How I Used Epiphanies: A Practical Guide to Wisdom for a Book Club
I envision using my book in a group because I am committed to the concept of connecting with others in the community. However, that is purely up to you. Honestly, there is no right or wrong way to read and work with this book. Form a discussion group or fly solo! Any way you use it, I hope it will inspire you to be mindful and aware of the lessons we are given every day.
After each story, I have included an inspirational reflection encapsulating the lesson. Additionally, I invite you to explore and practice what you have learned from the reading. I encourage you to share your thoughts and takeaways while working on the invitation activities. Because sharing experiences helps us learn from each other, you may find it helpful and comforting to share with a friend or a group of friends.
My vision of sharing experiences and conversations may inspire you to start a group with like-minded people. Sharing in a group allows us to see the world from different perspectives, experiences, and insights. Conversations and connections like these add richness to our lives, which may be missing in today’s busy society. In years past, women knew the importance of sitting together over coffee to chat, listen, and support each other. Many a challenge was resolved over a nice cup of coffee.
To try out the concept I envisioned, I formed a group of seven amazing women, four of whom I did not know before we started the group. The only criterion was that they were willing to share their ideas honestly and be somewhat vulnerable within the group to share their experiences.
We developed guidelines (see below) to organize the meetings and began meeting every two weeks.
The stories in the book are organized by themes and do not need to be read consecutively: trust, self-acceptance, mindfulness, connection/community, and self-care. Our group would select a story based on what theme resonated with them at the moment. In the subsequent meeting, the group would engage in a discussion about the story and share their experiences with the invitation activity at the end. This approach fostered open, honest interchange and rich, heartfelt sharing. Perhaps this group model can also suit your preferences.
If you aren’t a “group” person, please don’t worry, you can easily study the book on your own. Or you might prefer to work with one good friend with whom you connect on a deeper level and feel safe sharing your experiences. Regardless of how you work with this book, it is my sincere wish that it encourages you to be mindful and pay attention to the events and daily happenings in your life, as well as the lessons they are always teaching.
Teri