"Renegade Beauty" by Nadine Artemis

Focused on natural beauty, this book is all about how to reconnect with nature.  Readers are encouraged to ditch their chemical-laden "beauty products" and instead turn to botanicals.  There is extensive discussion surrounding the conversation of how we have changed as humans.  Our ancestors were more connected to nature than modern man is, and we spend most of our days indoors with artificial light instead of real sunlight.  Speaking of sunlight, I thought it was fascinating when the author cited studies showing that mammals (humans included) are actually capable of creating energy from the sun's rays, in addition to using solar energy in plants to obtain energy.  I'm sure science has a long way to catch up in this area, but we are getting close.  While doctors may not immediately jump on the "solar energy" bandwagon, several medical professionals admit the power of Vitamin D has on health and note that those who do not get enough of it (from the sun or supplements) have health issues.  Take time to enjoy nature and think twice before putting chemicals on your body.  Live beautifully and just be!

Reference: 

www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/chlorophyll-enables-your-cells-captureuse-sunlight-energy-copernican-revolution 

 

"The Wim Hof Method" by Wim Hof

Known around the world as "the iceman", Wim Hof has become somewhat of a sensation in the wellness and science communities.  Using ancient breathing and meditation techniques, he defies conventional thinking.  With his methods, Hof has set several world records.  These include longest time in an ice bath, as well as climbing Mount Everest in nothing but shorts!  He swears by his intentional breathing and cold exposure.  By citing various experiments that both himself and his students have undergone, Hof shows the reader just how much power they have.  By harnessing the power of the mind and breath, one can maintain their body temperature in freezing temperatures and even fight off infection.  In his sixties, Hof is also proving to the world that one need not become feeble as they age.  Armed with the proper Wim Hof method, anyone can improve their mental and physical fitness.  This is only the beginning!  For more information, check out the free Wim Hof app online.

"Ancient Secret of the Fountain of Youth" by Peter Kelder

 

This crisp large font book can easily be read in a single day.  The author recounts the experience of meeting a British colonel who shared with him the "ancient secret of the fountain of youth".  As the book goes on to explain, the colon learned the secret when traveling in Tibet.  The Tibetan rites are the key to youth.  These rites are actually a kind of ancient yoga technique comprised of six quick exercises.  The author swears that these keep people young and gives several reader testimonials.  While nothing can turn back the hands of time, it makes sense that people who regularly stretch and exercise will look younger than those who do not.  I've started doing the rites and find them to be beneficial. 

"Toward a Meaningful Life" by Simon Jacobson

In each of our lives, we face difficulties and challenges.  How are we to conduct our lives?  How are we to nurture our relationships?  How are we to work and exercise?  Then there are philosophical questions surrounding the nature of G-d, ethics, morality, and such.  This book dives into all of those categories and more.  The Rebbe's wisdom is compacted into bite-size chunks that are easily digested.  Readers will learn how to conduct their lives in a way that is both meaningful and godly.  If I could sum this book up, I would say that we are all miracles created by G-d.  Because of this, it is our duty to live up to our full potential in this world by being the best holiest versions of ourselves and by encouraging others to do likewise.  When viewing life thru spiritual lenses, nothing is ordinary.  Every action one takes can be transformed into something that makes the world a better place.

 

"Vibrant" by Stacie Stephenson

Full of advice from a naturopathic medical doctor, this book is all about helping readers become the best versions of themselves.  To be vibrant is to be healthy.  That involves working on the "triad" that the doctor promotes, which includes diet, exercise, and relationships.  Each chapter dives into a key component of health, offering both practical advice and sound medical explanations.  While some may call the tips in this book "common sense", they are important nonetheless.  Additionally, the book has writing prompts for readers to journal their experiences.  At the very end of the book, there is a 30-day plan for becoming vibrant, as well as 40 recipes from a chef.  Stephenson's wish is for all people to become the healthiest they can be.  That may take time and hard work, but it is more than possible.  

 

"Words that Hurt, Words that Heal" by Joseph Telushkin

 

This is by far one of the most influential books I have ever written.  It goes into the moral, ethical, and philosophical arguments against "bad speech".  Interestingly enough, this is not just limited to gossip and rumors but also to positive speech.  Speaking to highly of others can incite jealousy in others and cause harm.  As Telushkin points out, if G-d had not spoken so highly of Job (in the famous biblical Book of Job), Job likely would have been spared much misfortune from his jealous accuser.  The book also does an excellent job of analyzing key relationships such as those between family, friends, and business colleagues.  There is a great deal of emphasis on speaking kindly to children, which I much appreciated.  The book also references the biblical account of King David and Queen Micah.  After a brief falling out where harsh words were exchanged, their relationship never healed.  Telushkin warns couples not to end up like that.  The topic of lying is also addressed in terms of when it is permissible to lie.  Jewish law that permits lying to save a life is contrasted with other mainstream religions that prohibit lying at all costs.  Overall, this is a fascinating read that can do any person a great deal of good.

"1001 Ways to Stay Young Naturally" by DK

 

While this book feels like it is geared towards women over 40, the advice applies to people of all ages (children aside).  Tips center around eating well, exercising, getting enough sleep, relaxing, making friends, getting hobbies, trying yoga, cleaning, and more.  There is an emphasis on organic products, as well as several references to essential oils and teas.  With large font and plenty of full-color pictures, this book is a great addition to any coffee table.

"Breath" by James Nestor

 

My friend recommended this book to me, so I decided to read it.  While breathing can sound like such an obvious topic as to not need any discussion, Nestor shows readers how there is so much untapped potential in our breath.  He starts off the book by detailing the experiment him and a colleague undertake--breathing only thru their mouths for over a week.  As can be expected, this results in disastrous health consequences, which are speedily reversed when nose breathing resumes.  Nestor emphasizes that as helpful as breathing is for things like anxiety, asthma, snoring, and the like, it is no substitute for Western medicine.  Those with medical emergencies should go to a doctor instead of trying to breath their way to harmony.  Nevertheless, reader are intrigued by the countless stories of yogis and other spiritualists who perform superhuman abilities with breathing.  There are monks who can alter their heartrate, temperature, and metabolism on cue.  There are even stories of fantastical people who go days on end without either food or water while in their meditative states.  While the average person will likely not get to that level, they can practice the various techniques in this book to gain more health, vitality, and calm. 

"Happiness is a Serious Problem" by Dennis Prager

 

As the title suggests, this book is all about happiness.  What is happiness and how does one attain it?  Unlike other self-help books, this book is not full of fluff or countless chapters that "tell people what they want to hear".  Rather, there are very real segments relating to topics such as family, marriage, children, friendship, religion, meaning, and more.  Prager asserts that we all have a dark side (I agree) and that we need to come to terms with it by indulging in vices in moderation (I disagree).  Prager also encourages people to find both a religious faith (I agree) and a psychotherapist (I disagree).  While Prager and I don't see eye-to-eye on every issue, I do think there are important lessons to learn.  Happiness isn't just a fleeting feeling but a decision we choose to make every day.  More importantly, instead of asking ourselves "will this make me happy?", we should instead ask ourselves "is this meaningful?".    

"Natural Beauty at Home" by Janice Cox

 Full of easy recipes, this book is great for natural beauty.  I should note that one needs to go into do-it-yourself beauty with proper expectations.  What one makes at home will certainly be healthier than store-bought, but it will in no way have the same consistency or shelf life.  The recipes I enjoyed related to hair and body.  For hair, I have started making my own homemade hair rinses to add color to my hair (subtle highlights, nothing dramatic).  For body, I have started making my own homemade rose balm that I can use to nourish dry skin.  I have chosen a balm because creams involve emulsifying wax that I'd rather not use and body butters are simply too greasy for me.  When you find what works for you, stick with it!