HOW TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE & WORLD

“The Way of Change,” by Luitha K. Tamaya (Axis Mundi Books, 2013), presents ways to work with, versus against, the forces of change, using shamanistic principles and practices. Tamaya discusses the four powers of Connection, Truth, Courage and Vision, which enable us to become observers of the changes that we see around us -- as well as the creators of change.

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“Design: Models of Change,” by Ken Baynes (Loughborough Design Press Ltd, 2013), explores the inner workings of designers, architects, engineers, and anyone in a design-oriented profession. Looking at the spectrum, from ancient homo sapien design of cooking implements, to the tools of the Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution, to the latest findings in neuroscience and evolutionary biology, Baynes presents a comprehensive picture of the way people who design things think. He also stirs up the dilemma between the benefits and the unintended negative impacts of design.

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“The Globalisation of Modern Architecture: The Impact of Politics, Economics, and Social Change on Architecture and Urban Design Since 1990,” by Robert Adam (Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2013), compares development in design with the shifts in political and economic power in the last two decades. During this time, the world has become a global market. The bulk of design tends to follow social change. It’s fascinating to see how an iconic design tells a story of what was happening in the world at the time of its inception.

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Willpower is NOT the answer. “Change Anything: The new science of personal success,” by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, David Maxfield, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler, tells us the Six Sources of Influence are what we need to master in order to affect change.

Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos.com, says “Change Anything doesn’t offer you a one-size-fits-all solution to your challenges. Instead, it shows your how to tailor a handful of simple strategies so that you can create your own success story.”

The book presents the latest psychological and medical research, along with real world examples of how personal change really happens. We can’t tell you more until we read it ourselves. Change Anything is available for pre-order, in advance of its February 2014 publication date.

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“Living Beautifully: With Uncertainty and Change,” by Pema Chodron (Shambhala Publications Inc, 2013), shows us how to cope with an ever-changing world by practicing the Three Commitments, a traditional Buddhist practice that enables relaxation amidst uncertainty. Chodron, a Buddhist nun, makes these concepts accessible to us.

Commitment #1, traditionally called the Pratimoksha Vow, is to do your best to cause no harm and to be good others. Commitment #2, traditionally called the Bodhisattva Vow, is about keeping our hearts and minds open and nurturing compassion. Commitment #3, traditionally known as the Samaya Vow, is a resolve to embrace the world just as it is, the good and the bad, without bias.

Chodron advises us to see everything and anything as a means by which we can awaken further.

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We all struggle to make changes in ourselves so that we can achieve our goals, solve our problems, as well as to find true love and happiness. “Rumi on Change by Love and Reason,” by Fariborz Arbasi (CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2013), borrows ideas from the poet Rumi and combines them with modern psychological techniques to show us how to change with grace. The book is filled with not only poems, but with stories, similes, metaphors, propositions, exercises, and nuggets of wisdom.

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“Change: Learn to Love It, Learn to Lead It,” by Richard Gerver (Portfolio Penguin, 2013), points out that people who cope well with change are among the most successful, while people who fear change tend to fall short.  

Gerver is a teacher who has done a lot to change failing schools into inspirational learning centers. Using wisdom and practical insights, gained from Gerver’s experiences, you can transform yourself as well.

“Filled with memorable stories and jammed with useful, actionable approaches to befriending, dealing with and profiting from change.” -- Seth Godin, author of Purple Cow and The Icarus Deception

“In this perceptive and heartfelt book, [Gerver] helps us see change as an opportunity for creative reinvention.” --- Sir Ken Robinson, author of The Element
 

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“How to Change Absolutely Anything: Practical Techniques to Make Real and Lasting Changes,” by Damian Hughes (Skyhorse Publishing, 2013), is full of powerful advice, tips, and even tricks, gathered from interviews with some of the most successful people in the world, including Muhammad Ali, Richard Branson, and Tiger Woods. The book also presents evidence-based psychological principles that work to bring about positive change.

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“DOWNLOAD FOR GOOD: Music That Changes the World” is a limited release deluxe boxed set of songs that inspire change. The set includes four vinyl albums, featuring 33 renowned artists, along with a 42 page book, filled with art, as well as a cool new USB device, called the ALIVEDRIVE, which includes a bonus track by Julio Iglesias Jr. and other interactive elements.

Produced by the David Lynch Foundation, sales proceeds are pegged to bring positive change and happiness to profoundly challenged people around the world.

Here’s the eclectic lineup:

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“Champions of Change,” by Bibi, is an audio CD filled with poems that will inspire and motivate you to live your dream.

Once you read these books and listen to these CDs, and you’re all loaded up with information and inspiration, we expect to see some beautiful change happening, people! We can’t wait to dive in.

Read about the beauty of Change all this week, as it relates to Arts/Design, Nature/Science, Food/Drink, Place/Time, Mind/Body, and Soul/Impact, including New Messages are Changing Worlds.

Get busy and enter the BN Competitions, Our theme this week is Beautiful Change. Send in your images and ideas. Deadline is 9.29.13.