Big Yes Society Discussion Group

Every 3rdThursday

TheBig Yes Society 

Discussion Group

 Join us on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 7:00  for

The Big Yes Society,

a new discussion group that explores throughconversation, and with special guest authors what life could be like  when we remove negative attachments andbegin nurturing the creative and positive. 

 Say “yes” to connection, creativity… saying “yes” to life.    

No Kidding: Women Writers on Bypassing Parenthood (Paperback)

By Henriette Mantel
$16.00
ISBN-13: 9781580054430
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Seal Press, 4/2013

The Big Yes Society is proud to present a panel reading from No Kidding on July 18th at 7PM. Readers will include Maureen Langan, Bernadette Luckett, and Andrea Carla Michaels.

 

July 2013 Selection: In "No Kidding," comedy writer Henriette Mantel tackles the topic of actually not having kids. This fascinating collection features a star-studded group of contributors--including Margaret Cho, Wendy Liebman, Laurie Graff, and other accomplished, funny women--writing about why they opted out of motherhood. Whether their reasons have to do with courage, apathy, monetary considerations, health issues, or something else entirely, the essays featured in the pages of "No Kidding" honestly (and humorously) delve into the minds of women who have chosen what they would call a more sane path.
Hilarious, compelling, and inspiring, "No Kidding" reveals a perspective that has too long been hidden, shamed, and silenced--and celebrates an entire population of women who have decided that kids are just not right for them.
Additional contributors include Janette Barber, Cheryl Bricker, Valri Bromfield, Cindy Caponera, Bonnie Datt, Jeanne Dorsey, Nora Dunn, Jane Gennaro, Julie Halston, Debbie Kasper, Sue Kolinsky, Maureen Langan, Beth Lapides, Bernadette Luckett, Merrill Markoe, Andrea Carla Michaels, Vanda Mikoloski, Judy Morgan, Judy Nielsen, Susan Norfleet, Suzanne O'Neil, Jennifer Prediger, Kathryn Rossetter, Betsy Salkind, Patricia Scanlon, Jeanette Schwaba Vigne, Nancy Shayne, Carol Siskind, Ann Slichter, Tracy Smith, Suzy Soro, Amy Stiller, and Nancy Van Iderstine.

Contagious Optimism: Uplifting Stories and Motivational Advice for Positive Forward Thinking (Paperback)

By David Mezzapelle, Marshall Goldsmith
$16.95
ISBN-13: 9781936740413
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Viva Editions, 4/2013
Other Editions of this Title
June 2013 Selection: David Mezzapelle was inspired to write this uplifting book based on his life's experiences and his own contagious optimism. He has influenced many people with his outlook and this book offers optimism to others around the globe. "Contagious Optimism" includes stories and parables of amazing life turnarounds from real people world-wide. A compendium of encouragement, "Contagious Optimism" also includes advice and guidance from business leaders, visionaries and professionals. Nowadays, many people have lost confidence in themselves and the world around them due to personal hardship along with economic and political uncertainty worldwide. "Contagious Optimism" shows readers that it's possible to FIND the silver lining in every cloud. Developed by the team that brought you "Random Acts of Kindness," this book is like "Chicken Soup for the Soul" meets "Pay It Forward," on steroids! "Contagious Optimism" is pure inspiration that will lift hearts, open minds, and create a movement of pass-it-on hope and happiness.

Not Quite Nirvana: A Skeptic's Journey to Mindfulness (Paperback)

By Rachel Neumann
$14.95
ISBN-13: 9781937006235
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Parallax Press, 10/2012
May 2013 Selection: The book is a memoir of how a skeptical, fast-talking New Yorker became Thich Nhat Hanh's editor, turned forty, realized she was aging, and slowly and reluctantly started to absorb mindfulness practice and grow up. Scenes with Thich Nhat Hanh and the author's two vividly exuberant older parents, illustrate how the author adapts mindfulness techniques for the busyness of her life, without losing her edge. With honest and vivid stories about dealing with difficult relationships with family members, death, illness, vanity, exhaustion, and creating a safety net of joy, the author explores and offers guidance for three key mindfulness practices: Knowing When You're Available and When You're Not; Full-Attachment Living; and Interbeing (Other People are Not a Hobby).
This book is designed for adults who are new to mindfulness practice, Buddhism, curious skeptics, people familiar with the practice who want a personal story, and those interested in memoir.

Awakening Joy: 10 Steps to True Happiness (Paperback)

By James Baraz, Shoshana Tembeck Alexander, Jack Kornfield
$18.95
ISBN-13: 9781937006228
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Parallax Press, 12/2012
Other Editions of this Title
April 2013 Selection: "Awakening Joy" is more than just another book about happiness. More than simply offering suggested strategies to change our behavior, it uses time-tested practices to train the mind to learn new ways of thinking. The principles of the course are universal, although much of the material includes Buddhist philosophy drawn from the author's thirty years as a Buddhist meditation teacher and spiritual counselor. In these times of economic uncertainty "Awakening Joy" shows we can get through hard times and use our experience to keep the our heart open while moving from discouragement to well-being, regardless of the external circumstances. Genuine well-being is not expensive. True happiness is not about acquiring anything, but rather about opening to the natural joy and aliveness right inside you.

Deep Relaxation: Coming Home to Your Body (Hardcover)

By Sister Chan Khong
$14.95
ISBN-13: 9781937006273
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Parallax Press, 1/2013
February 2013 Selection:For nearly 30 years Sister Chan Khong's "Deep Relaxation" practice has been a highlight for thousands of people who have attended Order of Interbeing Buddhist retreats. With "Deep Relaxation" the reader/listener will learn to meditate and relax body and mind at the deepest level, leading to a measurable reduction of stress levels. Sister Chan Khong effectively guides readers/listeners through the practice with a combination of spoken words and traditional songs from around the world, initiating a process that shows how we can achieve a more positive and healthy life as we move out of the meditation and into the world. With her soothing voice, her pacing, her extensive experience of practicing mindfulness in everyday life--and with the beauty of the gentle music-- practitioners are able to achieve a state of profound relaxation.
This book and accompanying CD will help to develop and deepen the reader's/listener's personal mindfulness practice, helping them to experience stillness and to continue with their daily activities feeling refreshed and energized. Working with the body's innate capacity to heal itself, these exercises will bring the listener/reader to experience ever deeper levels of relaxation that can activate the body's natural healing abilities. The book will leave the reader with a deep sense of well-being.

Comfortable with Uncertainty: 108 Teachings on Cultivating Fearlessness and Compassion (Paperback)

By Pema Chodron
$14.95
ISBN-13: 9781590300787
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Shambhala, 12/2003
Other Editions of this Title
October 2012 Pick: This book offers short, stand-alone readings designed to help us cultivate compassion and awareness amid the challenges of daily living. More than a collection of thoughts for the day, "Comfortable with Uncertainty " offers a progressive program of spiritual study, leading the reader through essential concepts, themes, and practices on the Buddhist path.
"Comfortable with Uncertainty "does not assume prior knowledge of Buddhist thought or practice, making it a perfect introduction to Chodron's teaching. It features the most essential and stirring passages from Chodron's previous books, exploring topics such as lovingkindness, meditation, mindfulness, "nowness," letting go, and working with fear and other painful emotions. Through the course of this book, readers will learn practical methods for heightening awareness and overcoming habitual patterns that block compassion.

The Logic of Chance: I Ching Interpretation for Decision Making, Creativity, and Other Uses (Paperback)

By Albert Ramon
This Book Is Not Sold Online - In Store Special Order Only
ISBN-13: 9781450230445
Availability: Special Order - Subject to Availability
Published: iUniverse.com, 7/2011
Other Editions of this Title
September 2012 Pick:

AN ESSENTIAL COMPANION GUIDE TO THE I CHING, THE TIMELESS BOOK OF WISDOM

The "I Ching," also called "The Book of Changes," is reputed to be the oldest book of mankind. It originated in China over 5000 years ago and is being used as an intuitive tool for decision making, forward-thinking, creativity, and insight. Scholars from Confucius to Carl Jung embraced it and wrote valuable comments. The "I Ching" reveals clarity out of complexity and uncertainty. Thus it enables people all over the world to make sense of their circumstances and take charge of their lives.

The "I Ching" contains a set of 64 symbols called hexagrams that can metaphorically describe any possible situation, suggest the best course of action, and indicate the most likely outcome. In addition, the hexagrams represent "categories of meanings."

"The Logic of Chance" describes a new and simpler way to interpret "I Ching" readings based on "holistic perception" and "pattern recognition." This approach makes it easier to recognize the answers because it reveals the only few "significant patterns" that relate to each reading. It includes a new interpretive tool: a dictionary that lists the meanings of each hexagram. 75 real-life readings vividly illustrate the clarity and depth of this approach.

This companion guide explains by examples the steps for consulting the "I Ching" and interpreting the result: Formulating the key question Building the hexagrams obtained in the reading Perceiving the few patterns that relate to the reading Understanding the texts of the hexagrams contextually Recognizing the answer

Alberto Ramon, MS in engineering, applies "systems thinking" to "I Ching" symbolism and interpretation. He currently works as an intuitive business consultant and lives in Northern California.

Rediscovering Life: Awaken to Reality (Paperback)

By Anthony De Mello
$14.00
ISBN-13: 9780307984944
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Image, 6/2012
Other Editions of this Title
August 2012 Pick: A companion to Anthony De Mello's all-time bestselling work of inspiration, "Awareness."
Anthony De Mello was one of the most important spiritual writers of the 20th century. Since his death in 1987, his stature has only increased. His books, including "Song of the Bird," "Sadhana," and the international bestselling "Awareness" are considered by many to be some of the most influential spiritual teachings of the last 50 years.
Now, to commemorate the 25th anniversary of his passing, Image Books is proud to present what may very well prove to be the last published work of this beloved spiritual teacher. Based on a lecture given just months before his death, "Rediscovering Life" invites us to unlock the deeper meaning of our lives. By becoming aware of the circuitous and habitual nature of our limiting thoughts, we can find simple solutions that will release us from feelings of isolation, anger, sadness and depression. In short, De Mello offers us a new way to look at the world and God that will transform our lives.

Happily Even After: A Guide to Getting Through (and Beyond) the Grief of Widowhood (Paperback)

By Carole Brody Fleet, Lisa Kline
$16.95
ISBN-13: 9781936740130
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days
Published: Viva Editions, 5/2012
July 2012 Selection: Inside "Happily Even After" you will learn how to:
- Live as a single person in a couple's world
- Rekindle neglected friendships and start new ones
- Transform holidays back into joyous, memorable occasions
- Reintegrate into the workplace
- Give yourself permission to explore dating
- Find grief groups and choose one if that's right for you

Freedom from the Known (Paperback)

By Jiddu Krishnamurti
$13.99
ISBN-13: 9780060648084
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: HarperOne, 4/1975
June 2012 SelectionKrishnamurti shows how people can free themselves radically and immediately from the tyranny of the expected, no matter what their age--opening the door to transforming society and their relationships.