Controlled Burn Holiday Reading List
Books to Ignite your Journey
As the holiday season approaches, it’s a perfect time to slow down and reflect. For those of us on a Controlled Burn journey – actively seeking transformation and renewal in our lives – this period can be more than just a break; it can be a season of deep learning and introspection.
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I’d like to suggest that the reading of a good book is akin to tossing another log on the proverbial bonfire. It feeds the fire and keeps it going. And in the zaniness of this season, it is critical to keep burning.
In the spirit of Controlled Burn – where we consciously choose to metabolize our experiences for growth – I’ve curated a holiday reading list that I believe can add fuel to your personal journey of transformation. Here's why each of these books deserves a place on your holiday reading table:
Black Liturgies: Prayers, Poems, and Meditations for Staying Human by Cole Arthur Riley (Pre-Order for early 2024) Cole Arthur Riley is a reflective and incisive writer and thinker whose words jostle us into alertness and make wide, sacred space for grief and joy alike. I’ve really enjoyed her work on Facebook and look forward to her new book coming in early 2024. Riley's blend of prayers, poems, and meditations offers a deeply spiritual, yet profoundly human, touch. It will be perfect for those moments on your Controlled Burn journey when you need to reconnect with your humanity and find solace in shared experiences.
Franciscan Prayer by Ilia Delio O.S.F. Delio's insights into Franciscan spirituality provide a fresh lens to view our connection with the world and ourselves. This book is a guide to embracing a contemplative life, essential for anyone looking to deepen their practice of presence – a key component in the Controlled Burn process.
The Disabled God: Toward a Liberatory Theology of Disability by Nancy L Eiesland Eiesland's work challenges us to reconceptualize our ideas of wholeness and ability. This rethinking is at the heart of the Controlled Burn concept – breaking down old structures to build something more inclusive and empowering. It's an essential read for those seeking a more inclusive spiritual perspective.
The Second Circle: Using Positive Energy for Success in Every Situation by Patsy Rodenburg Rodenburg offers practical strategies for harnessing and and generating the energy of presence – a crucial skill for anyone on a Controlled Burn path. Her techniques for presence and engagement can transform how you interact with the world, making every encounter more meaningful.
Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More than They Expect by Will Guidera In the spirit of Controlled Burn, this book explores how exceeding expectations in our interactions can create transformative experiences. Guidera’s approach to hospitality can be a model for those looking to create positive, lasting impacts in their relationships.
The Narrow Road Between Desires by Patrick Rothfuss This book is brand-spanking-new and I’m just digging into it. I’ve loved Rothfuss’s past works, especially his landmark first book in the Kingkiller Chronicle, The Name of the Wind. Rothfuss’s narrative weaves through the complexities of choice, desire, and consequence – themes that resonate deeply with anyone on a Controlled Burn journey. It’s a compelling read for those who appreciate fiction that reflects the intricacies of our real-life quests and challenges.
As you settle into the holiday season, consider diving into these books. Let them challenge you, comfort you, and inspire you on your Controlled Burn journey. And if you have book recommendations that have impacted your journey, please share them. Let’s use this season not just for rest but for rekindling our spirits and minds.
Happy reading, and remember to embrace the journey of transformation this holiday season brings.