How to Make This the Summer of Missing Out

by Hayley Phelan, New York Times, July 12, 2018  

What’s happening? Who cares! Meet JOMO, FOMO’s benevolent younger cousin.  The antithesis of FOMO (fear of missing out), JOMO is about disconnecting, opting out and being O.K. just where you are. This article helps readers understand how our addiciton to technology is cutting us off from really living our lives in the present moment and helps us embrace the real world right in front of us, rather than worrying about what we are missing out on elsewhere. It's a great read with lots of good advice on how to be more present in your life so you can truly enjoy the summer and find joy in unplugging!

Why Buddhism Is True
by Robert Wright

I was introduced to Robert Wright through a course he taught on Coursera (which is another thing I love - see What I Am Learning below), in which we explored psychology, evolutionary biology and secular Buddhist principles. It’s got all the things I love - neuroscience, mindfulness, psychology, Buddhist philosophy and much more!  A fascinating read for anyone else interested in those topics!  It also provides a powerful argument for having a personal meditation practice.

A Stanford Expert Explains How Meditation Helped the Thai Boys Survive

by Zameena Mejia

I was riveted to the TV this summer praying for the safe rescue of the Thai boys soccer team trapped in a cave.  The bravery of those boys and of those who helped save them was truly incredible and inspiring. There was an unexpected reason for the boys' upbeat and calm demeanor when they were rescued, given their dire situation: They spent much of their time while trapped underwater meditating under the direction of their coach who had been taught to mediate as a young boy when he was studying to be a monk in a Buddhist monastery.  In fact, the boys were sitting in meditation when a British dive team first found them after nine days of search. In this article, Stanford University meditation expert Leah Weiss, who was taught by the Dalai Lama, says that meditating was crucial to keeping the group alive.

The Plantpower Way: Whole Food Plant-Based Recipes and Guidance for The Whole Family
by Rich Roll and wife Julie Piatt

As some of you know, two of my three children are vegan and I am almost there myself!  So, we were thrilled to find this amazing book full of delicious (I promise they are), plant-based recipes that are pretty simple to prepare!  We LOVE the vegan Mac & Cheese, the Veggie Burgers and so many other wonderful recipes that leave us feeling full and healthy!  If you ever want to give a plant-based diet a try, this is an amazing and beautiful guide.

How to Change Your Mind
by Michael Pollan

I have read many of Michael Pollan's amazing books like The Omnivore’s Dilemma and Food Rules, and here he does it again exploring the potential of psychedelics (yes  - psychedelics) for transformation of the spiritual and emotional kind. If you feel doubtful about the responsible use of psychedelic, after reading this book you may find your mind changed by this engaging, enlightened, and persuasive combination of personal and journalistic research. He also explains the parrallel effects of a deep meditation practice in reaching an altered state of consciousness.  It's a fascinating read!