My best friend of 22 years, Lynn Davis and I always engage in our annual year-end ritual of reviewing and analyzing the events that have taken place over the course of the year.
As usual, our conversations veer into lengthy discourses about living an artistic and socially engaged life. We ruminate on the great inner impulse we both share―to be responsible citizens by engaging in social experiences that interact with the community and activate the collective social imagination.
Socrates, St. Thomas Aquinas, Leonardo da Vinci―a few of the great philosophers of the past who sought to understand the notion of justice, and obtaining excellence in refining one’s power of the “thinking” mind, believed that enhancing the quality of “knowing thyself” was of upmost importance. I believe the ultimate attributes for each of us to nurture and cultivate, more intensely in today’s world, lies in caring for the physical body, strengthening the mind, coupled with a rigorous pursuit of the sacred in daily life.
Author Judith Rodin advises: "In the twenty-first century, building resilience is one of our most urgent social and economic issues because we live in a world that is defined by disruption. Not a month goes by that we don't see some kind of disturbance to the normal flow of life."
In that vein, I put forth, as recommended reading, the following books to spark your intellect and kick-start your year as we all strive to be more noble and wise, in a year that is certain to affect the way we experience the world around us.
“The Constitution of the United States with the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation”―Introduction by R. B. Bernstein
The year 2025 marks the 249th anniversary of our nation’s founding document. Constitutional discussions and debates excite a multiplicity of interpretations. This book puts knowledge and truth at your fingertips.
“Standing for Something: 10 Neglected Virtues that will Heal our Hearts and Homes”
Using anecdotes from his life of faith and service, Gordon B. Hinckley examines ten universal virtues that illuminate the path to a better world: love, honesty, morality, civility, learning, forgiveness, mercy, thrift and industry, gratitude, optimism and faith.
“The Fourth Turning: An American Prophecy: What Cycles of History Tell Us About America’s Next Rendezvous with Destiny”
Authors Strauss and Howe suggest America and British culture moves through 80-year cycles, the fourth cycle marked by national crisis. Tracing history from the 15th century War of the Roses, the authors theorize America would face its greatest challenge in 2020.
“The Resilience Dividend: Being Strong in a World Where Things Go Wrong”
Through the lens of real-life stories, Judith Rodin explores the three stages of resilience: readiness, responsiveness and revitalization. Rodin exhibits keen analysis of government agencies, as well as various organizations pulling together in times of crisis.
"Chop Wood, Carry Water: A Guide to Finding Spiritual Fulfillment in Everyday Life"
Editors of the New Age Journal explore the importance of simple daily tasks and rituals, experienced through a variety of spiritual traditions to ensure peace of mind and wholeness of spirit, two attributes we surely need in ensuing years.
“The Second Half of Life”
Dr. Angeles Arrian uses a metaphor of nature's seasons to describe the stages of human life: Spring for new life; summer for the rite of passage into adulthood; fall for the harvest of a developed personality; winter as the time of reflection and sharing lessons with the next generation that will carry on the mission of making a better society.
Janice Brooks is a social entrepreneur with a passion for creating transformational experiences that enliven artistic, creative, spiritual, cultural and literary arts. Janice believes sharing her keen cultural, political and social commentary, in a grace-filled manner, has nurtured transparent connections within our community, specifically among organizations, businesses, academia and religious institutions. Contact Janice at theliterarycafeutah@gmail.com.