The Good Life
Books To Help You Reinvent Yourself With New Hobbies
5 min read
•
Feb 1, 2021
Who wouldn’t like to explore new hobbies? The problem generally is – where does one learn these? Courses and classes are costly, and may not give us the in-depth understanding we need. That’s where our old friends – books – come in!
Exploring new hobbies lets us stay engaged and happy. If you had a particular interest in something when you were younger but didn’t have the time to keep it up – then maybe it’s worth going back and checking if you still enjoy it as an adult. The new year is an opportune time to start your life with a new hobby – something that is simple and fun to do. It will add a little spark to your monotonous life. In this blog, we share a list of books to help you pick-up your next favourite hobby.
1. ‘The Energy Medicine Yoga Prescription' by Lauren Walker
This is your cue to introduce yoga in your life if you haven’t already. Lauren Walker’s “The Energy Medicine Yoga Prescription” gives you the perfect tool to embrace the journey of life. Through exercises and the wonders of ‘Energy Medicine’, you can forge a new intimacy with your body. It will stop the destructive habits you’ve been practicing and will help you create supportive habits. It will inspire you to take yoga as your new hobby. In other words, this book gives you the tool to create a lasting change in your mind, body and soul.
2. ‘Smitten Kitchen Every Day: Triumphant and Unfussy New Favorites' by Deb Perelman
Deb Perelman’s book will inspire you to take cooking as your hobby. Filled with fun and easy, but delicious and totally Instagramable recipes, this book lets you reclaim the joy of time in the kitchen. Each recipe is accompanied by a photograph shot by Deb (as she’s simply known to her many followers), herself. It’s no wonder this lovely book took half a decade to complete.
If you want to understand how a happy discovery in the kitchen can completely change the course of your day – pick this book up right now. Award-winning and extremely popular – this book will inspire the chef within you.
3. ‘Astrophysics for People in a Hurry' by Neil DeGrasse Tyson
Neil DeGrasse Tyson’s book will inspire you to take interest in the universe. What is the nature of space and time? How do we fit within the universe? How does the universe fit within us? There’s no better guide than this book. With sparkling wit and tasty chapters, Tyson brings the universe down to Earth succinctly and clearly.
This is a short book, perfect, as the title. If you would like your mind exploded by science, and get a few chuckles out of the deal, check it out!
4. ‘Alterknit Stitch Dictionary: 200 Modern Knitting Motifs' by Andrea Rangel
If you want to be a creative knitter, Andrea Rangel’s book is perfect to introduce you to this lost domestic art. Even if you've never knitted before, this book will certainly inspire you to get started.
You can learn how stranded colour work can be used in the design – with five accompanying projects including mitts, cowls and sweaters. Plus, it inspires you to use your imagination to modify, deconstruct and combine the unique motifs to create your own designs.
Andrea’s book is a fabulous collection of 200 stitch patterns for stranded colour work, with a splashing sense of humor.
5. ‘Why Poetry' by Matthew Zapruder
The book “Why Poetry” ignites your passion for poetry. Zapruder explores what poems are and how we can read them; so that we can, as Whitman wrote, “possess the origin of all poems,” without the aid of a teacher or expert. Throughout this well-written and well-paced book, Zapruder continues to make the case for the true importance of Poetry. He stresses that poetry can serve as the remedy to help create that spiritual connect, by filling our lives with beauty and truth.
6. ‘The Songs of Trees: Stories from Nature's Great Connectors' by David G. Haskell
If you are a lover of nature and appreciate gardening or farming, “The Songs of Trees” lets you engage with the natural world. Through this book, David brings his powers of observation to the biological networks that surround all species, including humans. He lets you explore dozens of trees, microbes, fungi and other plants and animals and makes your relationship with nature significant, friendly and affectionate. Scientific, lyrical and contemplative, this book helps you reveal the biological connections that underpin all our lives.
7. ‘Girl on Girl: Art and Photography in the Age of the Female Gaze' by Charlotte Jansen
This book inspires you to be a creative photographer. In the age of the selfie, and how youngsters are using social media to both share their images and make a serious statement – this book inspires you to boost your smartphone photograph.
Forty artists are featured in this book. Each is accompanied by a short profile based on personal interviews with the author. It gives a fascinating insight into this exciting shift in creativity.
All the above books can be found on Amazon & Flipkart, and are a great read if you are looking for inspiration to try something different. You never know – maybe you will be able to discover a “new you” within a few short weeks.
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