Books & Beads

It all started when…

I suggest book and jewelry pairs when highlighting a Soulful Reads pick on Instagram. A gift inspired me to take this a step further and actually make the combination. It felt joyful; so here we are! Maybe one of these books & beads is a fit for someone special in your life!

More matches can be found in Books & Beads No. 1 and No. 2 newsletters.

For a creative person, and/or someone focused on healing through creativity...

The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin is a wonderful companion for processing inspiration, sensitivity, and the motion of a creative journey. I found it to be extremely uplifting and open minded. I wish it had more chapters! Like a great movie, I wanted the reading to continue.

Healing Support Mala Bracelet is made with healing Amazonite, nurturing White Howlite, stabilizing Hematite, and either calm Sandalwood or amplifying Clear Quartz. Mantra: I heal and move forward with confidence, creativity and joy. Other pairing ideas: Peace & Courage, or Heart Chakra.

For someone going through transition, or seeking stillness...

Octavia Raheem, author of Pause, Rest, Be, does a fantastic job of relatable storytelling to guide the reader with compassion through their transformation journey. Change is challenging, especially if you don’t see where you are going next, and on these pages she offers the reader acceptance and grace. The liminal space is honored for what it is, a vast ocean or long, tall bridge, to the next beginning, a time that requires rest.

Serenity is made with peaceful Aqua Terra Jasper, supportive Peach Moonstone, serene Fossil Jasper, and calming Sandalwood. Mantra: I radiate serenity & happiness. New Beginnings, Self Worth or Peace and Calm (or the newest Peace and Calm) would also make a great combo with this book.

For someone interested in greater fulfillment through heart-centered living

The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World by H. H. the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu with Douglas Abrams is lovely. Two friends individually gifted me this book years ago because of my study of and pursuit for joy. I re-read it recently and found more healing insight during a particularly difficult time. The intention of the leader’s 2015 five-day gathering in Dharamsala was to celebrate the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday and create a book about joy - “ a gift for others.” Douglas Abrams writes about their conversations, reflections, and direction on finding joy amongst pain. Some of the biggest takeaways: practice acceptance, let go, develop compassion, and stay positive. The end of the book includes a series of intentional meditative practices. 

Joy gemstone mala is made with empowering Amazonite and wise Yellow Jade. Mantra: I am joy. I trust the process of life. The Be Joyful wrap bracelet and Joy Essential Oil Blend are other pairing ideas.

For someone with a chronic disease pattern, or long COVID...

The Invisible Kingdom: Reimagining Chronic Illness by Meghan O’Rourke is fantastic! Meghan tells the story, in fine detail, about her over two-year struggle to identify the source of her chronic illness symptoms, and heal. I found it both relatable, and healing. The Invisible Kingdom provides new perspectives on possibilities, a deeper level of acceptance, and hope. It is a page turner.

Healing is made with unconditionally loving Rose Quartz, heart healing Rhodonite, harmonious Green Aventurine, nourishing African Jade, grounding black Onyx and transformative Malachite. Mantra:  My heart is free of painful wounds and patterns. I attract love and grace everyday. Thrive , Heath, or Wellness would make great pairs too. 

For the intuitive, or want to be more intuitive...

Radical Intuition: A Revolutionary Guide To Using Your Inner Power by Kim Chesney is an eye opener. It includes simple teachings, fun evaluations, and empowering practices. I especially love the intuition card deck she offers.

Kim released another great book about intuition in 2024. The Illumination Code: 7 Keys to Unlock Your Quantum Intelligence reinforces that intuition is unique to each of us, and to continue asking for and looking for signs and synchronicities. Kim wonderfully articulates the nuances of the field, knowing, and truth. She explains about meta reality, the nonlocal Universe, going interdimensional, travel, and much more.

Third Eye Opening is made with mysterious Violet Quartz, harmonious Lepidolite, communicative Blue Lace Agate, loving Rose Quartz, and intuitive Moonstone. Mantra: I see. Both books also pairs well with Intuition.

For someone who enjoys daily readings...

The Book of Awakening: Having the Life You Want by Being Present to the Life You Have by Mark Nepo is one of my favorite yearly readers. I relied heavily on the wisdom of Mark Nepo between the years of 2018-2021. This book is 456 pages; tall, and light-filled. Each day of the year begins with a quote, usually by someone else, followed by Mark’s wisdom, and then next a meditative practice suggestion.

A Calendar of Wisdom: Daily Thoughts to Nourish the Soul written by Leo Tolstoy, translated by Pete Sekirin and published by Scribner was my daily reader in 2023. The day’s reading is a page, or less. And although the content is short, it is impactful. Each page includes not only ideas from Tolstoy but also quotes from many notable writers and thinkers. There is a small repetitive illustration on the upper right corner of each page that changes with the month. 

Gemstone bracelet pairing ideas: Elevating, Be Intentional, Positive and Strong, and Towards the Light.