3 X 5's: Index Card Wisdom from Best of Books

  UNFORGETABLE Mary Balogh (2005). Simply Unforgetable . This is the second book in the "Simply" romance series by Balogh set in the English countryside and town/cities of Bath and London during the days of ladies and gentleman. Viscount Sinclair (Lucius Marshall) meets Frances Allard (a teacher at Miss Martin's school for girls) during a snowstorm on the road...they are stranded at an inn with only themselves as "guests" and have one glorious night together followed by frolic and fun in the snow the next day...they part ways thinking they will never see each other again, but she is unforgettable, and circumstances bring them together again and again until all obstacles from her past are removed and she agrees to marry...lessons of courage to pursue one's dreams and courage to let go and have fun are prominent. When was the last time you had fun? When did you last cut loose, frolic, play, and laugh with someone you love?...arrange a weekend (or day or after...

NOW Eckhart Tolle (1999). The Power of Now:                                             A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment While attending two universities, Tolle has no formal degrees...he is self-taught and bases his teachings on personal experience. Often there is a "pause" symbol (an elongated "S" shape with a dot at the center of the upper and lower curves) positioned in the center of the page following a paragraph, reminding the reader to pause and experience/reflect on the words. There is scant formal research cited in the book...Tolle draws on his own interpretation of the teaching of Jesus in the gospels and on other eastern religions (e.g., Buddhism, Hinduism) to support his ideas although he attempt to frame the ideas in somewhat "neutral" language. The thesis of the book is to "live in the now" by being present to the moment: the place of Bei...

PERCEPTUAL PROCESSES Dawna Markova (1991). The Art of the Possible:                                                    A Compassionate Approach to                                                  Understanding the Way People Think,                                                           Learn,  and Communicate. Markova (PhD in Psychology) is well known for her therapeutic work with clients. In this book she offers a compassionate approach to understanding how we (and others) process reality. Nearly every page...

DANGEROUS (slightly) Mary Balogh (2004). Slightly Dangerous. This is the last of Balogh's romantic novels in the "slightly series." In this novel, the serious Duke of Bewcastle (Wulfric) finds joy in his relationship with Christine Derrick, a simple but radiant and vibrant schoolmaster's daughter who lives life to the full in the present moment, often without regard for social convention. In time the Duke learns to enjoy himself, to do the unexpected, even to smile while still caring for the people in his charge, conveying his clever wit, and fulfilling his duties with the appropriate seriousness.  For me, the message is clear: live life to the full, believe in love, and follow your dreams. As a practice, plan and carry out something that you've always wanted to do but haven't got around to (for whatever reason)...aim for something small (not a big deal), that doesn't require money (ideally...or very little money), and doesn't take a long time to do (i...

BREATHE Dan Brule (2017). Just Breathe:                                       Mastering Brethwork for Success in                                Life, Love, Business, and Beyond. Brule was a medical deep sea diver in the Navy and holds a Master's degree in (?). His book is immensely practical with many breathwork activities, stories, and also a spiritual perspective on breathing.  The 21-day challenge near the end of the book includes a different breath practice every day for 21 days. There are many references/support from experts in the field of breathwork, including academics and well known individuals in the field like Wim Hof the iceman and Stig Severinsen who holds the world record for holding his breath.  Some of the practices that resonated with me: 6 breaths per min for 5 mins 3...