As read on BBC Radio 4's 'Book of the Week', a timely, moving and profound exploration of how writers, composers and artists have searched for solace while facing loss, tragedy and crisis, from the historian and Booker Prize-shortlisted novelist Michael Ignatieff. 'This erudite and heartfelt survey reminds us that the need for consolation is timeless, as are the inspiring words and examples of those who walked this path before us.' Toronto Star When we lose someone we love, when we suffer loss or defeat, when catastrophe strikes - war, famine, pandemic - we go in search of consolation. Once the province of priests and philosophers, the language of consolation has largely vanished from our modern vocabulary, and the places where it was offered, houses of religion, are often empty. Rejecting the solace of ancient religious texts, humanity since the sixteenth century has increasingly placed its faith in science, ideology, and the therapeutic. How do we console each other and ourselves in an age of unbelief? In a series of portraits of writers, artists, and musicians searching for consolation - from the books of Job and Psalms to Albert Camus, Anna Akhmatova, and Primo Levi - writer and historian Michael Ignatieff shows how men and women in extremity have looked to each other across time to recover hope and resilience. Recreating the moments when great figures found the courage to confront their fate and the determination to continue unafraid, On Consolation takes those stories into the present, movingly contending that we can revive these traditions of consolation to meet the anguish and uncertainties of the twenty-first century.

As anxiety grows as a mental health concern, a practical guide for using art to manage stress. Honest stories of the author's descent into fear and anxiety, a diagnosis of mental illness, and how he found his way back to a place of stability and health inform this inspiring guidebook for those struggling with anxiety, fear, and panic. Told with vulnerability and compassion, the author's story and the practices he provides will inspire and encourage readers who face a diagnosis of anxiety and depression. Reflection questions, journaling prompts, and practices will help readers lead a more grounded and centered life. Hutchison found photography as a daily practice during his recovery helped him to slow down, see the world through from new perspectives, get out in nature, and live more contemplatively. The exercises and reflections included at the end of each chapter encourage readers to try out a variety of creative practices to find their way to a more centered and peaceful life. Practices range from photography, art, music, and meditation to cooking and hiking and help the reader reset their outlook, and find themselves again amidst inner and outer turmoil. Hutchison's guiding voice will show readers they are not alone.

Stop chasing sleep and start welcoming rest with these 365 peaceful, nighttime meditations to help you fall back to sleep with ease. Many familiar tales and legends have tended toward the belief that the moon has an impact on us both physically and metaphysically. Legends aside, we learn in school that the moon has control over the ocean's tides, as well as many other elements and creatures on earth-so why would humans be exempt? The moon is more than its beautiful exterior. As a spiritual entity, it is known to have control over your emotions, mental health, and sleeping habits. With that in mind, Moon Meditations opens the opportunity for you to explore your spiritual connection with Luna. Illustrated with unique and stunning artwork, this book allows you to experience the moon's full power through nightly meditations and affirmations, proven to help you embrace the rest, relaxation, and restorative sleep every night has to offer. These affirmations can be used daily to promote the power of self-worth and inspire self love, making this the perfect resource to help you tune out any distraction that hinders your rest and tap into the tranquility of the night. An example of the affirmations you will fine throughout Moon Meditations: Your Authenticity Helps Others "Be fearless in embodying your truest expression, even when it means being misunderstood or rejected. Your authenticity not only heals you but also paves the way for others to see their own unique light. Your authentic self is your greatest gift to the world." Easily implement calm, gratitude, and meditation into your daily habits with the Daily Gratitude series. These inspiring books guide you through the process of building mindful habits for your preferred schedule or personal goals. They are beautifully designed and elegantly put together to make your journey enjoyable as well as simple. Also available from the series: Sunrise Gratitude and Moonlight Gratitude.

Are you feeling emotionally exhausted? Do you worry about being likable (at all cost)? Are you trying to do it all and be it all--all the time? This radically different self-care guide will help you find the courage needed to express your deepest needs, nurture self-awareness, and be yourself in a world that expects you to be everything to everyone. If you're like countless other women today, you probably feel overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, anxious, stressed, frustrated, or unsatisfied. Or all of the above! In addition to managing your own career and running a household, you may be taking on an abundance of emotional labor--tending to others' needs at the expense of your own. If you've spent your whole life trying to please and manage other peoples' experience, it's time to speak your truth out loud, stand in your own shoes, and live an authentic life--rather than just behave. Written by therapist and spiritual teacher Nancy Colier, The Emotionally Exhausted Woman offers the validation, emotional support, and empowering skills you've been craving. You'll discover insights grounded in self-respect and awareness, to help you be on your own side and uncover your deepest psychological, spiritual, and emotional needs without feeling guilt, shame, or judgment. You'll learn why you are feeling depleted, why you take care of others at the expense of taking care of yourself, and how to develop a deeper form of self-care beyond the temporary respite of a spa retreat, bubble bath, or manicure. Finally, you'll nurture greater awareness of what you truly need to achieve lasting vitality and fulfillment. As women, we are culturally conditioned to believe that we should be able to do it all and should be all things to all people--all while smiling, looking perfect, and needing nothing for ourselves. At the end of the day, these pressures can leave us feeling depleted--in body, mind, and spirit. So, how can you start taking care of you in a deeper way? This empowering guide will help you gain a newfound awareness of your own needs, and find the courage to live a life that both nourishes and inspires you.

Renowned scientists and practitioners provide a concise summary of current theory, research, and clinical practice regarding traumatic stress. An integrative biopsychosocial theory of trauma response provides a framework for the book. Chapters consider the frequency and likely mental health consequences of a wide range of traumatic events-including military trauma, violent crime, natural and technological disasters, accidental injury, and torture. This comprehensive reference features state-of-the-art psychosocial and biological treatments and community-based intervention strategies.

Pause. Be present. Awaken your senses. Mindfulness is a powerful tool to help you live in the moment. This book will show you how to find peace every day and feel more connected to the world. For many of us, mindful living can seem like something that exists only in other people's lives. But the good news is anyone can practise it. Whether you're new to mindfulness or need some extra inspiration, this book will help you find a path to a happier, healthier life. Within these pages you will discover what mindfulness is and how it can be used in all aspects of your life, including: Breathing techniques to stay calm Eliminating distractions when you need to focus Appreciating the magical moments of the ordinary Practising self-care for improved well-being From discovering your calm within to learning how to meditate, the tips and techniques in this book will help you feel more at one with yourself. Open your mind... relax... and let this little guide show you how to live more mindfully.