June Reads, Listens, and Highlights
I occasionally get asked what I’m reading, listening to, or learning, and I honestly struggle to recall all the details in those moments. So, I’m trying this as an experiment. Here are some books, podcasts, and highlights I’ve been revisiting this past month. This isn’t meant to be extensive review but more of a quick gist. As these different resources have been helpful to me, I hope in some way they are helpful to others!
Books #
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality - Peter Scazzero
I finished this incredible book a second time this past month. It’s one of those books you could go back to, and keep learning or take something away from each time.
Lines like these are what keep pushing me forward in my emotional and spiritual growth!
“The work of growing in Christ (what theologians call sanctification) does not mean we don’t go back to the past as we press ahead to what God has for us. It actually demands we go back in order to break free from unhealthy and destructive patterns that prevent us from loving ourselves and others as God designed.” (Peter Scazzero, Emotionally Healthy Spirituality)
“Be willing to tolerate the discomfort necessary for growth. Pray for the Holy Spirit’s power to continue. You are doing something that has never been done before in your history! In some cases you will be challenging deep multigenerational patterns. Expect that you may stir up some profound emotionality!” (Peter Scazzero, Emotionally Healthy Spirituality)
Becoming the One - Sheleana Alyana
I’ve been on this journey over the past 3 or so years of wanting to heal and change the unhealthy relationship (friendship, romantic, work, etc) patterns I have, and this book definitely packed a punch in giving me insight and tools that area! Both convicting and encouraging which is a good combination. Though primarily written towards women, and more in a romantic relationship context, as a guy wanting to do the work I need to do, I found what Sheleana shared really helpful! It gave me perspective and practical things to process which have complimented and enhanced conversations I have with my counselor. I will also say, as a Christ follower, there are a few areas I don’t exactly agree or connect with, or found myself needing to draw different connections, but overall, still a great read! I’m excited for the healing God will continue to do in me as I work on integrating what I’ve learned.
Podcasts #
Dr. Daniel Amen ON: How to Change Your Life By Changing Your Brain & the Lies About Happiness That Are Increasing Depression - https://pca.st/episode/939bc6f9-2717-495e-965d-a14a666a003c
I’m a bit of a neuroscience nerd, and I really enjoyed the practical ways they talked about how we can change how we’re feeling through our thoughts. Though the doctor doesn’t specifically say he’s a Christian, he does reference the Bible at least once that I recall. Throughout the episode, I was reminded of Romans 12:2
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Romans 12:2 ESV
We can renew our minds and map new pathways, but it takes intentional work and effort. The days I get this right, I can tell the difference it makes on my overall well-being. And even though I don’t always feel like it, I’m choosing to be excited by how the ideas shared will help me review my mind for the better!
Decoding Overload - Deep Questions https://pca.st/episode/e3f944c3-2e54-4eff-95f3-458838812972
I’ve recently found myself hitting a new level of feeling overloaded with all that is on my plate. Cal’s question based approach, along with his own experience and research, has helped me begin to adjust certain patterns I have for handling things like written communication, batching certain tasks, and ultimately leading me to find better ways I can show up as an effective leader of my team at work and also be a better person to those around me!
Parts Work, Part 1-3 - Become Good Soil
https://pca.st/episode/cba6c7c7-b1af-4a35-ac8f-80b5f261ecd7
I found a lot of what was discussed in these podcast episodes to compliment what I read in Becoming The One; though described through a Christian perspective. Biggest learning or take a way, is I let my strategic self drive way too much, and it keeps me from being as consistently present to the moment and those in it and their emotions. Kinda gut punching, but grateful for the awareness so I can work with God on healing that part. Lots of notes from these 3 episodes to continue to review and reflect on!
Highlights That Are Resonating #
“Because I don’t live in either my past or my future. I’m interested only in the present. If you can concentrate always on the present, you’ll be a happy man. You’ll see that there is life in the desert, that there are stars in the heavens, and that tribesmen fight because they are part of the human race. Life will be a party for you, a grand festival, because life is the moment we’re living right now.” (Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist)
“Life is not primarily a quest for pleasure, as Freud believed, or a quest for power, as Alfred Adler taught, but a quest for meaning. The greatest task for any person is to find meaning in his or her life. Frankl saw three possible sources for meaning: in work (doing something significant), in love (caring for another person), and in courage during difficult times. Suffering in and of itself is meaningless; we give our suffering meaning by the way in which we respond to it.” (Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning)
“The most amazing fact about Jesus, unlike almost any other religious founder, is that he found God in disorder and imperfection—and told us that we must do the same or we would never be content on this earth. ” (Richard Rohr, The Naked Now)