QUARANTINE ACTIVITY: WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT BOOKS TO READ RIGHT NOW

Do we still trip out every time we start a blog about things to do in quarantine? 

YES.

Times are still strange, unlike anything we've ever seen....and now that the social distancing rule has been extended until April 30, we can use all of the time-passing activities we can get, right?

(Artwork by Kat Goodloe!)

Our latest Quarantine Self-Care series installation continues with a list of our favorite women's empowerment books to give you some mentally stimulating brain candy! Turn off the phone and focus on some new lit next weekend!

Stuck in self-isolation or quarantine jail? Yep, we feel you.

​Luckily, online book retailers are still open and shipping to bring us literature and help maintain a sense of normalcy. We are linking to our favorite indie bookseller, Powell's Books out of Portland, Oregon - because they are fighting to stay open right now. Shop small, support local when you can!

1. Women Who Run With The Wolves - Stories Of The Wild Woman Archetype
​by Clarissa Pinkola Estes, PhD

Around here, we like to refer to this Estes masterpiece as "the other Bible". This is a book that a woman can re-visit at many different stages throughout life. It is primal. Eye-opening. Resonating. It should be shared with your friends, cherished forever, and praised from the rooftops. We can't recommend this book enough or summarize the magic in its pages in a million years....just do it.

Promising review: "Creative exploration of the female archetype intertwining indigenous myth, fairytales and western social morays. It is a little woo-woo, but in a good way. Great resource for analyzing creativity, grief and self exploration."

2. Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear 
by Elizabeth Gilbert (yes, the author of Eat. Pray. Love.)

A resource to tap when your creativity feels like it has evaporated. When fear stops you from hitting "publish" or "post". Packed with sage wisdom, stories and inspiration from a literary master, starting on the very first page. 

Promising review: "This book isn't for those who wish to live a creative life. It if for those who wish to LIVE. (Because really, what is life without creativity?)

This book is all of life! Really. All big questions that have ever raised themselves in my head- most of them are answered in here in a very fun Liz-Gilbert-Only way. The book is not like EAT PRAY LOVE. But I don't think anyone other than Liz Gilbert can write it. It doesn't have any practical 1-2-3-4 step by step guidelines. But it is very much applicable in everyday life.

Read it if you are afraid of new things.
Please read it if you wish to do any creative-projects in life.
Please please read it if you are looking for a mystic creativity mentor.
Please please please read it if you are a suffering creative. (You don't have to suffer to be creative.)

All I know is that this book is going to be my long-term companion."

3.Zen As F*ck: A Journal for Practicing the Mindful Art of Not Giving a Sh*t
by Monica Sweeney

One of our favorite PM post-work activities!

Promising review: "I write in my journal the prompts and quotes in this book! It's awesome. I have severe anxiety and this book helps me take my mind off of my anxieties while I'm writing. It makes me chuckle and I can relate to a lot of it. I recommend using the book as a prompt and writing it out in a separate journal not in the book directly so that way you can flip through it many times in different points in your life as things change."

4. Crystal Healing & Sacred Pleasure Awaken Your Sensual Energy Using Crystals & Healing Rituals One Chakra at a Time
by Vanessa Cuccia, Owner, Chakrubs

Ohhhhhh goodnessssssss! The most positive result to come from reading this book is learning how to reconnect with your body effortlessly. It also offers a TON of juicy information on healing crystals, their history, etc. The rose quartz yoni egg exercise...mind-blowing. Great for those looking for new sex magic rituals to incorporate into their self-pleasure routines. 

Promising review: 'I wasn’t sure what to expect but when I began reading it became obvious that this book focuses on the use of chakrubs crystal used for intimate, sexual healing. The book is beautifully illustrated and provides a detailed history of chakras and how to use this energy to understand yourself from a spiritual perspective. The author incorporates her own experiences and learning which makes the book less intimidating and more intimate like receiving advice from a friend."

5. The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are
by Brené Brown 

Not familiar? Check her out on YouTube. She's all about the power of vulnerability and authenticity. Working through the scary stories we believe about ourselves. Digging deeper to find the courage to be your badass self. F*ck what people think. You ARE enough. Her work is really important, especially for those who struggle with self-worth or imposter syndrome. 
​
Promising review: "...It was like taking a spa trip for my spirit after it's been depleted by life's treadmill. The author teaches the components of "Wholehearted (compassionate and authentic)Living" as guideposts she's discovered through extensive client interviews. Although the author has a doctorate, her use of language is easy to understand and accessible. Her personal stories about struggles with perfectionism, shame, and vulnerability encourage even the most entrenched perfectionist that we can let go of our unworthiness baggage and experience joy just as we are right now."

Here's to cozying up with a book lover, and going on a mental vacay for a little bit!

What books should we add to this list?

via GIPHY