What's on my bookshelf
Hey friends, welcome back to the Peaceful Power Podcast. I'm so glad you're here.
Today's episode is a little differentΒ it's personal, it's cozy, and honestly, it's something I've been wanting to share for a while. We're talking about books. My favorite books from the last few months, why reading has become one of my most grounding daily rituals, and a little life update about where you'll find me this summer because spoiler: it's not on Instagram.
Let's settle in.
π A Little Girl Who Loved to Read
I have loved reading since I was a little girl. There's something about a book that has always felt like home to me. I can still picture myself lying on my belly, propped up on my elbows, completely lost in a story which is actually one of the reasons I love Sphinx pose in yoga so much. That shape, that stillness, that quiet focus? It takes me right back to that little girl with a book.
Reading never really left me, but lately I've been more intentional about it. I've set a goal of 50 pages a day β and because I'm a fast reader, that usually takes me about 30 minutes depending on the depth of the book. It doesn't feel like a chore; it feels like a gift I give myself every single day.
And here's what's made that possible: I've significantly reduced my time on social media. When you clear out the scrolling, you suddenly realize how much space you have. Space for things that actually fill you up.
π 4:30 at Our House
One of my absolute favorite new rituals β and I'm smiling just thinking about it β is what we do around 4 or 4:30 every afternoon. My boys and I all pull out our books and read together for 30 minutes. My oldest, who just read 100 books at school this year (yes, you read that right β 100!), sits with his chapter books. And my three-year-old? He gets out his picture books and flips through every page like it's the most important thing he's ever done.
They clearly get it from their mom. π₯Ή
It's one of those simple, ordinary moments that I know I'll treasure forever. No screens, no noise β just our little family and our books.
βοΈ My Summer Instagram Break-Started a week ago
Which brings me to my little life update.
Last week, May 19th, I officially started an Instagram break. I deleted the app and stepped fully away from social media. I haven't done this in about six years, and honestly? It's time.
I want more of those 4:30 reading moments. I want spaciousness. I want to be present with my boys this summer without the pull of a screen.
But here's the important part: I'm not disappearing. I'll be staying fully consistent with this podcast and my newsletter. If you want to stay connected and I really hope you doΒ this is where I'll be. Subscribe to the newsletter, tune into the podcast. That's our little corner together, and I'm committed to showing up here.
π What I've Been Reading: My Quarterly Book Corner
I've been thinking about starting something I'm calling my Quarterly Book Corner a regular space where I share what I've been reading, what moved me, what surprised me, and what I think you'd love too.
Here's what has been on my nightstand (and in my heart) lately:
π Fiction & Mysteries
The Finlay Donovan Series β Elle Cosimano
My aunt gifted me the first book in this series for Christmas, and I devoured all six books. That's how good it is. If you love fun, witty, fast-paced mysteries with a main character you can't help but root for, this series is absolutely for you. Fair warning: once you start, you won't want to stop.
π Historical Fiction
Frozen River β Ariel Lawhon
Another gift from my aunt (she knows me so well!). This book is set in the 1780s and follows a midwife as its main character. What I love about Ariel Lawhon's writing is the way she drops you so completely into another time and place β you feel like you're living in it alongside the characters. Watching this woman's journey and evolution was fascinating. I will say, this is not a light and fluffy read, but it is a deeply rewarding one.
My Name is Emilia Del Valle β Isabel Allende
This is another stunning period piece, this time following a heroine in the 19th century who travels into the 1891 Civil War in Chile. Isabel Allende is a master storyteller, and this book is no exception. It's beautifully written, historically rich, and not light and fluffy β but absolutely worth every page.
When We Had Wings β Ariel Lawhon, Kristina McMorris & Susan Meissner
I'm just finishing this one up now, and it has completely pulled me in. Set during World War II, this novel tells the stories of three women who became the first female POWs β nurses in the Philippines when the war broke out. The way these three authors weave together their stories is remarkable. It's heavy at times, emotional, and real β and it's the kind of book that reminds you of the extraordinary courage ordinary people are capable of.
π§ Yoga & Wellness
The Power of the Pause β Jillian Pransky
If you've been going, going, going β and let's be honest, most of us have β this book is the gentle nudge you didn't know you needed. Jillian Pransky writes beautifully about the power of slowing down, of creating space in your life and your body. It pairs so perfectly with a yoga and Ayurveda practice. I can't recommend it enough.
πΏ Coming This Fall: Ayurvedic Book Club at Green Lotus
I have something exciting brewing, and I want to give you a little teaser...
This late fall / early winter, I'm planning to launch an Ayurvedic Book Club at Green Lotus. Imagine gathering together, exploring books through the lens of Ayurveda, and creating a little community of curious, grounded readers. I can't wait to share more details as they come together β but consider this your save the date. More soon!
Thank you so much for being here, for listening, and for being part of this little community we're building together. Reading has brought me so much joy, so much grounding, and so much peace and I hope some of these recommendations find their way to you at just the right time.
I'll be back in your ears and inbox soon. Until then, maybe go find a cozy spot, get your book out, and channel your inner Sphinx pose. π
With love and light, Andrea Peaceful Power Podcast
Seasonal StrengthΒ
If you are craving a new way to lift during the summer, Seasonal Strength Summer Edition will be officially dropping next week! If you get my newsletter be on the lookout for a newsletter only promo code to save some money!
Summer is a season of abundance. The light is long, the energy is expansive, and there's so much to celebrate. Pitta, at its best, is what allows us to show up fullyΒ to lead, to love, to create.
The invitation of this season isn't to extinguish your fire. It's to tend it wisely. To add the right fuel, to protect the flame from becoming a blaze, and to let it illuminate rather than consume.
You are not meant to burn out this summer. You are meant to shine.
