Amira Ayad, PhD
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2021: My Favorite Books

7/12/2021

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Books are my life… my addiction… In 2021, I kept my practice of one book a week… Yet, I decided to slow down on buying new books and try to re-read, re-explore some of my old favourite and classics. Here is the list of my favourite read and re-reads in 2021:
 

1. The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion

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With all the talk about inclusivity, tolerance and diversity; and, with all the polarization happening right now, this is a must read book. It explores how Western education have shaped or changed our definition and interpretation of ethics and morality. Although I disagree with some of the author’s ideas, I still see it as a brilliant unpacking of a serious dilemma we are facing.

2. Ideas Have Consequences

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​A classic! How simple seemingly innocent and harmless idea could shape the future of human kind and change our lives forever.

3. Entering the Castle: Finding the Inner Path to God & Your Soul Purpose

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This book is Caroline Myss’ take on St. Teresa of Avila’s masterpiece, The Interior Castle. It explores the interpretation and application of st. Teresa's teachings in our modern everyday life. How to be a mystic without a monastery?

4. Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life

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At a point in our life, we find ourselves craving deeper connection with our soul that takes our spiritual/religious practice into a higher level. Although it is written from a Christian perspective, I believe that the teachings are universal pertaining to all traditional schools of thought.

5. The Pocket Guide to the Polyvagal Theory: The Transformative Power of Feeling Safe

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​This book is a much more accessible and reader-friendly description of the Polyvagal Theory than dr. Porges’ first book, The Polyvagal Theory. If you work with stress, trauma, or attachment theories, this book is an important addition to your practice.

6. Soul Searching: Why Psychotherapy Must Promote Moral Responsibility

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​With all the hype of self-help, self-empowerment, individualization, personal freedom and all those post-modern ideas, are we taking it too far? Are we, as counsellors and therapists, catering to narcissists? Where does morality fit in our practice?

7. Ancient Beliefs and Modern Superstitions

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Written in 1965, this book discusses the radical difference in worldview between the traditionalists and the modernists. It is written from a Sufi perspective and discusses whether what we call “ancient beliefs” are superstitions or are our modern theories (which are just that: theories and hypothesis) the real superstitions?

8. Physicians of the Heart

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​This book takes us into a deep dive into the 99 Names of God in the Muslim faith discussing how to apply and embody their meaning to reach our full potential as human beings.

9. Applying Islamic Principles to Clinical Mental Health Care

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​Finally!!! A book on Islamic psychotherapy that does not simply Islamize Western views. Yet, it does not ignore Western, modern, or conventional science either. It combines the best of both worlds in the ultimate benefit of the Muslim client. The book is written by Western trained psychologists and psychiatrist who are deeply rooted in their Islamic tradition.

10. The Philosophy of Tolkien: The Worldview Behind The Lord of the Rings

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​The book discusses the Worldview of Tolkien as a Christian author who wrote one of the best stories/myth/fairy tale in the modern era, and how he brilliantly yet subtly portrayed this worldview in The Lord of the Rings…
Although there is some ontological difference in Tolkien's worldview and the Islamic cosmological standpoint, yet, the book is valuable in showing how a well-written novel can re-enchant our arid profane world.

11. Unimaginable: What We Imagine and What We Can't

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​Imagination has been considered as a faculty of the human soul since the time of Plato, passing by St. Augustine till our modern era. Imagination is such a powerful tool yet it is a double-edge sword that could wreck havoc if left to roam “freely.”

12. Layers of Meaning: Elements of Visual Journaling

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An art therapist’s beautifully illustrated colourful book that teaches the basics of the use of art journaling as a tool for excavating layers of meaning from deep within our soul.

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    About the Author

    Hi, I'm Amira... I'm all for simple, natural, uncomplicated life... My core values are derived from my Islamic faith... My definition of wellness includes lots of smiles, human interactions, delicious food, music, joy, colorful paint, Mediterranean sunshine, blue sky and turquoise sea, care, love, compassion and deep heart-felt peace.
    I love learning… I love books and art supplies… And, I am saddened by human conflict and intolerance.
     
    I am an introvert who loves being around people... I love building communities and gathering around the kitchen table... I am a teacher at heart... I simplify complex health science and speak openly about heart and soul stuff...

    I've been helping people on their health and healing journey for more than 20 years now and I am committed to be authentic, caring and a beacon of love and peace.

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My wellness coaching, workshops, teachings, and all the services I provide are at all times restricted to education, teaching and training on the subject of natural health matters intended for general natural health well-being and do not involve the diagnosing, prognosticating, treatment, or prescribing of remedies for the treatment of any disease, or any licensed or controlled act which may constitute the practice of  medicine. 
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