THE LITTLE BOOK OF HOPE
by Meera Riitta Ojala
paperback / $19.95 / 978-1-58790-573-5 / 160 pages /5.5" x 8.5" / color photographs
hardback / dust jacket / $39.95 / 978-1-58790-546-9 / 160 pages /5.5" x 8.5" / color photographs
Hope, Grief and Loss, Healing, Poetry, Personal Growth, Inspirational, Spiritual, Self help
ABOUT THE BOOK
This book is born out of a "dark night of the soul". The author has survived two cancers and is sharing writings from this difficult time as well as the joy and gratitude of being alive.
Some of the writings are powerful heart touching poems. Some are more philosophical, conversational investigations on different topics. Some are sparks of Light. The beautiful inspiring pictures will add to the deep messages.
One can read this book in the order of the pages or just open the book anywhere, trusting that the most supportive message for that particular day will present itself.
It includes practices that are helpful in turning the pain of the challenges into personal growth.
Since it's a small and simple book any layperson who is sick, grieving or struggling with any life challenges can find hope from it. The book can be in on the coffee table of any family or individual's night table. It is also relevant for professionals who can recommend it to their clients as well as to have in their waiting rooms. Also, hospice and hospitals can have this book available for their clients.
The main purpose of this book is to instill hope and bring light to people's lives.
It is also an invitation to look at things with a wider perspective and to see that we can learn from the challenges in life.
This book can be a supportive supportive companion fo
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Exploring and helping others in integrating body, mind and spirit has been a lifelong passion for Meera Riitta. She grew up in Finland. Nature has always been inspiring and healing support for her. Walking in the woods was her favorite activity in addition to dancing and doing yoga. Meera Riitta graduated with a Master's degree from Naropa University's Somatic Psychology Program in 1998 (Boulder, CO). She worked and trained with Christine Caldwell, founder of the Moving Cycle Institute and a Department Head of Somatic Psychology Department of Naropa University. Meera Riitta also studied with Anna Halprin creator of The Life Art Process. After graduating she worked in various clinical therapeutic settings (most with Exempla Healthcare) using movement, art, yoga, adventure therapy and meditation as ways to bring healing. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She studied different healing modalities including Swedish massage, yoga, shiatsu, Ayurveda, macrobiotics and meditation, which are part of her daily practices even today. In 2014 she received her first cancer diagnosis, and the second one in 2017. This propelled her to dive deeper into her spiritual practices. In her childhood and youth, she was connected to the Lutheran church. Her yoga practice aroused interest towards Eastern religions. She became more familiar with the philosophy and practices of Buddhism when she studied at the Naropa University. In 2003 she met her spiritual teacher Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (or Amma), an Indian humanitarian and spiritual teacher who says that her religion is love. That meeting was a spiritual turning point in Meera Riitta's life. The cancer journey became a transformative journey, a way to dive deeper into spirituality as well as clean emotional layers. Priorities in life shifted considerably. She currently offers coaching services to support people in physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health and personal growth. She also works as a Bereavement Counselor at Hospice of Kona, in Hawaii.