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[Sandra Bostwick]

Originally Posted by DDuff

I can finally get caught up to India:
I'm ready for India. Which if I recall the last time I read this book it was my favorite part.

BOOK CLUB, Welcome to India!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[tkm1005]

Bead 29: I thought it was so interesting how she made the point that her sister needed to have a family to not be alone, while she never had trouble meeting and talking to people so this wasn't so necessary for her. I have friends in both categories and I thought that was such an interesting observation.

Bead 30: I think it is great that she was so honest with herself about the desire to have or not have children. So many women just feel obligated to have kids because that is what we do, but to be that enlightened to give yourself that choice instead of obligation is such a testament to her character.

Bead 33: I have been thinking about my "word" since reading this bead. Words like "home and peace" keep coming to mind, but I don't think that is really summing things up quite right. I have made it through my 20's and into my 30s and don't have the pressure of constantly trying to be something, but instead I have found more peace in just being and in having a family and creating a home. I will keep searching for the right word...

Bead 35: I also love that she can celebrate gaining weight!

I have been reading into India and love the insights....

[Sandra Bostwick]

Originally Posted by tkm1005

I will keep searching for the right word...

....

Great comments! I've been spending alot of time looking for that word also, and I'm starting to realize that the word changes depending on what I am focusing on at the moment. Here are some of the words of the moment:

grateful
content
nature
God
Peace
Strive
Comfort
Hope
Learn
Grow
Achieve
Organize

[tkm1005]

Good words! The other word I'm liking right now is Independence...

India is so different, but I really like her self reflection and struggle with being able to calm her mind. I don't know which bead this was in, but I just read Richard's definition of a soul mate which was just so cool. I have had people come in and out of my life and sort of smack me upside the head with their impact on my life and I was sad that they were no longer part of my life. Now I realize their purpose in my journey may have made it necessary for them to not be a current friend.

Anyway, very interesting. Can't wait to read more.

[Sandra Bostwick]

Originally Posted by tkm1005

Good words! The other word I'm liking right now is Independence...

India is so different, but I really like her self reflection and struggle with being able to calm her mind. I don't know which bead this was in, but I just read Richard's definition of a soul mate which was just so cool. I have had people come in and out of my life and sort of smack me upside the head with their impact on my life and I was sad that they were no longer part of my life. Now I realize their purpose in my journey may have made it necessary for them to not be a current friend.

Anyway, very interesting. Can't wait to read more.

Thanks so much for that beautiful comment! Your post touched me more than you could ever know! I have been reflecting on JUST THAT though this past week...maybe the book brought it up.

Book Club, all your comments have been great to read! Thanks so much! Hey Silent Readers, give a quick shout-out so we know who you are!

Carry on!

[Sandra Bostwick]

Hmmm, India is leaving me a little bit in the mood that Springsteen must have had in Jungleland when he said "The poets down here don't write nothin' at all, they just stand back and let it all be! Just a few thoughts.

Bead 37 is a cool shift out of Italy into India. I wish this book came with a soundtrack!

Bead 38 made me think about how it really IS inportant to have your physical condition in good shape in order to really focus sometimes. When I have an "ache or pain" or when I am concentrating on my stomach, I lose track of bigger opportunities, I think.

I liked the concept of a yogi being permanantly enlightened for Bliss, while a GURU passes the bliss on to others.

Bead 39 left me thinking about spiritual and attention discipline as well as emotional balance, and how important they are for the journey.

Bead 40 made me think about how great it was that she let go of the need to have "THE PERSON" to embrace on New Year's. SOmetimes holidays heap alot of pressure on you!

Bead 41 made me really reflect on how important it is to stay in the moment and use the daily mundane things to really understand your higher self.

Bead 42 was funny!

Bead 43 made me really think about the garbage that I eat and drink all day. Coffee, artificial stuff, heavy foods. ONce I did a macrobiotic diet, and I do think I felt quite clear and balanced while I was on it, though I almost slit my wrist once when I was cutting a squash and my knife slipped. That is not an easy diet!

Bead 44-I like the concept of diverting your attention with a distraction, rather than obsessing or over-focusing on an unpleasant thought.

The whole tone of the book is so different now!

Hope you are having a happy day, book club!

[Sandra Bostwick]

Hey Book Club!! I know it is beautiful outside, but give me a little shout-out so I know I'm not clubbing in cyberspace alone! I need some !

Happy Sunday, everyone!

[DDuff]

Sandy - Sorry spent most of week transporting DD and DS back and forth to camp and helping DH frame our basement. But I'm finally back and this week looks fairly calm although DD has friend visiting so hard to tell when I'll get my hands on the computer.

First things first. The word that came to me was Determination. I've always been kind of stubborn but I like the sound of determination better. Plus, I'm training for my first full marathon so it just fits.

Book Club - Yep - I'm loving India again.

Bead 37: I had never heard of the chicken thing but it reminded me of points in my life. We've moved 5 times since we were married and often after a move I get this feeling like, Gee haven't we always been here.

Bead 38: I'm not really sure how I feel about the concept of a Guru. I guess I'm in the suspicious camp. If you meet someone that can mentor you great, but I'm not sure it is a necessity. I think God brings people into your life for many different purposes.

Bead 39: I was comforted by the mention of the devout Baptist roommate who was also a meditation instructor. Recently, a Christian friend told me he had been taught that meditation was evil. Huh? was my first response but then I started wondering what others might think of my meditation room. I like the practicality of the Guru's rules for the Ashram.

Bead 40: Not much except I like traditions and this New Year's service sound like a nice one.

Bead 41: Um? I think I need to mop my floors.

Bead 42: I like Liz had a hard time when I started to practice meditation. I got a real kick out of her mental conversation. At first I had a lot that sounded just like hers. Then, someone told me not to fight the mental noise and I was finally able to enjoy the practice. I love the Jaws reference - when it comes to mental health I think "We're gonna need a bigger boat" is just right.

Bead 43: Yeah Richard has arrived. When I saw him on Oprah he really did match my mental image of him.

Bead 44: I love the nickname Groceries. I also love Richard's prayer "Please, please, please open my heart." I think it is a great prayer even with the open heart surgery. Maybe if he would have had just a little more faith and not asked for the sign all would have been well.

Here's to divine love Book Club.

[DDuff]

Originally Posted by Sandra Bostwick

Bead 43 made me really think about the garbage that I eat and drink all day. Coffee, artificial stuff, heavy foods.

Thanks Sandy, Now I'm having a hard time swallowing those double stuffed Oreos.

[Sandra Bostwick]

Originally Posted by DDuff

Bead 43: Yeah Richard has arrived. When I saw him on Oprah he really did match my mental image of him.

Here's to divine love Book Club.

Really? Can you tell us what he was like? I am SOO curious!

Just a reminder! The week of the 13th to 19th is beads 45 thru 51.

After getting back from Disney on June 30th I've dealt with bronchitis and poison Ivy and it looks like my step-daughter is now going into labor. Sorry I fell behind, here!

[DDuff]

Originally Posted by Sandra Bostwick

Really? Can you tell us what he was like? I am SOO curious!

I'm not sure I can describe him well but what comes to mind is rough intellectual cowboy.

Just a reminder! The week of the 13th to 19th is beads 45 thru 51.

After getting back from Disney on June 30th I've dealt with bronchitis and poison Ivy and it looks like my step-daughter is now going into labor. Sorry I fell behind, here!

Hope all goes well. The kids were out picking wild raspberries yesterday so now I'm just waiting to see if anyone of them breaks out. I'm lucky enough not to be allergic but DD has caught every poison possible, ivy, oak, sumac. She's a magnet.

Onto 45 - 51. I'll try not to wait to the last minute on this weeks post.

[Sandra Bostwick]

Originally Posted by DDuff

Onto 45 - 51. .

Here's your gold star and happy cheers!! (Sorry, every once in a while the teacher in me slips out! I have been known to gush!)

[stretch2864]

I'm a little behind in reading as we have been busy working on our house. Hopefully one of these days I'll have time to get caught up.

[Sandra Bostwick]

Originally Posted by stretch2864

I'm a little behind in reading as we have been busy working on our house. Hopefully one of these days I'll have time to get caught up.

I hear ya! I fell behind too! Don't feel pressured! Remember this is supposed to be fun!

I miss the cute picture of your daughter, but I love your yoda!

[DDuff]

Originally Posted by stretch2864

I'm a little behind in reading as we have been busy working on our house. Hopefully one of these days I'll have time to get caught up.

Of subject but I love your picture too Vicky. I'm going to have to see if it is coming any closer to us. I'd love to see the exhibit.