This month's recommended reading is new to me, but not new to the world.  Gavin De Becker is a security specialist and he published the first version of this book in 1997.  My mother suggested it to me a few months ago; I hesitated to read it at first, but in the end found the information quite valuable. It is a surprising page turner that offers insight into how we can avoid trauma and violence by paying attention to the warning signs around us.  I worried at first…

Recently, I was fortunate to learn of the author Toni Bernhard and her inspiring works on chronic illness. Ms. Bernhard writes from a Buddhist perspective on practices that she has found helpful in dealing with her own sudden and debilitating chronic condition.  She writes with compassion for her own situation and a beautiful grace regarding her current limitations.  A grace that she acknowledges has taken her time and consistent effort to achieve.  A grace that still fluctuates. If you are looking for a resource on some new ideas…