Page 43 - Kyalami Issue 3 2021

3. The Invitation by Oriah Mountain Dreamer
Now obviously, that is not the author's real name. It was a name given to her
by Native American elders and means one who likes to push the edge and
can help others to do the same. The best way to describe this book is to give
you a tiny taste of it.

It doesn't interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache
for and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing.
It doesn't interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking
like a fool for love, for your dream, for the adventure of being alive.

It doesn't interest me what planets are squaring your moon. I want to know
if you have touched the centre of your own sorrow, if you have been opened
by life's betrayals or have become shrivelled and closed from fear of further
pain! I want to know if you can sit with pain, mine or your own, without
moving to hide it or fade it, or fix it.

I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or your own, if you can dance
with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and
toes without cautioning us to be careful, to be realistic, to remember the
limitations of being human.

The book starts with this poem, of which there are seven more stanzas, each
one as profound as the previous. They are unpacked further in the chapters
that follow. This book is real, raw, unfiltered, practical, complex, honest and
beautiful.
4. Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes
Maya Angelou said, "Everyone who can read should read this book."
Enough said.

This is not an easy read. The author's writing style is very rich and mature,
much like the feeling you get when indulging on a beautifully cooked lamb
shank with a velvety red wine jus. It is a remarkable book though.

She unpacks and rewrites fables and folklores that different cultures
have kept alive over generations, through storytelling to their children and
grandchildren. Many of these stories, heard in our younger years, are so
entrenched in our belief system that they have become a part of who we
are. What I have found most intriguing is how these stories have dictated
the way we view women, love and power. Just think of all the old Disney
princess movies.

So, if you have the appetite for magic and medicine, this one is a must!

5. Educated by Tara Westover
This is an extraordinary memoir of
the life of a girl, born in rural Idaho,
to parents who, for lack of a better
description, were doomsdays prophets.
They believed the FBI and government
were watching their every move. They
refused to send their children to
school, get medical care or associate
with people who were not stockpiling
food for the coming end-of-days. As
shocking and sad as her story is, she
compensates for it with her exquisite
writing style. This book will appeal
to anyone who has experienced any
form of childhood trauma (so basically There are so many incredibly talented female
everyone). authors. Jane Austin, Chimamanda Adichie, Margaret
Atwood, Charlotte Bronte, just to name a few. Let's
It is not a sad book per se, but rather celebrate the diversity and creativity they and all
an astonishing account of how far women bring to the world.
a person can come and what they Happy Women's Month!
can accomplish despite an imperfect
upbringing. This one is for the bubble Contact Michelle via her website for coaching and
bath! well-being resources - michellelraymond.com

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