Member Reviews
Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.
This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.
I love this and need to buy a physical copy - my husband has also read and loves. Right up our nature street x
A beautiful addition to ones pagan, wiccan or witchy altars. I just wish it could have been longer!!
Lovely little book! Beginning Wiccans or pagan curious folks, should enjoy learning a bit about the magical natural world through it. Has some nice myths, quotes, tie-ins to our beliefs, some recipes for gatherings to celebrate the seasons, great advice for care of oneself, and filling a medicine bag. I remember being drawn into pagan culture through a small library book that explained Easter! I didn't know what Easter was exactly- something Catholic? celebrating spring (it never made sense when it snowed...) ? The little book explained it all! Years later a friend enlightened me as to the Christian aspect of the day, but it was too late- I was was pagan. I would have loved to have found this particular book on a library shelf when I was a kid. I think I would have been a much better witch! C'est la vie! Terrific book!
Very interesting, and to be honest I found it more beneficial at the moment ( cornavirus lockdown) then I probably would of thought. It was so easy to take nature as granted now I have rediscovered his good and therapeutic nature really is
Thank you netgalley
Touching on history, meditating, mythology and yoga, The Little Book of Natures Blessings inspire the reader to appreciate nature and all of the things it has given us.
With exercises and ideas to try and implement into your life, this is a well-written book which attempts to promote a little balance for the reader.
I had hoped this book would be more like a nature-based spiritual journey guide. I was under the impression, based on the description and the cover writing that it would be. That is would be a meditative experience with nature and it's beauty to help guide you. I must admit, I was disappointed when I discovered it was more Christian than I had expected.
I had hoped there would be comparisons between life in nature and our life. Finding balance and peace through nature and its surroundings. I had been hoping for a modern view on transcendentalism but found it to be less so.
A lovely book, interesting and useful. I liked the style of writing and it gave me a lot of food for thought.
A good read, recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
A lovely book that teaches us to connect to nature the world around us.Find time for nature for things like yoga all relaxing all soothing.#netgalley#watkins ooks
A sweet little book reminding us of the benefits of slowing down, becoming mindful of our connections to nature and our inner selves.
This had some interesting lore I hadn't heard before and some of the rituals relating to the wheel of the year make this a useful reference. However I found a lot of it quite patronising and stating the obvious - 'isn't it nice to have a cup of tea when you're feeling depressed?'. As someone who has been on a long journey in coming to terms with and managing my depression, this felt very patronising. And in terms of if you're having a bad day, I don't think anyone needs to buy a book to tell them to call a friend or drink some tea to cheer them up.
I LOVE this book. I love nature and feel like this book gives some great ideas and inspiration for connecting and appreciating what nature provides us with. There are many great ideas for families to do with their children or for anyone to do on their own or in a group. For various festivals there are ideas for activities and food. I do not like more holidays as they promote consumerism and commercialism so the ideas in this book are amazing for me to be able to do. I'm a kindergarten teacher and love the idea of having a nature table for my students to check out and learn from. There are ideas for different times of the year that would allow my to change them up to match. Overall this book was very inspiring and had so many great ideas that I have enjoyed trying and can't wait to try out more.
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
Beautifully written magical book, packed with lots of information and techniques to improve your connection with the earth and the natural world.
The book is divided into two parts. The first one contains information about sun, moon, elements and nature in general, and how to connect with them, while the second one focuses on the wheel of the year. What I especially love about the elements chapter is the "what this element teaches us" section, it is a quick and friendly reminder. Now I do not follow any tradition, and I read the second part of the book purely for informative reasons, so I can't really say whether the information provided is true and useful.
However, it's a book that can inspire people to seek a deeper connection with the earth (and hopefully care more about nature).
I like that it includes meditations along with rituals, myths and tales. I only wish there were some illustrations. It's a sweet little book that can help you feel grounded and at peace.
A little book chocked full of info from yoga, meditation, to celebration practices. The only thing missing is any kind of pictures, diagram, pose instructions, making the book a little bit more dry than it could be.
I had no idea what to expect with this book and I’ll say it didn’t disappoint. While I’ve always felt a connection with nature, this book opened up some new ideas and thoughts about what can be done in nature and what some of the elements actually mean. I love the idea that there is no right way to use a book like this, that you don’t have to follow and set rules. Give yourself the chance to really enjoy what nature has; in whatever season. There is nothing better being outside when it’s raining, or watching the trees blow in the wind. Each moment reminds you to slow down and take it. A wonderful book you’ll be able to pick up and utilize at any point in the year. Wonderful reference!
This book is best used by folks who are Pagan, Wiccan or Druid (which I am not). It's broken down into little rituals and essays about various parts of nature like sun and flowers. For each subject, it talks a little bit about it in mythology and offers suggestions for ways to use that part of nature to bless your life. For instance, get outside in the sunshine and allow it to soak into every pore so you get vitamin D, or find your power animal by lighting a joss stick, listening to rhythmic music without lyrics, closing your eyes and then waiting to see what animal appears.
There are virtually no illustrations provided. I found that the book started to drone on for me. I think it could have benefited from illustrations or graphic elements. People looking to connect with nature in a spiritual way may find some good inspiration.
"The Little Book Of Nature Blessings". ~ Teresa Dillbridge ~ What a delightful and inspiring book! Beautifully written. "Just living isn't enough said the butterfly, one must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower' ". Hans Christian Anderson. Connecting oneself with the sun, water, air, moon trees, Start one's day with the simplicity of the sun salutation. I read this book in one sitting; but, it also a book for stepping away, dipping in and finding a moment of solitude. A wonderful gift to one's own self and also for another special person.
I really enjoyed this book when I first started it, but got a bit weary of it as it went on. I think it is probably best read in parts during the relevant season and celebration or festival. It is a book to dip into during the year and to be savoured and read slowly. Some parts were lovely, and I really enjoyed the quotes. It was so nice to be guided back to nature and taken for a walk in it. I would definitely read it again, but much more slowly and selectively.
I found this book a little out there for me. The author explores various nature elements, include water, fire, and flowers, with mythology, symbolism and ways to connect with nature. Also for each element, she posits what an excessive fear of it can mean. For example, an excessive fear of fire can mean "you fear change" or you "distrust your own intuition". Or you just don't like burns. An informative book, but just not for me.
As soon as I started The Little Book of Nature Blessings I thought "this is just the thing I need". This book gives you great, simple ways to get out of your head and more into your life by getting to know nature again and it does this in a way that is not burdensome or overwhelming. There are tools, meditations, journaling ideas, and exercises for each season and they are all simple, short, easy will get you to appreciate your world more. This, in turn, will make you happier. This is exactly what I need right now. I am looking forward to this book becoming available in print so that I can gift it and share these techniques with some friends.
I read through it quickly, but will now go slowly and by the seasons to get the real benefits of the book. The fact that I began this book on January 1 must be serendipity. This is nice way to start a new year.
#netgalley #TheLittleBookofNatureBlessings