The Serviceberry book is the medicine our world truly needs. A true balm for the soul.
My dad dropped in for coffee just after I’d finished reading it a few weeks ago, I was desperate to share it with him so read a few pages aloud… 23 pages later and we were giddy with conversation, it was beautiful.
After he left he sent me a lovely heartfelt message to say how much he had enjoyed the moment we’d shared and all the nostalgic memories he was grateful it had bought to the surface. 🥹 A true gift of love and reciprocity.
I’ve since gifted it to 4 other people and will be wrapping it up for almost everyone at Christmas, I can’t imagine there is anyone who couldn’t fall in love with it.
She mentions this in the book! And I wondered about that: for EG, don't people goosebump as markedly different rates? But then, I suppose people experience awe in markedly different ways? Either way, am intrigued!
Sorry it leapt away - was just saying it was a novel for teenagers - set on a coastline where phosphorescence can be seen. Swimming in phosphorescence - a summer night time activity - is one of the most magical experiences. Remembering the sense of wonder of being in the sea with light sparkles in the moonlight, as I write this the dark December morning xx
Beautiful words. Off to source The Serviceberry post haste. Love the ideals behind this. Even just letting someone out at a junction then watching them do the same further along makes my heart sing, we're motivated by good in each other. Thank you for sharing.
The linguist mentioned in your wonderful piece (Daniel Everett) wrote a book about his experiences of living with the Pirahã tribe, called “Don’t Sleep, There Are Snakes”, and I cannot recommend it enough. It’s brilliant!
I will hunt out the book—as well as The Serviceberry—but more than that, as an instructor in rhetoric, I want to comment on your aside: “I’m often moved by adverts, but then I chastise myself reflexively for allowing myself to be ‘sold to’. I am going to stop doing this!”
Do stop! There’s nothing wrong in appreciating effective communication skills, and art—which some advertisements really are—despite the commercial intent. Those who create the ads are likely justifiably proud of their work, and those deserve praise. I am speaking about those few advertisements that are exceptional, of course, but they do exist. All small moments of beauty and peace and joy can be pulled from wherever we find them in life.
Loved this - I’ve studied positive psychology alongside my job for the past four years and your writing today felt like it could be in my pos psych reading. Appreciated the research paper link! Have a great day.
Another book that I think you would love and is very much in theme is Michael Malay’s Late Light. A book so quiet in its telling that its power really sneaks up on you in the most gentle way.
The Serviceberry book is the medicine our world truly needs. A true balm for the soul.
My dad dropped in for coffee just after I’d finished reading it a few weeks ago, I was desperate to share it with him so read a few pages aloud… 23 pages later and we were giddy with conversation, it was beautiful.
After he left he sent me a lovely heartfelt message to say how much he had enjoyed the moment we’d shared and all the nostalgic memories he was grateful it had bought to the surface. 🥹 A true gift of love and reciprocity.
I’ve since gifted it to 4 other people and will be wrapping it up for almost everyone at Christmas, I can’t imagine there is anyone who couldn’t fall in love with it.
That you and your dad read 23 pages of a book together over coffee, is absolute heaven. Talk about awe AND reciprocity!
It has truly been one of the most special moments of my year. It really is the little things in life isn’t it ✨
This was a delightful read. Thank you! ❤️
In recent interviews Baird has mentioned that ‘awe is measured in goosebumps’. Isn’t that lovely!
She mentions this in the book! And I wondered about that: for EG, don't people goosebump as markedly different rates? But then, I suppose people experience awe in markedly different ways? Either way, am intrigued!
Sorry it leapt away - was just saying it was a novel for teenagers - set on a coastline where phosphorescence can be seen. Swimming in phosphorescence - a summer night time activity - is one of the most magical experiences. Remembering the sense of wonder of being in the sea with light sparkles in the moonlight, as I write this the dark December morning xx
Reading this has lifted my heart today ❤️
Beautiful words. Off to source The Serviceberry post haste. Love the ideals behind this. Even just letting someone out at a junction then watching them do the same further along makes my heart sing, we're motivated by good in each other. Thank you for sharing.
that's such a sweet note. especially because driving does NOT bring out the best in (most of) us
The linguist mentioned in your wonderful piece (Daniel Everett) wrote a book about his experiences of living with the Pirahã tribe, called “Don’t Sleep, There Are Snakes”, and I cannot recommend it enough. It’s brilliant!
oh this sounds great! i actually haven't read any books like this, and i'm intrigued.
My heart soared. Thank you for sharing such life-affirming books. I am definitely going to read them next year.
I will hunt out the book—as well as The Serviceberry—but more than that, as an instructor in rhetoric, I want to comment on your aside: “I’m often moved by adverts, but then I chastise myself reflexively for allowing myself to be ‘sold to’. I am going to stop doing this!”
Do stop! There’s nothing wrong in appreciating effective communication skills, and art—which some advertisements really are—despite the commercial intent. Those who create the ads are likely justifiably proud of their work, and those deserve praise. I am speaking about those few advertisements that are exceptional, of course, but they do exist. All small moments of beauty and peace and joy can be pulled from wherever we find them in life.
Wonderful..interested to see the word Phosphorescent ..A few years back I wrote
a book called Phosphorescence
Loved this - I’ve studied positive psychology alongside my job for the past four years and your writing today felt like it could be in my pos psych reading. Appreciated the research paper link! Have a great day.
I hadn't even thought about that -- and you're so right, how you frame your thinking is a large part of it. Reminds me of a piece I wrote for The Guardian a few years ago on the joyscrolling movement! https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/nov/13/good-news-how-i-broke-my-doomscrolling-habit
Another book that I think you would love and is very much in theme is Michael Malay’s Late Light. A book so quiet in its telling that its power really sneaks up on you in the most gentle way.
This was such a gorgeous read, thank you!
Delightful read. I came back to it after a few days to re-read it.
You mention self-help books that are more of an “emotional wellbeing” book. Do you have more recommendations?
Thank you!
Both of these are now on my list! Thank you!
Gorgeous. Thank you Pandora xx