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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