Books And Brilliant Things

I developed a love for non-fiction books through a desire to learn, about pretty much anything. In a time where information is increasingly gained through our computer screens, I cherish the feeling of holding a book in my hands. I started this blog so that I could share some of the things that have added great value to my life, and to combine them with my love of photography, and creativity, in the hope that other people might benefit from them too.

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For The Animals. T-shirt by https://www.ethicsandantics.com

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INTO THE MAGIC SHOP - Dr James R Doty I pretty much bought this book because I liked the title, it sounded like an intriguing combination. Neurologist and magic shop don't seem particularly synonymous with one another! It turned out to be a brilliant read. For the most part this is a story about how powerful meditation and visualisation can be, but I also think it's about how just one connection, with one person, can change your entire life.

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"People seldom realise that they tell lies with their lips and truth with their eyes all the time." - Tahereh Mafi | Destroy Me

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10% HAPPIER - Dan Harris A brilliant book written by a skeptic for skeptics, about the benefits of meditation. Humorous and incredibly human, Dan Harris is the voice for the every man (and woman) when it comes to understanding what meditation is really about, and how it can help people to cope with depression and anxiety. This is not a self-help book, it's actually autobiographical, I feel the cover and title are a bit misleading. It was in fact originally going to be titled 'The Voice In My Head Is An Arsehole' which I feel would have been more fitting, but a great read either way.

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INTO THIN AIR - Jon Krakauer Into Thin Air documents a 1996 expedition to Mount Everest and the series of mistakes that ultimately lead to the deaths of 8 people. Jon Krakauer was one of the survivors. I read this book a while ago, but it really left a mark on me, not just because of the fatalities, and the risks people are willing to take for such adventure, but because it gives such an insight in to what it takes both mentally and physically to be able to accomplish something like summiting Everest. In my opinion Krakauer appears to give an unbiased description of the events that unfolded, he stuck to what he considered to be the facts and that's what makes this a great book, it's not his story, it's a true story.

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You ARE brave. We all are.

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My latest obsession. I love the Bass on their tracks.

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LOST IN THE JUNGLE This book is a gritty and raw account of what it's really like to be fighting for survival, alone and lost, without food or shelter. It never ceases to amaze me what human beings are capable of when faced with truly difficult circumstances. This book reminds me that I have no idea what it feels like to be hungry, or thirsty, and that we are all capable of enduring far more than we could ever imagine possible.

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''Clarity arises from stillness in the same way that confusion arises from chaos. Find some peace and quiet today." - Headspace.com Headspace is a brilliant meditation app, especially if you are a completely beginner. They have a free 10 day foundation pack that you can try out, I recommend it. I think that everyone can benefit from meditation, especially people that think it's too difficult. The harder it is, then by definition, the more you need it. It is a practice, but it's not something that needs to be perfected, the benefits are in the trying, there is no need to 'succeed' at meditation, if it's challenging you, then you're doing it right. Ultimately it's just taking a moment to sit quietly, and trying to give your brain a rest from all the work it's doing, all the questions it's asking you, the anxieties it's throwing at you. It's just finding a moment of peace.

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THE WORLD'S GREAT WONDERS - How They Were Made & Why They Are Amazing Genre: Travel, History Ever since I was little I have had an insatiable need to understand things, knowing the answer, or the end result was never enough. I couldn't revise for a test by using shortcuts, I had to fully understand the process needed to acquire the answer. My interest in historic events, or travel, is a more recent thing, but this book immediately caught my attention when it was released. Beautifully designed, and perfect for the enquiring mind, this book delivers an overview of technical information on how the most impressive natural phenomenon and man made structure came to be. With the high standard of photography I've come to expect from Lonely Planet, this is more than just a coffee table book, but definitely a book worth sharing, so perhaps the best place for it non the less.

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To Write Love On Her Arms, is a non-profit movement dedicated to helping people who are struggling with depression, addiction, and anxiety, delivering a message that a better life is possible, that there is hope. This is my favourite t-shirts from their online store, go get you some at www.store.twolha.com It’s a worthy cause. 💗

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TUNES ON TUESDAY: Dusty Springfield - Just A Little Lovin' Beautiful track, soulful and uplifting.

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I FORGOT TO DIE - Khalil Rafati

Genre: Autobiography

I can’t say enough positive things about this book, a truly inspirational story of one man's battle to fight his demons. Rafati never once tries to glorify his journey to recovery, but instead gives a painfully honest description of the efforts and failures that he experienced to get where he is today. Seeing through the eyes of a homeless heroin addict is dark and harrowing for sure, but it was also one of the most beautiful, and positive books I’ve ever read. What had the biggest impact on me was how imperfect his recovery was, it felt so human, so relatable. His struggles delivered such an incredibly comforting message to anyone who has ever felt that success is equal to perfection, and proves that failure is indeed part of the process, the road to self improvement doesn’t have to, and never will run smoothly, that it’s ok to fall short of the mark, the important thing is to try, and try again. Maybe the Phoenix doesn’t simply rise from the ashes, maybe the truth is more beautiful than that.

There is a fantastic interview with Khalil on the Rich Roll Podcast #61 here: http://www.richroll.com/podcast/rrp-61-khalil-rafati-sunlife-organics-addiction-recovery-service-happiness/

Follow: instagram.com/iforgottodiebook Instagram.com/sunlifeorganics Twitter: sunlifeorganics

Visit: www.sunlifeorganics.com

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A really interesting episode of the Rich Roll Podcast. A brilliant interview with Hendrikus Schraven, an expert on permaculture, talking about sustainable agriculture and how to produce natural fertilisers that rejuvenate the soil.

www.richroll.com www.henrikusorganics.com

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TUNES ON TUESDAY: Smokey Robinson - Being With You. Possibly the smoothest Male voice I’ve ever heard. 😌