"The test of literature is, I suppose, whether we ourselves live more intensely for the reading of it." --Elizabeth Drew
Mind Matters,The All That Matters book group, began in June with The Alchemist and finishes the fall with The Faith Club in November. In between we also read A Thousand Splendid Suns; Eat Pray Love; Life of Pi; and Three Cups of Tea. Our guiding principle is to find compelling stories (fiction or non-fiction) that are insightful, inspirational, and educational without being overtly preachy or didactic. At the meetings so far we've had an enthusiastic group of book lovers who often have differing opinions on the selections. Our lively and thoughtful discussions, however, deepen everyone's personal experience of the book. If this sounds like your "cup of tea," there's room for you at our table.

While at a reunion in Texas recently I told my family about this club and my sisters, aunts, and cousins all wanted a copy of the book list. So it seems within my clan at least we'll have a cyber-subgroup along with the brick-and-mortar one here in Wakefield.
----Marna Krajeski, local author, book lover, and Mind Matters facilitator

Sneak Preview of the 2008 Mind Matters Book List
Start the new year with us as we discuss love, loss, and spirituality.
Jan. 22, 2008 Mother Teresa: Come Be My Light by Mother Teresa This historic work reveals the inner spiritual life of one of the most beloved and important religious figures in history.
Feb. 26, 2008 Peony in Love by Lisa See By the author of Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, a historical novel of an arranged marriage in 17th century China explores love, redemption, and letting go.
Mar. 25, 2008 The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion The author's intensely personal memoir of grief after the loss of her husband and illness of her child.
Apr. 22, 2008 Kabbalah: A Love Story by Lawrence Rabbi Kushner A contemporary novel of seeking, finding, and opening oneself to love.
May 6, 2008 The Reading Across Rhode Island Selection (to be announced.) Join us as we participate in the "One State, One Book" discussion and event.

Tips on coming to your first yoga class

1. Wear clothes you can move in. A t-shirt and lounge pants are a good bet for most classes, but if you're trying a power class you'll probably want to wear a tank and shorts. Yoga is done barefoot.
2. Use a yoga mat- our studio provides them. After your hooked you will want to purchase your own! We give ATM yoga students a $10 discount on their first mat.
3. Eat only lightly before class. It's not wise to practice on a full stomach. If you're famished, a small stack an hour or two before class is should be enough to fill you up without weighing you down.
5. Stay hydrated. Like massages, some postures release stored toxins in the body, so it's a good idea to drink lots of water before and after class to help detoxify, and to replace H20. If you coming to a hot class- bring water, a towel and your own mat.
6. Arrive early. Honor yourself and the class by showing up about 15 minutes before the scheduled class time. That will give you ample time to check in, find a comfortable space, gather proper props like strap or block and start to center yourself.
7. Check in with the teacher, if necessary. Let your instructor know if you have injuries or limitations so he/she can be sure to show you modifications or clue you in to postures you'll want to avoid.
4. Listen to your intuition. Don't worry about what other people in the class are doing, and don't push yourself beyond what feels right for your body.
8. Rest if you need to. It's okay to take breaks throughout class. Just transition into a resting pose, like child's pose.
9. Don't give up after the first class. It's normal to feel uncomfortable for your first class or two, as you learn the postures and get used to the yoga style.
10. Try something new. Yoga styles and instructors can vary widely, so if you've tried a few sessions and you're still not feelin' it, try switching to another type of class or teacher.