For those of us who are finding self-isolation and social distancing challenging to their mental well-being, we offer even more excellent books written by New England authors:

The Possibility Principle (Sounds True)

by Connecticut author and therapist, Mel Schwartz

Author, practicing psychotherapist, marriage counselor, speaker, corporate leadership and communications consultant, Mel Schwartz’s book, The Possibility Principle has broken new ground in illuminating the path to a more fulfilling life. His practice has embraced the emerging worldview of Quantum Physics, offering readers a revolutionary approach to integrating the core principles of quantum theory – inseparability, potentiality, and uncertainty. His writing and ideas are an accessible and practical method for personal empowerment.

Mel has jumped head first into the uncharted waters of human possibility, and surfaced with comprehensive tools to finding relief from personal suffering. He also has an excellent podcast to accompany his work and findings, and shares more practical and helpful tips. He invites listeners to contact him ahead of time with their challenges, and produces podcast episodes addressing them directly, using the concepts outlined in the book. He often invites a guest speaker as well. His latest episode: Staying Psychologically and Emotionally Resilient throughout This Pandemic is online now.

Forest Bathing Retreat: Find Wholeness in the Company of Trees (Storey Publishing)

by Massachusetts author, Hannah Fries

For those who are able to safely get themselves to the woods and nature, check out the suggestions found in Forest Bathing Retreat by New Hampshire native, (now settled in western Massachusetts) Hannah Fries. Spending time alone in the woods for meditation, inspiration and quiet time is nothing new, but recent scientific studies are finding this practice to have tremendous health benefits.

Many colorful forest photos are included in the book (and can be used as part of your quiet time if no woods are available to you) along with the author’s observations and guided mindfulness exercises. A curated selection of inspirational and cross-cultural writings round out a beautiful book offering the Japanese concept of shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) as an invitation to you, to find fresh insights, inspiration, and well-being in the forest.

Hannah Fries is also an award-winning poet and editor and can be found online at, www.hannahfries.com.

Healing the Divide: Poems of Kindness and Connection (Green Writers Press)

edited by James Crews, Preface by Ted Kooser

Continuing to shelter in place and self-isolate with Healing the Divide: Poems of Kindness and Connection, edited by Vermont poet, James Crews, will keep you in a positive state of mind. This anthology was produced in order to move us past differences and closer to a united community: “what Dr. Martin Luther King called the “beloved community,” a place where we see each other as the neighbors we already are.”

Our current situation calls for honest heart-to-heart communication. Delivered in direct language from a poet’s pen, reading a poem or two daily from this collection will help calm the worry, and bring the focus back to humanity as family. Find inspiration and gratitude within the pages of this wonderful collection, as we ride this wave together. May we find relief in perpetual kindness!