Got books?

One of the most commonly asked questions from clients is this: "Can you suggest any books that I can read to help me grow and change?"

And the answer is…

Yes. There are a great number of readable and easily accessible books that I am currently fond of. They're available at local book stores, your local library and online.

"The Language of Letting Go" by Melodie Beattie. Classic and inspirational, this book reminds us daily of the importance of relaxing into the flow of life rather than trying to control every little outcome.

"Changing For Good" by James Prochaska. Understanding the process of change is the first step to making real and lasting change. I've based a workshop on this book, which has always been well received -- and eye-opening for people who haven't be able to stop bad habits or start good ones.

"Emotional Intelligence" by Daniel Goleman. Psychologist Goleman tells how the ability to respond to your feelings and the feelings of others gives you an edge in work success and personal satisfaction.

"Your Heart's Desire" by Sonia Choquette. Sonia gently encourages you to focus on your dream, giving specific steps to bringing it to reality.

"Food and Behavior" by Barbara Reed Stitt. Written by a former probation officer, this book shows how simple dietary changes can and does reduce violent behavior. A must-read for educators, corrections officials, helping professionals and anyone who eats junk food.

"Woman Who Glows In The Dark" by Elena Avila and Joy Parker. A curandera -- an indigenous folk healer -- treats problems that are recognized as illnesses in Western medicine, as well as many that aren't. Thought-provoking and helps us ponder what healing is.

Do you have books that you love -- books that have shifted your perspective and changed your life? Let us know and we'll print their titles here.

In the news

Lake House's Melissa Taylor, shiatsu massage practitioner, was featured in the Jan. 23, 2006 edition of the The (Racine Journal) Times. In case you did not see it, you can find it the "news" page of www.lakehousecenter.com.

A handful of resources

If you or someone you know is dealing with a physical disability, check out a new book, "Coping with Physical Loss and Disability: A Workbook," by Rick Ritter, a disabled veteran and social worker. The book is published by Loving Healing Press. See http://www.lovinghealing.com.

Educators, youth leaders and others will appreciate knowing about an organization that offers an amazing number of free resources for addressing youth violence. The organization is National Youth Violence Prevention Center, and the web site is http://www.safeyouth.org.

Here's a site that's always looking for counselors, consultants and trainers with sensitivities to ethnic groups and specific cultural traditions. If you are a professional who would like to be listed, go to http://www.ethniccounselors.com and look for the "register here" prompt. I'm on the list and I think this a great resource.

The American Bar Association’s Commission on Domestic Violence has published a new tool to help attorneys screen for domestic violence. Attorneys who provide individual representation can use the new resource to identify whether a client is a victim of abuse. Click here to access this tool.

Blessings...

Lake House Health & Learning Center, birthed on Sept. 6, received a house blessing on the very next day. Our ceremonial leader: David Granados, a medicine man who integrates Native American indigenous spiritual practices.

As David waved the the pungent smoke from the burning sage into the air with his sacred eagle feather, it seemed as if we were clearing out the old energies and ideas. We sprinkled drops of cedar water at every corner of every room, speaking of our dreams for this new house and our own lives.

Now -- after much cleaning, painting and remodeling -- we at Lake House are moving into the new year. Indeed, there have been many blessings with a dedicated contingent of practitioners who have come to this special house as a place where they will offer their skills for healing and learning. There have been many enthusiastic inquiries about what we are creating here, Racine's first integrated health center offering diverse opportunities to learn and grow. There has been generous coverage by The Journal Times, our local newspaper, and curiousity from our neighbors and plaudits from our friends.

We are looking forward to our next house blessing from Didi Ananda Hiteshana, a teacher from India who practices and teaches meditation in the Ananda Marga tradition on Feb. 5. What other blessings await?

Visit us at www.lakehousecenter.com.