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daniel jacob's shelf 📚
This is where you can find all the books and other stuff I reference in my 🎭Media — or just really love and want to share with you!
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Referenced in: 🎙️Self Conscious: The Normalcy Bind
In my experience, few books manage to blend the magic and creative aliveness of childhood stories with the power and depth of ancient wisdom... this book is the rare combination of a text I turn to both for comfort and for guidance throughout my life.
The Tao of Pooh lays out the fundamental principles of Taoism through the characters of AA Milne's classic stories. Benjamin Hoff uses Winnie the Pooh's simple and carefree nature to illustrate the significance of living in harmony with our Inner Nature — encouraging us to let go of our preconceived notions of all the myriad 'shoulds' and seeking to live in harmony with the ever unfolding present moment, just like Pooh!
Referenced in: 🤲humanBeing. Structure vs. Emergence
Actually referenced directly in Sacred Economics below, The Gift is exactly that: a gift. I learn so much from this book about how to understand creative exchange outside the capitalist schema we live in— and the immense energetic, spiritual, cultural, and practical power of the concept of the true gift.
Lewis Hyde delves into the intricate and fascinating cultural history of gift-giving and its significance in the realm of art and creativity. Hyde posits that genuine gifts are not intended to be owned or possessed, but rather to be bestowed and circulated. Furthermore, he expounds on the notion that the commercialization of art and creativity can impede the authentic spirit of gift-giving, which is rooted in generosity, reciprocity, and community.
Referenced in: 🤲humanBeing. Structure vs. Emergence
For those who feel drawn to a deeper understanding and context about the connection between how we're taught and how we think — this book is critical.
Pedagogy of the Oppressed posits that conventional education systems are inherently oppressive and serve to maintain the existing power structures. Friere advocates for a novel approach to education that empowers the oppressed and fosters critical thinking. This revolutionary perspective has had a profound impact on education theory and practice, inspiring educators to rethink their pedagogical methods and strive for a more equitable and just society.
Referenced in: 🤲humanBeing. Structure vs. Emergence
The books on healing I find myself returning to again and again are the ones that seem to break down the divide between creativity, movement, and healing. This book is a perfect example.
The Expressive Body delves into the intricate relationship between the human body, the creative process, and healing. The book provides readers with a plethora of exercises, techniques, and psychological frameworks that are designed to aid individuals in accessing their own distinctive expression through movement and embodiment toward greater wholeness and wellness.
Referenced in: 🤲humanBeing. Structure vs. Emergence
Twyla's way of creating inspiring structure is second to none. If you're looking to find enlivened, exciting structure to serve your creative life— this book is for you!
In The Creative Habit, Twyla Tharp delves into the intricacies of the creative process and offers guidance on how to foster creativity in one's life. Tharp underscores the significance of establishing a routine and cultivating habits that are conducive to creative work: expounding on the crucial roles of preparation, inspiration, and perspiration.
Referenced in: 🤲humanBeing. False Self
This book feels to me like a call to action on the deepest of levels: a poetic, enlivened invitation for us to step back into the fullness of our humanity and by doing so, to return to our inherent interconnection to the Earth and all living beings on it. A definite highly recommended read. One that inspires rather than castigates. Calls to us rather than yells at us for having so lost our way.
Choosing Earth by Duane Elgin is a book that explores the challenges facing humanity and the planet, and offers a vision for a sustainable future. The author argues that we need to shift focus from materialism and consumerism to a more holistic and interconnected way of living. The book provides practical steps for individuals and communities to take towards a more sustainable future.
Referenced in: 🤲humanBeing. False Self
For anyone looking to better understand the capitalist system we live within — as well as to imagine a world more caring for our fellow humans than the one in which we currently live — this book is invaluable.
Sacred Economics explores the history and future of money and economics. The author argues that our current economic system is based on scarcity and separation, which leads to environmental destruction and social inequality. He proposes a new economic system based on gift culture, community, and the recognition of the sacredness of all life.
Referenced in: 🤲humanBeing. False Self
I deeply appreciate Lembke's combination of destigmatizing and universalizing the issues of addiction facing us all in this society — as well as sharing her fascinating, compassionate, and intimate portrayals of her clinical work with acute addiction throughout her amazing career.
Dopamine Nation explores the impact of technology and addiction our brains. Lembke, drawing on her clinical experience as a psychiatrist to provide a nuanced understanding of addiction and its effects on individuals and society, argues that our constant need for instant gratification and dopamine is leading to a nation of addicts. She offers insights into the science behind addiction and provides practical advice for individuals and society as a whole to address this growing problem.
Referenced in: 🤲humanBeing. False Self
I'm not a huge student of personality frameworks, but from time to time I come across a way of conceiving of our various ways of being human that speaks to me. This is one such resource. I particularly appreciate the ways Chestnut outlines not only the various types, but also their subtypes — and even connects them to different trials and tribulations from The Odyssey!
The Complete Enneagram is a comprehensive guide to understanding the Enneagram system of personality types. It provides detailed descriptions of each of the nine types, including their core motivations, fears, and behaviors. The book also delves into the origins of the Enneagram, which has roots in ancient spiritual traditions designed to help in greater self-awareness and community connection. The book offers practical advice for personal growth and development based on one's Enneagram type, as well as how the types interact with each other.
Referenced in: 🤲humanBeing. False Self
The Wicked Years series by Gregory Maguire are the novels I turn to when I need to feel my sense of existential isolation and nihilistic despair reflected back to me. They are incredibly dark and yet highlight both the personal and the political struggles of trying to do good in this world in a way I find deeply cathartic.
This four book series is a retelling of the classic story of The Wizard of Oz from the perspective the so-called Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba.
The novels are set in a world where the authoritarian government of the Wizard is beginning to enact discriminatory measures against the sentient, talking Animals: using them as scapegoats to distract from the regime's consolidation of power for the elite ruling class.
The series delves into themes of power, corruption, discrimination, and the struggle for social justice: interweaving the personal stories of Elphaba and the other character's lives with the larger sociological forces of the world in which they live.
Referenced in: 🤲humanBeing. Locus of Control
This is one of those books that, for my brain, is best absorbed in small chunks. I read a chapter and can sit with it for a long time before reading more: reflecting on all the ways I see these concepts show up in my life and my work. There are many phrases I now commonly use in my practice and my community that I first came across here.
Nurturing Resilience delves into the topic of trauma healing and resiliency building. Although the book is primarily intended for therapists, it can be a valuable resource for individuals who are interested in learning how to overcome challenging experiences and develop inner fortitude through tending to our nervous systems directly — rather than bypassing or suppressing trauma as a means of survival.
The authors offer a range of practical tools and exercises that readers can use to heal from past harm, as well as to cultivate greater resilience in the face of future challenge. This book provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of how to navigate adversity somatically and emerge stronger and more whole on the other side.
Referenced in: 🎙️Self Conscious. The Terrible Trivium
The Phantom Tollbooth is one of my childhood favorites. But it's one of those childhood books I reread every few years and always gotten something new from that seems to magically relate to wherever I'm at in my life...
Through the adventures of the protagonist, Milo, the book explores complex philosophical concepts such as the nature of time, the importance of language, the meaningfulness of our actions, and the power of perception. The story encourages readers to embrace curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to learn