Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Collecting lessons, advice, and exercises from the Leaping Hare's conscious-living list of books intended to help readers turn "ethical and spiritual values into practical... life choices," this cheery if uneven volume focuses on wellness, particularly in its emotional and spiritual forms. In parts based around each season, short sections suggest engaging in spiritual reflection, mindfulness, running barefoot, appreciating nature, and finding stillness amid the everyday. Meanwhile, visualization exercises are intended to help one build confidence, draw inner strength, and achieve personal balance, for which readers are instructed to stand with feet hip-width apart, draw palms together, and "picture a yin yang symbol" in the center of their chest. Sections are illustrated in muted, soothing color palettes, and Raluca Spatacean's artwork features a welcoem diversity of figures. The volume's narrow emphasis on meditation and gratitude leads to some repetition, and though the language sometimes veers into inanity ("In this way, the garden is a tool for compassion and deeper understanding"; "Perhaps mushrooms are masters of mindfulness"), those seeking mindful rituals to incorporate into the everyday will be able to find some gems if they put in the work. This will be a welcome resource for beginners looking for a guide for their wellness quests. (Jan.)
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Review by Library Journal Review
This beautifully crafted almanac is organized by month, much like Emma Loewe and Lindsay Kellner's The Spirit Almanac. It's designed as a way into self-awareness and insight through embodied practices, including journaling (and other acts of reflection), movement, meditation, cooking, and more. This self-guided journey will be a valuable addition to anyone's wellness toolkit and could be particularly useful for yoga or mindfulness teachers to incorporate its ideas into their practices. The illustrations are beautifully drawn yet simple enough to give readers imaginative space for reflection. VERDICT This should be on the nightstand of anyone who is interested in adding self-awareness rituals to their routine.--Emily Bowles
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