Diana Richardson's favorite books for a life of harmony & happiness

This book has been a blessing for my life and my relationships.

I learned how to express my needs without blame or demand, and how to listen so that others feel both heard and understood. What also amazed me was to realize how limited my vocabulary was. I was basically using generic words like nice or good or great or fine, without actually giving any color or content of my experience in that present moment. I also noticed the tendency to say “I feel” a certain thing when, in fact, I was thinking a certain thing. Not feeling at all.

Rosenberg brings a clarity to language which encouraged me to expand my vocabulary and choose words with more content. And, most importantly, to communicate in a gentle, clear, non-blaming or violating way.

I read this book shortly before I started writing my book called Slow Sex.

I was especially struck by how David highlights elements like relaxation, pleasure, awareness, and rhythm as essential to metabolism. I also discovered the existence of Yoga’s universal metabolic enhancers, which I knew nothing about!

All this fascinated me because it is precisely these metabolic enhancers that are completely parallel with the qualities I incorporated into my sexual exploration four decades ago. These qualities then became the principles of Slow Sex that I propose, because they profoundly shape and impact the quality of intimacy.

This book was also a reminder to avoid distractions while eating, to eat more consciously, to chew more thoroughly so as to liberate the flavors, and to savor them. A great book!

I was attracted by the title of this book, and interestingly, it so much overlaps with my experience of life.

At the same time, I had not really applied what I had discovered through my personal relationships to the business world. Essentially, the authors, Thornton & Pascall, are coming at the same challenges from a different perspective—that of the workplace.

I became aware that life has presented me with the same challenges in different aspects of my life. My work is with couples, the relationships between them, focusing on how to create the best possible dynamic. This book essentially addresses the same issues, just in a different setting.

10 principles of being an authentic leader at work are outlined – I could easily say the same list applies to being authentic in a couple; they talk about being of integrity, being appreciative, being vulnerable etc. In fact, these principles are universal to all human relationships.

I love this book because of the way sensuality is encouraged.

Wonderful to feel the sweet teachings of presence, embodiment, and love that have been so helpful in my life for creating a delicious relationship. There is a gentle shining presence to this book, full of passion, energy, and practical exercises. Reading it was a relaxing and satisfying experience.

Hollenbery’s suggested 7 medicines are markers on a journey to connection, delight, and joy. I appreciate the depth and breadth of spirituality, careful attention to detail, and welcoming warmth. I found it beautifully written, engaging, and good fun.

I value how each word invited me into a deeper connection with myself and my body, and as a by-product, a healthier and more intimate connection with others.

This book resonated deeply with me, especially as I have spent decades exploring and teaching about the transformative power of presence.

I was touched by the author’s raw, tender, and illuminating writing. Eskey expresses herself with an engaging vulnerability and wisdom, and her life story illustrates how challenges can serve as a catalyst for personal growth and spiritual awakening. It caused me to reflect on my own life’s challenges in a more creative way.

I was also impressed by her capacity to access and recall all the nuances of her feelings, be it the agony or the ecstasy, from decades previously. Not only romantic love, but also the kind of love that emerges when we truly meet ourselves. A truly inspiring memoir of a life lived in love.