Vancouver Public Library and V.I.A. have teamed up to help you discover new reads, hidden book gems and surprising literary finds. Check back every couple of weeks for the latest reading recommendations from the experts at Vancouver’s library.
Autumn rains can bring the lows, but these titles may spark you up this October. From a runner's endorphin burst, to the rush of sky-diving, to laughter yoga, these books can help you get higher and keep you naturally chilled out.
Laugh your Way to Happiness: The Science of Laughter for Total Well-being by Lesley Lyle
Laughter yoga is a thing -really! Maybe that's not so surprising given the scientifically proven positive effects the giggles can have on mind and body well-being. Spontaneous laughter is one of the most effective ways to self-generate euphoria. Lesley Lyle’s book walks you through the science and gets you into the right frame of mind to get toasted on laughs.
Astral Odyssey: Exploring Out-of-Body Experiences by Carol Eby
While astral projection may sound like a Deadhead's concert fantasy or an esoteric spiritualist's personal trip, this book by Carol Eby goes a long way towards demystifying the concept. Out-of-body experiences may not be as fanciful as they seem: learn tools and techniques to inspire lucid dreams, explore the deepest reaches of inner-space, and tune-in to the most remote areas of the universal unconscious.
The Float Tank Cure: Free Yourself from Stress, Anxiety, and Pain the Natural Way by Shane Stott
The float tank concept may seem like just the latest fad for unplugging your brain, but the concept has been around for far longer than the latest spate of Float Tank Centres in Vancouver. What's more relaxing that letting your mind slip into the void while fractals dance around your retinas and your muscles mellow out in a warm shallow pod?
Get High Now by James Nestor
This one delivers on its title: in a wholly natural way! There are many ways to capture that elusive natural high: exercise, laughter, sex, eating, meditation, even controlled breathing. Looking for a one-stop primer on naturally buzzing your brain? James Nestor's Get High Now has it all.
The Art of the Wasted Day by Patricia Hampl
There's absolutely nothing wrong with taking a day off: unplugging, unwinding, and setting your brain on chill. The best part is that there's lots of ways to marinate your mind. This charming book follows author Patricia Hampl as she retraces the minds and methods of some of histories most chilled-out daydreamers.
Sport Climbs in the Canadian Rockies by John Martin
Like skydiving, rock-climbing can seem like a past-time fit only for people with ice-water in their veins: thrill-seekers looking to experience the ultimate rush. But it doesn't have to be quite so risky. Getting out in nature and exercising is a tried and true method of boosting your mood. Don't worry, you don't need to be a world-class rock-climber to enjoy this title: author John Martin covers tips, trails, and techniques for newbies and weathered Rocky Mountain stoners.
Zentangle: The Inspiring and Mindful Drawing Workbook by Jane Marbaix
The counter-point to a euphoric high is the zen-like chill. If only there was a way to bring these two contradictory sensations together. At least Zentangle will help you get your chill on with the latest trend in mind-body relaxation - stress-reduction through pattern drawing.
Parachuting: The Skydiver's Handbook by Dan Poynter
It's been called the ultimate rush, the biggest trip, or just plain nuts: skydiving. While it's generally considered the sole preserve of adrenaline junkies, booking a trip in the Lower Mainland is easier than you might think! Remember: safety first, last, and always no matter how high you are.
The Heart of Running: How to Achieve the Runner's High by Sparking Passion with Every Heartbeat, Every Breath, Every Step by Kevin Everett
The fabled runner's high isn't just a myth of the wake-up at 5:00am and jog for kilometers set, it's a verifiable biological fact! Author Kevin Everett knows the science behind the endorphin release and he teaches you the tricks to boost your high and train your body.
