Jana Degrott on LinkedIn: A Bookshop for Heartivists and the Splendors of Spring (2024)

I had a fascinating interview with Richard Fisher (BBC Future, BBC.com) about his new book ‘The Long View: Why We Need to Transform How the World Sees Time’. Check out my article for The Psychologist here: https://lnkd.in/eFkDfnWi

28

2 Comments

“Tuesdays with Morrie" is a memoir by Mitch Albom recounting his life-changing meetings with his former professor, Morrie Schwartz, who is battling Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The narrative revolves around their poignant conversations held on Tuesdays, where Morrie imparts valuable life lessons. The book explores themes of love, forgiveness, mortality, and the importance of meaningful connections, emphasizing the transformative power of human relationships over material pursuits. Through Morrie's wisdom, Albom learns profound truths about life, ultimately reshaping his perspective and inspiring readers to prioritize what truly matters.This perfect, yet bland, summary fails to do justice to the transformative effect the book had on me. It felt like a spash of ice cold water on my mundane, impactless existence in today’s ultra fast, ultra tech and ultra materialistic world. As technology advancements take control of our lives, "Tuesdays with Morrie" serves as a poignant reminder to prioritize the human element. The book remains relevant today as a timeless guide to life's essentials. Morrie's wisdom on love, empathy, and meaningful connections resonates in our fast-paced world. In a world consumed by digital screens and instant gratification channels, it's crucial to pause and reflect on the impact of our interactions. As technology continues to advance, let's not forget the power and beauty of genuine human connection. Whether it's lending a listening ear to a friend in need, showing compassion to a stranger, or simply being present for our loved ones, small acts of empathy can make a world of difference. #EmbraceEmpathy #HumanConnection #TuesdaysWithMorrie

40

8 Comments

#readwithyuliia #bookclubAre Book Clubs the New Sanctuaries for Inspiration, Connection, and Empowerment?In March 2022, I fled Ukraine amidst the ravages of war, seeking refuge in Germany. War and its harrowing experiences are among the most challenging trials one can endure. Yet, within these crucibles lie profound opportunities for transformation, spiritual growth, and inner metamorphosis.As I grappled with the turmoil of displacement and the weight of uncertainty, I found solace in the pages of books. Amidst the chaos, reading became my lifeline—a beacon of hope in the darkest of times. For two years, amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine and the challenges of adapting to a new life in Germany, as well as family and personal troubles, books have been my steadfast and honest companions, guiding me through moments of despair and uncertainty.Books possess a transformative power that extends far beyond mere entertainment or education. They have the capacity to shape our thoughts, illuminate our minds, and nourish our souls. In the aftermath of the First World War, traumatized soldiers turned to reading as a form of therapy—a testament to the healing potential of literature. Today, bibliotherapy continues to be embraced by psychologists, social workers, and doctors as a powerful tool for healing and self-discovery.Inspired by this profound belief in the transformative power of books, I felt compelled to share my passion for reading with others. In the tranquil confines of my new home in Rehau—a small city nestled amidst the serene beauty of nature—I found myself yearning for connection and community. Thus, the idea for an international Book Club was born.My dream idea is not to form a Book Club only in the original understanding of such clubs where people read and discuss books together (of course it will be), but to create an international community that serves as a place of connection, a bridge between cultures and languages. Through the shared experience of reading and dialogue, we could aspire to transcend boundaries, forge meaningful connections, and foster a global community of like-minded individuals.Full text is here https://lnkd.in/eBqqdGKKLet's read and reimagine together!

5

Which book do you wish everyone would read?As we celebrate World Book Day in the UK, the tradition of dressing up as our favourite characters might not be on everyone's agenda, but the joy of sharing the books that have touched our lives remains timeless. I'm eager to hear about the books that have inspired you, your key takeaways, and the stories you hold dear, spanning both fiction and non-fiction. Choosing a favourite is an impossible task, so I won't ask you to.In the realm of non-fiction, my recommendations could fill a library, but a standout for me is "High Performance" by Jake Humphrey and Damian Hughes. Drawing from their exceptional podcast, this book has reshaped my understanding of success, teaching me the value of striving for 'better' rather than 'best'. The revelation that there's no mystical secret to high performance, just dedication and clarity, was profoundly liberating.Brené Brown's works are also on my must-read list. Beginning with "Daring Greatly," I was captivated by her exploration of vulnerability as a strength, not a weakness. Her insights are a beacon for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of mental health and emotional well-being in today's society.Turning the page to fiction, Stephen King's ability to evoke deep emotional responses places him high on my list of favourites. Both "The Shining" and "The Green Mile" are masterclasses in storytelling. For those seeking something less supernatural, "I Am Pilgrim" by Terry Hayes is a thriller I very much recommend.As I edge closer to publishing my own book later this year, I'm filled with hope that it might find a place on your inspirational shelf next World Book Day. My goal is to offer an actionable guide to a more fulfilling life, blending expert advice, evidence-based psychology, and real-world experiences. Stay tuned for more updates in the months to come.

4

4 Comments

As we step into the New Year,it's a great time to reflect on your soul's callings and desires for 2024. Have you ever considered experiencing Soul Mapping?It's a powerful way to connect with your soul-self, gain clarity on your path forward, and receive soul wisdom and intuitive guidance to navigate your choices throughout the year.As you navigate the new year; you'll have support. You can practically apply your soul guidance to your life with the assistance of a knowledgeable guide - your intuition. I'll show you how to tap into and trust your intuition.Soul Mapping is a transformative journey that promises growth, insight, and a deeper connection with your soul's true desires.If you’ve been craving a deeper connection to your soul and it’s wisdom, this experience will not disappoint!Bring your goals for 2024; I'll show you how to tweak them from the perspective of your soul.Are you interested in attending?Click the pic to sign up.This event is my year-end gift!I’m offering 2 dates & times for you to join me live on Zoom for this virtual event:Wednesday, December 13, 6:30 pm PSTSaturday, December 16, 10:30 am PSTBonuses are a Soul Mapping Workbook Pdf, and Replay of the event!See you there!https://lnkd.in/gJMAwENs

Welcome to the third session of The Book Club in De Nieuwe Liefde! This time, we delve into the thought-provoking theme of “Exiting the Rat Race”. After a relaxing unplugged summer we question the systems that bind us to capitalism and explore ways to break free in our daily lives. Whether you’ve read the book or not, you’re invited to share your insights and perspectives.Recommended Books:1. “The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg – A study on habits, how they control our lives with a focus on how companies exploit us through creating habits.2. “Your Money or Your Life” by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez – Offers a transformative approach to redefining our relationship with money and time.3. “The Untethered Soul” by Michael A Singer – Challenges conventional thought, by deconstructing our idea of ourselves and our attachment to our emotions and thoughts.4. “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” by Yuval Noah Harari – Explores the evolution of human societies and the impact of economic systems.Join us as we exchange ideas, ignite discussions, and discover ways to navigate towards a more fulfilling life beyond the confines of the rat race. See you at the session!https://lnkd.in/ewMZaZMY

1

Our Struggles. Our Stories.My article "The Dance of Secrecy: Balancing Hidden Struggles and Social Repercussions" is now on Substack.“Concealing vulnerabilities and acknowledging inner battles finds its roots deep within the human experience, revealing itself as a delicate dance between thefear of external consequences and the toll on one's internal well-guarded secrets.”Please Subscribe and Share

Check out the tenth part of Chained Soul, my serial dystopian mystery novel, right here!

"The Vision of a Benevolent World" is an inspiring and thought-provoking book that takes you on a transformative journey into the realm of possibility and positivity. In this compelling work, author Robert Anderson Love Wins paints a vivid picture of a world characterized by compassion, cooperation, and collective well-being.Guided by the author's insightful wisdom and visionary outlook, you will explore a range of themes that invite you to reimagine the way we live, interact, and shape our global community. Through engaging narratives, enlightening anecdotes, and a deep understanding of human nature, the book navigates through the challenges that our world faces and presents a hopeful roadmap for a brighter future.Discover how the power of empathy, conscious choices, and a genuine concern for both people and the planet can create ripples of positive change. As you delve into the pages of "The Vision of a Benevolent World," you will uncover ways to cultivate resilience, kindness, and interconnectedness in your own life and contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.Whether you are seeking personal inspiration, a renewed sense of purpose, or a roadmap for societal transformation, this book offers profound insights that resonate on both individual and collective levels. With each chapter, you will find yourself challenged to think differently and inspired to take action, no matter where you are on your own journey toward creating a more benevolent world."The Vision of a Benevolent World" is more than a book; it is a call to envision and manifest a future that celebrates the inherent goodness within humanity. Robert invites you to join this compelling exploration and become part of a global movement dedicated to positive change and a world that thrives on compassion, harmony, and a shared commitment to the common good.As you are connected with me, I give you a free copy.https://lnkd.in/g2ePDHiW

1 Comment

TRUTHS & DARES in 2024 I wish you a 2024 full of inspiring ideas and projects that bring fulfilment, expansion, and meaning to your life - personally and professionally. These kinds of endeavours often require us to leave our comfort zone, which can be daunting. I have a number of these projects in heart and mind for 2024 - some personal and some professional. I will share some of these with you soon. I am not a fan of ‘New Years resolutions’, but tend to be contemplative at the turn of the year and ask: ‘What wants to be lived through me this year and why?' I make 'appointments with my soul' on nature walks and dog walks to contemplate these questions.I listen deeply and patiently until the answers arise from the truest and deepest parts within - sometimes the answers come fast and sometimes they arise gradually over time. When the answers and situations are complex and involve conflicted feelings and people I care about - I ask myself: 'What would LOVE do?' This reflective question has helped me often to find the deepest truth in a difficult situation. We all have a magnetic attraction to the truth, which is buried in our hearts. It is like an inner knowing when something or someone is true. Once the truth is crystal clear, we can chose and dare to move towards it. We can also chose to move away from it. Aligning ourselves with the deepest truth within is not necessarily an easy or comfortable path. Also, there is no 'right' or 'wrong' - we are all complex and contradictory beings and contain multitudes. However, we know what is 'true'. I found that when I dare to live from my deepest truth, I feel a sense of purpose, meaning, fulfilment, self-respect, and a whole-hearted YES to life – it's many possibilities and challenges, highs and lows. What about YOU? What wants to be lived through you in 2024? Feel free to get in touch for a FREE curious and explorative conversation about your TRUTHS & DARES in 2024. Kirsten

3