My first favorite read of the year is an older book by one of my favourite writers, Seth Godin.
As with most of his work, in 'The Icarus Deception', Seth challenges us to think differently and constructively about the change we want to impact in the world.
I enjoyed this book so much I didn't want to finish it so took my time to dip in and out of it, as I read several other books in tandem.
Any and all of Seth's work is worth your time and energy, this book is gold.
In The Icarus Deception, Seth Godin's most inspiring book, he challenges readers to find the courage to treat their work as a form of art
Everyone knows that Icarus's father made him wings and told him not to fly too close to the sun; he ignored the warning and plunged to his doom. The lesson: Play it safe. Listen to the experts. It was the perfect propaganda for the industrial economy. What boss wouldn't want employees to believe that obedience and conformity are the keys to success?
But we tend to forget that Icarus was also warned not to fly…
For over three and a half decades Simple Minds have been my favourite band. I've seen them live many times, in many places, around the world, and their music has meant so much to me throughout my life. A constant source of inspiration. They have always been in my life throughout this time.
This book had a lot to live up to. It really delivered in unexpected ways.
This admittedly falls into the camp of a niche book, and it helps if either you also fall into the camp of a hardcore Minds fan (like me), or a hardcore music fan to enjoy the ride most. That said, Jim and Charlie's story (the driving forces and only founding members of the band still in it) is one for the ages. A classic tale of young men that dreamt big and made that dream come true.
'Nobody owes us anything, but the Simple Minds story has been too condensed. After Live Aid and 'Don't You (Forget About Me)' there hasn't been quite the credit for those first few records. I think they contain some really special music. I can hear the flaws but there's something about the spirit and imagination in them that feels good. They draw from such a wide range of influences ... but the spirit of it was always Simple Minds.' Jim Kerr, to the author
An illuminating new biography of one of Britain's biggest and most influential bands, written with the full…
I love Yung Pueblo's books and in 'The Way Forward' he returns to the poetic roots of his first two books (Inward and Clarity & Connection).
This is a beautiful and poignant book about mindfulness, spirituality, hope, and life. Most poems are short but the words on the page resonate with deep meaning. A wonderful read.
The #1 New York Times bestselling poet returns with his most ambitious collection yet. In this third and final installment of his poetic trilogy, Yung Pueblo expands upon favourite themes while guiding readers further, toward a life lived authentically, intuitively, and in harmony with others.
In these rapidly changing times, it is more important than ever to know ourselves well and fully, even and especially in the face of turmoil. The Way Forward encourages readers to connect more deeply to their intuition, using it to remain focused and grounded amidst a world in constant flux.
In an unnamed place in Japan, a lone figure stands.
Surveying the horizon, he breathes deeply, holds his breath for a pause then exhales even more deeply.
He listens to the birds singing. He notices the different shades of blue, pinks and purples in the morning sky. He feels the warmth of the morning sun on his skin.
Today will be a good day.
Today will be a day of reflection and walking. Perhaps he will be able to make time for drawing or penning a poem.
Mostly, today is a day where no battles are expected.
He knows moments like these are fleeting. They will not last, they will not be repeated. So he sits in the moment fully, embracing all it has to bring.
Soon it will be time for battle again.
-----------------------
Every Warrior has a back story, this is Akira’s.
About this Book: What started as a series of poems related to a central figure, 'The Warrior', continues with the back story of a man that became a legend in his own time.
This book is part story, part reflection and philosophy, part poetry.
Although our central character lived a long time ago, his journey can influence our own. His lessons and example are timeless.
We all have a fire that we can draw on from inside.
We are all fighting our own series of internal battles.
We can all learn to develop the stillness and calm within.
