SAD | Paper Clay Nature

My dear readers, I have suggested in the past that a truly “good read” can’t be all that serious, but I have just read, perhaps, one of the finest books I have ever read and it is, by all definition, a truly dark book. But, since I feel so strongly that it is a beautiful piece of literature that, as dark as it is, ultimately affirms life, so I’m going to recommend it as a “Good Read” anyway. You have been warned!

Title: Stone Upon Stone
Author: Wieslaw Mysliwski
Translated from the Polish by Bill Johnston

Reviews can be found here.

This next recommendation is dark, but the tone of the writing is comedic and it does not feel as heavy as Stone Upon Stone (no pun intended). But, it also stretches the limits of darkness allowable for a truly “good read” and I don’t recommend it for anyone who is sad or currently in a therapeutic process of any sort. No reason to torture yourself, even for a truly excellent novel.

Title: The Hottest Dishes of the Tartar Cuisine
Author: Alina Bronsky
Translated from the German by Tim Mohr

Reviews can be found here.

Both of these recommended books are available through the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, for those of you who are local to the Burgh! And, the Bronsky book is available as an e-book through the Library as well.

Enjoy!

These recommendations are made by Sharon Fennimore Rudyk, Director of Yoga Matrika. Yoga Matrika is an intimate little space in Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh for exploring meditation, yoga and movement. You are welcome to join us!

Well, it’s here. Officially, winter has not yet arrived, but what certainly has are the days of gray. This is the type of weather that gives “whiter shade of pale” a whole new meaning. I would like to invite you to make a rainbow of these gray days and allow yourself the freedom and comforts of gray: spend time with a pot of tea and someone whose voice you love to listen to, knit and create more, pop your own popcorn and read a story to a child or adult and, of course, do more yoga! Sometimes just bringing your awareness to your breath and making gentle movements in the upper spine can bring just the lift of spirit and body you need to inspire the rest of your day. Here is a gentle exercise you can use anytime and anywhere to boost your mood:

Open your heart: seated in a comfortable position on a chair or on the floor, place your hands palms down on your thighs. As you inhale through your nose, bring your heart forward and roll your shoulders back behind you. As you exhale through your mouth, round through your back as you roll your shoulders forward, dropping your chin towards your heart. As you inhale and open your heart, your palms will move along your thighs towards your body and as you exhale and round, your plams will move away from you.

2. Reach towards the sky: Seated in a chair, with your arms by your sides, inhaling a breath through your nose lift your arms up beside you bringing your palms together above your head. Keeping your arms up overhead, relax your face/neck/jaw and release your shoulders away from your ears. Exhaling through your mouth, release your arms down by your sides.

To finish your energy boost, place your right hand over your heart and your left hand over your navel center (belly button). Feel the weight of your hands and the movements of your body under your palms when you breathe in and out.

Cheer up Pittsburgh! Each day gets a little longer starting December 22nd and it’s always darkest just before the light!!!!

Tag: SAD

On the Dark Side of Good

Yoga Pittsburgh: Make a Rainbow of Gray