying it very much)
*The Case for God by Karen Armstrong (haven't started yet but loved her spiritual memoir - Spiral Staircase I think it was called)
*Steering by Starlight by Marth Beck (just started, not sure if it will be "me")
*Emily's Ghost: A novel of the Bronte Sisters (gotta have a novel, too!)
Like you Jan I have quite a pile of books!
29 Gifts (Cami Walker)
Art is a spiritual Path (Pat B Allen)
The Wisdom of No Escape (Pema Chodron)
Illness and Health In the Jewish Tradition (Edited by David Freeman and Judith Abrams)
The Language of Truth (Arthur Green)
To Bless the Space Between Us (John O'Donohue)
Letters to Sam (Daniel Gottlieb)
Praying with Body and Soul (Jane Vennard)
Yoga: The Spirit and Practice of Moving Into Stillness (Erich Schiffmann)
Shift (Tammy Vitale)
The Sacred Art of Listening (Kay Lindahl)
Bright Side of the Road (Anne Marie Bennett)
Sacred Circles (Robin Deen Carnes and Sally Craig)
God in Search of Man (Abraham Joshua Heschel)
Whistling in the Dark (Lesley Kagen)
I love all of these books, but I realize that maybe it's time to tidy up my nightstand!
blessings,
Laura
Laura - The Eric Shiffmann book is one of my all time favourites! Such a wonderfully inspiring book
Rachel,
A most interesting list! I am definitely in the market for a new fiction book so I am getting lots of ideas here. :-) Kudos to you for writing in your journal--so important! What is a Lumie daylight alarm clock?
Joanne,
I am so eager to read the Kidd book. Did you like it? Actually, I keep putting it off because I want to savor it through and through--I do love her work! I don't do chick lit but do love good fiction and am more than ready for some. I actually did have moments of pure inspiration in the middle of the night last night which I should have gotten up and written down but didn't. Now, alas, they are gone--not even a memory. Sigh...I admire folks who can get up and record the Muse. I bet you do!
Jan, here is a link
www.lumie.com
Basically they make, amongst other things, alarm clocks that wake you with a simulated sunrise. At this time of year I have to get up before natural sunrise and these clocks help so much!
My nightstand has a book of crossword puzzles (as well as the necessary pencil and, sadly, an eraser as well.
I also have a copy of Radiant Body, Restful Mind, A Woman's Book of Comfort by Shubhra Krishan and the autobiography of Michael J. Fox entitled Lucky Man. An excellent read, by the way.
In addition, I have a bottle of Rescue Remedy because I just went through a break-up. *sigh*
Two of my favourite handbags sit on one end together with some bottles of perfume and a bit of jewellery deposited after the last wearing.
The obligatory reading light sits in the middle. It's a bit nightstand that doubles as a bureau.
I also have an empty pad of paper for my Letters to God. I think it's time I wrote another one...
Oh yes....I also have a clock radio and a cup of hot water.
I forgot about the alarm clock...Freudian, no?
Twila,
Oh, I do need to get the SMKidd book. Do I dare splurge or go to the library and put my name on the list....And I keep running into more people who are reading Joan Anderson's book. Must check that one out. I loved the first. Your other choices sound grand too. Enjoy and thanks for sharing!
Laura,
My, what a big list! We have some in common. The Schiffman book, Vennard, and, of course, John O'Donohue. I love this book and often use it for random meditation/relaxation, esp. before sleep. I've read everything by Pema Chodron. So thanks for all these new leads. Delicious!
Rachel,
I love the idea of this alarm clock. Thank you so much for the link! xo We have such gray days in MI this time of year and it's dark so late in the a.m. and dark so early at night. It wears on one. Alas, I should move to a brighter clime....:-)
On my nightstand is only one thing...music. We love listening in our final nite hours.
In the nightstand a few books. That's it. I keep my bedroom clean and uncluttered and like it that way.
My bedside table books are:
"The Shift" by Owen Waters - just finished
"The Sky Begins At Your Feet" by Caryn Mirriam- Goldberg - currently enjoying very much
Next ones to read are:
"Peace Is Every Step" by Thich Nhat Hanh and
"The Places That Scare You A Guide to Fearlessness in Difficult Times" by Pema Chodron.
The table by my bed also holds my clock radio set for 0520 everyday and my favorite picture, the persecuted Christ being held by an angel, this is the first thing I see in the morning and the last thing I see before I close my eyes for the night.
I also have a notebook and a pencil there. I write down my dreams when I wake up (and sometimes during the night) then I journal them in with reflections later.
You asked and I will share.
I am always reading a number of books. Maybe strange habit. At the moment -
Everyday Suchness by Gyomay M. Kubose, God Makes The Rivers To Flow by Eknath Easwaran, Peace I Every Step by Thich Nhat Hanh, Bible - glass of water, eyedrops and mouthdrops for dry condition, clock, lamp and cell phone and flashlight - since I live on a rural farm. Also pad and pencil for thoughts that might arise in the night. There are also many books piled on the table by my chair in greatroom.
My nightstand's story.
At a glance it would say that I am a neat-freak, a nighttime reader and writer.
The smallest straw hat from my collection sits on the lamp shade to help defuse the light.
My notebook is there too, with a pen snuggled in the spiral binding. It catches my can't-sleep thoughts.
A small colorful teapot from my kitchen collection for loose change.
A lavender-scented candle in a glass wrapped in plaited raffia.
The large open space beneath is bed to my basket, which holds a small dictionary, my bible, my journal, a pencil case with extra pens and the books I am currently reading:
The Art of the Moment by Veronique Vienne
A Writer's Space: Make Room to Dream, to Work, to Write by Eric Maisel
Beyond the Words by Bonnie Goldberg
Fondling Your Muse by John Warner
Like you Jan, I often read three to four books at a time.
Jan, I love this! ;) I adore the look of the nightstand in the photo! I don't exactly have one but I do have my 'in the works writing pad' next to my bed and soon I'll have my loving desk!
So, I can imagine what mine looks like if I neatly arranged what I have >here:
definitely, my daily *sacred journal
a pen (that doesn't ink up!) lol
my fav. books right now (some re-reads!)
*Anam Cara by John O'donohue (a great man of celtic spirituatity/hospitality)
*The Far Pavilions by M.M. Kaye
(my adoring of India coming through!)
*pictures of those I love! in a mini album
*a few of my fav. gemstones
*my visual book of imagery (living into rich possibilities) ;)
just a glimpse of my world ;)
*a glass of water for calm spirit (I am seeking more clarity lately!)
I am a nightstand pilgrim too. As a newspaper columnist, I often receive review copies from publishers, and often make new discoveries that way. Right now, in no particular order, I have "Traveling with Pomegranates" by Sue Monk Kidd, "Thinking About Memoir," by Abigail Thomas, "Women Writing for a Change," by Mary Pierce Brosmer, several art books, and my faithful copy of Sarah Ban Breathnach's "Simple Abundance." I won't even name all the magazines!
Hi Jan .. "my nightstand" .. is full, my table downstairs is full, my study is full, my spare bedroom is full - all books to read, to reference .. and I've recently bought books on poetry to read to my mother, stories, trails, etc around Cornwall - which she loves.
I constantly cut out articles of journals The Week, newspapers when I buy, so I have a range of topics to talk to her about.
I have cookery books galore .. love cooking, don't do much - but rarely cook the same thing if I'm entertaining.
Reference books .. oodles .. and recently a few recommendations from blogging friends - I'd love to get more - but for now .. The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying – Sogyal Rinpoche – recommended by Nadia of Happy Lotus; Original Faith – What your Life is trying to tell you by Paul Maurice Martin – a special blogger with an important thought for us to think abou – his life is not easy (Original Faith – blog); Anatomy of a Spirit by Caroline Myss – recommended by Liara Cover of DreamBuilders Australia;
Personally I loved this story of Africa “Thoughts in a Makeshift Mortuary” by Jenny Hobbs – extremely evocative, telling of Africa, a tale of white and coloured, a tale of struggle, a resultant hope. Rory Stewart’s “The Places in Between” - his moving account of his walk across Afghanistan in January 2002 .. an extremely interesting and relevant book at this time.
Thanks – Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
What a fun thing to contemplate, and even more fun to read what others have on their nightstands!
I have a night shelf (I don't like too much furniture on the floor --- a feng shui thing or maybe a cleanliness thing). On it is one Byron Katie book, a Buddha statue, an old fashioned alarm clock, my cat's ashes in a nice little container, and a wooden box that my brother brought me back from Spain when I was a kid, filled with coins.
Two feet away from that on the dresser is the book you sent me, which I'm nearly done with, and LOVE. (smile)
I love that term too! My nightstand has lavender spray and handcream, (helps me sleep) and I have a stack too - various stages of completion and all with abundant sticky notes - Kornfield's "After Ecstasy the Laundry, Popov's Pace of Grace, As Above,So Below by Ronald S.Miller and New Age Magazine, several issues of Body and Soul magazine, Artists Magazine, a dream journal, a rough draft notebook for midnight blog ideas and on the floor, (no room on top!) another stack of books! Gosh, sounds messy!
Carolynn,
Oooh, I am so sorry to hear about the break-up. May you hold your heart tenderly. I will hope that all your wonderful reading choices provide some comfort, along with R.Remedy (I have GOT to get some), and what sounds like feminine deliciousness (purses and jewelry). May you take good care of you! (The Krishan book sounds wonderful.)
Tess,
I keep my space pretty clutter free like you. Does help create more peaceful sleep. Music is sooo nice too. :-) Enjoy.
Julie,
Your books sound like they will promote positive sleep and dreaming. May that notepad capture all your dreams. May the picture soothe your heart. :-)
One Woman,
Such soulful chooses, any number I would make for myself. I love Eswaren. :-) Age calls, and many of us seem to need drops and water nearby. Ah, acceptance....
Hi Jan .. I see you use Rescue Remedy .. we have for 30 years now - my mother first found it.
I've been using the cream on my Mum since she's been in the Nursing Centre .. and found the other day some lip balm, and a spray .. as she is nil by mouth .. and it goes against the National Health grain .. I don't buck that system .. but I use the cream and now the two additional elements - the lip balm on her lips, which she loves, and the spray I'm using on her hair for an allergy.
Just wondered if you had these new products in the States?
Thanks - Hilary
Cheryl,
I bet being a neat freak, as you say, creates a more peaceful place to sleep! Many of us could follow your lead with this one. :-) Besides the book you are reading and your trusty notebook, I appreciate the ambience of sacred space you have created for yourself, teapot included!
Jen,
Such a lovely setting you describe, just like Cheryl. The gemstones and photos sound like joy incarnate. Your reading selections are stellar and you remind me that I just might like to read "Pavillions." I am in the market for a tome like this one.
I am amazed how many people here have writing implements and journals by their bed. Terrific!
Cindy,
I LOVE the term you use: Nightstand Pilgrim. That is exactly what I feel like, and I think it is safe for speak for many others too. We venture out into sacred places and time to capture a glimpse of our truest self. Wonderful!
I just started the Kidd book last night. Oh, my heart is dancing on the roof. So happy this book makes me. I really needed this one right now. SMK always reminds me of another little neglected part of me--urging me onward toward wholeness and sacred living in yet another simple way...Plus my beloved Mary is there. :-) Sighs of delight. I will not want this book to end.
Hilary,
My, you ARE a bookwoman! Me, too, but perhaps not as much as you. I do tell my husband though that someday I would love a house with a real formal library, with ceiling to floor bookcases, complete with ladder. :-) Very British, eh? I appreciate the variety of reading you enjoy. You seem very well read... (I do think our co-op carries the other RR items, I will have to check them out. Thank you for the reminder.)
Megan,
Very nice balance between your nightstand items, I would say. :-) Yes, Feng Shui, and it promotes sleep. Glad you are enjoying Perfect Love. :-) So nice to hear. So many people love the Katie book, don't they? What kind of Buddha statue do you have there?
SuZen,
You seem to have the same "success" formula that so many others do. And, isn't lavender anything great? It works for me. Love the Kornfield book. Thanks for sharing these other fine reads...
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