Saturday, September 18, 2021

A Piece of Peace: Everyday Mindfulness You Can Use

 

"I have learned to prioritize myself on a daily basis. It's given me a piece of peace." ~A Piece of Peace, Sweta Vikram

I will begin at the beginning, or right before the beginning.  In the introduction of the new book by best-selling author Sweta Srivastava VikramA Piece of Peace: Everyday Mindfulness You Can Use, ideas about wellness and self-care are presented.

"Self-care and mindfulness are revolutionary and not optional for your healing and creativity." ~A Piece of Peace, Sweta Vikram

And I will now cut to the chase! I found myself highlighting a lot of the text in my advance reading copy of A Piece of Peace. This book is full of wisdom and wonderful ideas that will contribute to health, well-being, and creativity.  Countless great ideas are presented and elaborated upon in this slim volume!  My notes, and consequently the ideas in this review, may seem to be "all over the place". 

A Piece of Peace is a manual of sorts, filled with incredible ideas and concepts that will be a a gift to those who read it.  The different sections are clearly titled, so you can skip around a bit if you want to, and learn about or investigate ideas as you wish. There are special tips for writers, including yoga poses that may benefit writers and artists, Ayurveda and mindfulness tips, and tips pertaining to the pandemic, presented in a friendly and encouraging manner.  In A Piece of Peace, the author reveals her personal story of illness and hospitalization, and subsequent quest for a return to health. She doesn't preach but speaks kindly from the heart, and generously shares her wisdom.  She's upbeat and encouraging. 

 

Sweta Vikram presents her new book

Many claim that silence is golden. Why I spend 12 Hours a week in Complete Silence (maun vrat in Sanskrit) is a fascinating chapter of the book. It talks about the author's practice of staying silent for 12 hour periods, and how she finds perspective in silence. Her husband, Anudit, notices the many positive effects of this on her, and adopts this practice as well. I'm not sure that I could remain silent for that long, but the idea is certainly intriguing!

"In Ayurveda, body, mind, and consciousness work together in maintaining balance." ~A Piece of Peace, Sweta Vikram

I relished so many parts of this book, including the parts about Ayurveda (science or knowledge of life), which I am particularly interested in right now.  In addition to learning the proper spelling of the term, I've started to learn about the ways in which I may revitalize my health with Ayurveda. As a fan of spices, I love this quotation from the book:

"Ayurveda teaches us that the spice cabinet is our first access to the apothecary.  It can turn our pantry into a holistic medicine cabinet." ~A Piece of Peace, Sweta Vikram

 

I'm a Spice Girl


A Piece of Peace has already influenced me, although I feel as if I have only just begun to implement some of the ideas and approaches to health.  Specifically, I try to get to sleep earlier (emphasis on the word try) each night. I wish to incorporate more Ayurveda into my life, and to be mindful about food, exercise, and meditation (of some sort).  I've noticed that walking or running (without too much conversation with a partner) puts me in a more meditative, creative mode, and also brightens my mood; movement is medicine. I will continue to prioritize my own health and well-being, and refer to this book frequently for ideas, inspiration, and helpful reminders. 

Please note that I've taken the liberty to include quotations from my version of the book, which may change, as I do not have the final edition. The book will be released to the public on September 21, 2021.  You can pre-order the book from the publisher, Loving Healing Press, or on AmazonGoodreads is currently hosting a giveaway for A Piece of Peace.  Enter by September 21.

Special thanks to Sweta Vikram for providing me with an advance reading copy of A Piece of Peace. I am beyond excited about this new book, which is full of wonderful, helpful ideas that will contribute to health and well-being. 

Thanks for reading! Your comments are welcomed.
 

22 comments:

  1. This book sounds so good, something I would be very interested in.

    So good to see you post again!

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  2. I think so many of us could benefit from reading this book especially as we still must deal with COVID. I do love silence and probably couldn't do it for 12 hours -- I'd have to at least speak to the pets LOL

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    1. It's hard not to talk to our fur babies. Thanks for stopping by, Diane!

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  3. I think i would benifit greatly from This book. Recently i have become to add more spices to my foods. Two of my dsughters are very into Yoga. Thsnks so much for this deeply focused post.

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    1. Mel, thank you for your comment! I hope you and your family are doing well.

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    2. We lost my wife’s sister to Covid two weeks ago. Very tragic, 52: Teo children and four Grand children. She was vulnerable as advanced diabetics.

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  4. A wonderful delightful review! I love the photo of Sweta Vikram doing a yoga pose while showing her book! I love your Spice Girl caption too! Haha! Your review simply makes me focus on slowing down, breathing, and being more mindful. I do love my solo walks either on the beach or urban. I do love hearing the sounds of nature around me when walking, and I also love to have company while walking, but I prefer my solo walks. Thank you for this post!

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  5. Hi Susan I like Sweta Vikram's writing and A Piece of Peace: sounds like a good one. Self care is so important and something so many of us neglect to do.

    Ayurveda is an interesting topic and I agree with you movement is medicine. I began doing yoga on a regular basis in 2020 after I was having health issues. Yoga has been wonderful for me and has become a regular part of my week.
    Wonderful post and enjoy your weekend!

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    1. Naida, yoga is very beneficial to our health. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment!

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  6. Thanks for your kind words Susan!
    Let me know if you would like to hear about other new titles from LHP/MHP. Write me as victor@LHPress.com and I'll send you the new catalog.

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    1. As a fan of LHP, I'd like to receive the new catalog. Thank you, Victor!

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  7. This sounds good, Susan. A good choice for a book group perhaps.

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    1. Good idea, Mary! This would be an interesting choice for a book club as there would be a lot to think about and discuss.

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  8. Sounds like a great book Susan. I'm going to check it out.

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  9. I cannot wait to read this one. Sweta is phenomenal.

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  10. This sounds like a wonderful book to incorporate into our lives. Since the pandemic and other life issues I’ve really wanted to find a way to meditate. I have a lot of trouble sitting still so I struggle with it. I also really like the idea of silence. I like the quiet. It gives you the time to just be with yourself. Great review Susan!

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    1. Thanks very much, Darlene, for reading this review, and for your thoughtful comment.

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