Great Books Inspire Hope

When I was leaving for college, the first time I ever moved away from home, a dear friend gifted me with THE ALCHEMIST (shown right).  When I read the back cover, I thought it might be hokey fable in simple language that would be a quick read and I could thank her for it later.  Instead, I was enthralled in a simple story about a boy on a journey, similar to mine, trying to discover who he is and what is important to him.  The book mirrored some of my thoughts which touched me deeply.  

Any dreamer who is on a path would love to read this book.  This is a great gift for the graduating student (of any age)!

Some other great reads of Paulo Coelho include VERONICA DECIDES TO DIE - don't let the name fool you! 

and ELEVEN MINUTES.

Copyright 2010 Heather Corwin

 

NO is a Great Word

So many actors - and people - think they have no power. Not true!

The only power we often have is the ability to say "no." When we get an offer for a role and we don't think it's enough money, we can say "no." When we are asked to scab, we can say "no." When we are given a script that looks vastly different than the one we agreed to (provided it's in the contract) we can say "no."

The bottom line is you are going to asked to do things you are not comfortable with doing. Your job is to figure out where your line in the sand is and avoid crossing it.

Hear and use the existential advice Polonius gives in Shakespeare's HAMLET, "To thine own self be true."

Copyright 2010 Heather Corwin

The Art of a Bath

At the end of a long, hard week, I do what the Romans did - take a freaking bath! Well, I bathe more often than they did, but I appreciate it just as much.

What's my favorite accompanying rituals? Candles everywhere, soft music (Loreena McKennitt, Michael Buble, Simon & Garfunkel, Norah Jones), and make sure my favorite foaming bubble bath (Aura Cacia Lavender Foam bath on left) is plentiful and sending the natural and delectable smell of lavender throughout my home.

True story. I drove home to Altadena from Santa Barbara where I'm earning my Ph.D. in somatic Psychology. When I entered the house, I could smell lavender. Not the nasty sticky sweet smell an old crone might reek of (please forgive the image), but rather the same smell lavender bushes in my garden gently emit. After my intensive training and learning, the aromatherapy washed over my senses and I tackled my husband with a hug.

You can create your own weekly ritual to tend to your wellness - I imagine you already have at least one. May I suggest you try mine? It's divine!!!

Copyright 2010 Heather Corwin