Books

RUTANDA: Return Home to Your Essence through Mindful Movement

Rutanda introduces an approach to mindful movement rooted in Nature, with sequences reflecting the stages of human life. By bringing together movement, intention, and reflection, it invites greater ease, clarity, vitality, and connection with one’s essence. Detailed guidance and photographs support readers in using the book independently; it also serves as the manual for Rutanda, the guided hybrid online program offered by Era.

SEATED RUTANDA: Return Home to Your Essence through Mindful Movement

Seated Rutanda introduces a complete approach to mindful movement rooted in Nature, with fully seated sequences reflecting the stages of human life. Designed for movement from a chair, wheelchair, or the floor, it brings together movement, intention, and reflection while honoring each person’s physical circumstances. It invites greater ease, clarity, vitality, and connection with one’s essence. Detailed guidance and photographs support readers in using the book independently; it also serves as the manual for Seated Rutanda, the guided hybrid online program offered by Era.

THE HUMAN ODYSSEY: Navigating the Twelve Stages of Life

Thomas Armstrong explores twelve stages of human life through psychological, social, cultural, scientific, and spiritual perspectives. I recommend this book because its exploration of the life journey beautifully complements the stages expressed through Rutanda and Seated Rutanda.

KEEPING A NATURE JOURNAL: Deepen Your Connection with the Natural World All Around You

This abundantly illustrated reference presents many ways to observe and record Nature through notes, questions, reflections, and drawing. I recommend it for anyone wishing to deepen their observation of and relationship with Nature; it also complements Nature: Invocations and Nature Observation, the guided Nature program offered through Era Martin Mindful Coaching.

THE SECRET LIFE OF PLANTS: A Fascinating Account of the Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Relations between Plants and Man

This book explores research, experiments, and traditions suggesting that plants possess forms of sensitivity and responsiveness often overlooked by conventional understanding. I recommend it because this expanded view of plant life resonates with the Divine Natural Path and its recognition of the living relationships throughout Nature.

THE I CHING or Book of Changes

The I Ching is an ancient Chinese oracle and book of wisdom offering guidance through the changing circumstances of human life. I recommend Richard Wilhelm’s translation for the care, integrity, and depth with which he sought to preserve the meaning and spirit of the original Chinese text.

NOTE: One traditional way to consult the I Ching is to toss three coins six times. Each toss determines one line of a six-line figure called a hexagram, which directs you to the corresponding guidance in the book. Any three ordinary coins may be used; special Chinese coins are not required. Although the process may sound unfamiliar at first, the video (16:33) provides clear, step-by-step instructions that make it easy to follow. A deeper understanding of the I Ching and its wisdom develops gradually through continued consultation, reflection, and application.

UNDERSTANDING THE I CHING

Richard Wilhelm and his son, Hellmut Wilhelm, illuminate the origins, structure, imagery, and underlying meaning of the I Ching. Their integrity and deep understanding make this an invaluable companion for anyone wishing to move beyond individual consultations and more fully comprehend the wisdom of the text.