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I began my midlife journey toward wholeness by purchasing a
journal—scrapbook. My plan was to read and listen to the voices of women who had
charted a path home to themselves so that I could draw from their wisdom,
knowledge, and experience. I created my own “virtual circle” of women-guides
who would accompany me on this journey. I read their poetry, studied their art,
devoured their writings, attended their workshops, and filled my journal with
their wisdom.
Share with us the poetry, art, books, and workshops that
have supported you during your midlife journey toward wholeness.
Email them to me (khannas@mcn.org) and we will post them on this page of
the website to support and inspire each other. Here are some of the resources that inspired me
during my midlife journey:
Books
1. Circle
of Stones: Woman's Journey to Herself by Judith Duerk
2. The
Heroine's Journey: Woman's Quest for Wholeness, by Maureen Murdock
3. I
Sit Listening to the Wind: Woman's Encounter Within Herself, Judith Duerk
4. Crossing
to Avalon: A Woman's Midlife Pilgrimage, Jean Shinoda Bolen
5. Writing
for Your Life: A Companion to the Inner Worlds, Deena Metzger
6. A
Woman's Book of Life: The Biology, Psychology, and Spirituality of The Feminine
Life Cycle, Joan Borysenko
7. The
Wisdom of Menopause: Creating Physical and Emotional Health and Healing During the Change, Christiane Northrup
8. The
Healer Within: Four Essential Self-Care Methods for Creating Optimal Health,
Roger Jahnke
9. The
Last Gift of Time: Life Beyond Sixty, Carolyn Heilbrun
10. Women's
Bodies, Women's Wisdom: Creating Physical and Emotional Health and Healing, Christiane Northrup
11. Imagine a Woman in Love with Herself, Patricia Lynn Reilly
Authors and Healers who
continue to be my guide in my life's journey:
Maureen Murdock is a
Jungian-oriented psychotherapist. Her workshops on The Heroine's Journey and
Making Meaning from Myth and Memoir, were very inspiring and helpful during my
midlife passage. She still facilitates retreats and can be reached at her website: www.a womansway.com.
Jean Shinoda Bolen is a
Jungian Analyst and author focusing on women's issues. Her workshop on "A
Woman's Midlife Pilgrimage" and her several lectures on women's issues
awaken one's consciousness to connecting with women during our midlife and
beyond journeys. For more
information about her books and retreats go to www.JeanShinodaBolen.com.
Christiane Northrup
is an internationally renowned Integrative OB/Gyn practitioner. I was very
moved by her story of her personal transformation from a physician trained in
the conventional medicine focused on curing to an integral health care
practitioner focusing on healing. It resonated with my own personal story. Her
many books on women's health are full of wisdom and knowledge about our bodies
especially during menopause.
Christiane's
website www.drnorthrup.org, is full of very valuable information
about her books and newsletters etc. Another informative website especially for
menopause is www.womantowoman.com
Joan Borysenko is a
distinguished pioneer in integrative medicine. I have been very inspired and
helped by her books and especially her latest book: A woman's Book of Life. Her
personal experience of changes in her own midlife provided the incentive for
this book. It opens a whole new vista of women's health and healing. Joan's
website www.joanborysenko.com gives helpful information about her current work
and workshops.
Judith Duerk through her writing and workshop has become my personal guide at this phase of
my life. Her Retreat on Women's Journey was very healing for me and it also
started a personal friendship with this remarkable woman. Although she does not
have a website, she still gives workshops and is often invited by women on a
personal basis to conduct a retreat. For more about her classic book, Circle of Stones, visit here: Circle of Stones
Audio and Video Tapes
I am very
fond of music and movement and use the following resources in my daily practice. I've found
that deep relaxation and mindful meditations and movements help us to connect with
our inner being and subconscious. My favorite ones are:
1. Mindfulness Meditation Practice CDs and
Audiotapes : Jon-Kabat Zinn
2. Sacred Spirit Drums, CD by David and
Steve Gordon
3. Oriental Sunrise, Music for Zen
Meditation, CD music by Riley Lee
4. Inward Harmony, CD music by Marcy
5. Anthem to Soul, CD music by Marcy
6. Meditative Movement, CD and Audiotape
by Ana Halprin
7. Dance of Shakti, CD Music by Prem
Joshua