REVIEW BY PEGI EYERS
In our fast-paced hard-working culture, it can be debilitating, both physically and emotionally, to experience serious illness. An emphasis on an outwardly-directed life does not prepare one for the slowing down, inactivity and “going within” that healing our body requires. The process of recovering our health and buoyancy can take a long time, and can be fraught with pain, anger, despair, and severe feelings of inadequacy. Kawartha-based artist and writer Lucia McHardy has endured many years of chronic illness, but with grace and style channels her experiences into a series of honest, supportive and inspiring essays. She writes about the issues that arose when her life radically changed and she lost her career and livelihood, and her surprise to discover that there are blessings to be found within a narrower sphere of expectation and activity. Like the paradox myths of Ishtar or Persephone descending into the Underworld, we learn that embracing the darkness can give us the most precious gifts of all.
The simplest things, like a walk in the park or a coffee in a trendy café become profound, and a sense of achievement is possible with the completion of small tasks we take for granted. She reminds us that traditional values do exist outside of the 9-5 world, like gardening, reconnecting with nature, expanding our creativity, finding meaning in introspection, active listening, and nurturing ourselves and others. She explores the many emotional states that can arise, and offers practical suggestions for self-care and self-esteem, dealing with loss, “re-framing” the problem, accentuating the positive, asking for help, finding inner strength, and the spirituality of resilience.
Rightly so, Lucia expresses her frustration with those who lack understanding for the limitations faced each day by the disabled. I also found her rebuttal of current New Age thinking refreshing – that the cause of illness is far more complicated than simply claiming it to be the result of our thinking, or the emotions we may be blocking. It has been my observation that consuming toxic food and drink for decades will culminate in illness (the principle of cause and effect at work). Overall, I think illness is the direct result of not realizing we are a Divine Being and treating ourselves accordingly. And yes, the soul may engineer all the lessons we need to advance in this lifetime, but the mechanics of Karma and the greater meaning of suffering remain a mystery.
Rich in quotations from contemporary spiritual and inspirational books, and with powerful insights and encouragement, A Smaller, Richer Life is a beacon in the darkness for all those on the rebound path.
The simplest things, like a walk in the park or a coffee in a trendy café become profound, and a sense of achievement is possible with the completion of small tasks we take for granted. She reminds us that traditional values do exist outside of the 9-5 world, like gardening, reconnecting with nature, expanding our creativity, finding meaning in introspection, active listening, and nurturing ourselves and others. She explores the many emotional states that can arise, and offers practical suggestions for self-care and self-esteem, dealing with loss, “re-framing” the problem, accentuating the positive, asking for help, finding inner strength, and the spirituality of resilience.
Rightly so, Lucia expresses her frustration with those who lack understanding for the limitations faced each day by the disabled. I also found her rebuttal of current New Age thinking refreshing – that the cause of illness is far more complicated than simply claiming it to be the result of our thinking, or the emotions we may be blocking. It has been my observation that consuming toxic food and drink for decades will culminate in illness (the principle of cause and effect at work). Overall, I think illness is the direct result of not realizing we are a Divine Being and treating ourselves accordingly. And yes, the soul may engineer all the lessons we need to advance in this lifetime, but the mechanics of Karma and the greater meaning of suffering remain a mystery.
Rich in quotations from contemporary spiritual and inspirational books, and with powerful insights and encouragement, A Smaller, Richer Life is a beacon in the darkness for all those on the rebound path.
"A Smaller, Richer Life: Using Illness as a Chance to Grow"
by Lucia McHardy
First Choice Books, 2013
eBook available from Amazon >HERE<
by Lucia McHardy
First Choice Books, 2013
eBook available from Amazon >HERE<
Pegi Eyers is the author of "Ancient Spirit Rising:
Reclaiming Your Roots & Restoring Earth Community"
an award-winning book that explores strategies for intercultural
competency, healing our relationships with Turtle Island First Nations, uncolonization, recovering an ecocentric worldview, rewilding, creating a sustainable future and reclaiming peaceful co-existence in Earth Community.
Available from Stone Circle Press or Amazon.
Reclaiming Your Roots & Restoring Earth Community"
an award-winning book that explores strategies for intercultural
competency, healing our relationships with Turtle Island First Nations, uncolonization, recovering an ecocentric worldview, rewilding, creating a sustainable future and reclaiming peaceful co-existence in Earth Community.
Available from Stone Circle Press or Amazon.
