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Full Cup, Thirsty Spirit: Nourishing the Soul When Life's Just Too Much
We live in a world of constant movement, and our day-to-day lives seem to get busier by the hour. Our days are full of information, full of obligations, full of friends and family, full of everything . . . except fulfillment. And rushing has become a national epidemic. Even when we’re rushing to and from the good stuff – like a rewarding job with wonderful colleagues, or quality time spent with loved ones – we can still end up feeling drained and exhausted, overwhelmed by the sheer volume of life.In Full Cup, Thirsty Spirit, psychologist Karen Horneffer-Ginter helps you understand that it is this volume, this busyness, that creates a disconnect between your outer life and your inner self. This separation can cause your soul to wilt, preventing you from experiencing joy and hearing your own wisdom about what needs priority in your life.With an elegant narrative voice that inspires both laughter and compassion, Horneffer-Ginter shows you how to live a fuller life rather than simply filling your time. She focuses on six shifts to make in your daily life—teaching you to honor your rhythms, turn within, fill up, fully inhabit your days, remember lightness, and embrace difficulty.Through a weave of personal stories, client experiences, and practical exercises, she shows you how to find balance in the swirl of daily life, so you can reconnect with what matters most.
- GenresNonfiction
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 31, 2012
14 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Karen Horneffer-Ginter
2 books6 followersKaren Horneffer-Ginter has been practicing psychology and teaching yoga and contemplative practices for over 16 years. She has also taught graduate students and health-care professionals, along with directing a university-based holistic health care program and co-founding the Center for Psychotherapy and Wellness in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
The aim of Karen’s work is to reconnect people with the wisdom of their inner life by reclaiming what gets lost amidst the busyness of day-to-day life: qualities such as stillness, self-care, creativity, joy, humor, gratitude, and compassion. Her intention is to support people in finding a sense of balance and sacredness in their lives.
For more information, please visit her websites at www.karenhg.com and www.fullcupthirstyspirit.com.
The aim of Karen’s work is to reconnect people with the wisdom of their inner life by reclaiming what gets lost amidst the busyness of day-to-day life: qualities such as stillness, self-care, creativity, joy, humor, gratitude, and compassion. Her intention is to support people in finding a sense of balance and sacredness in their lives.
For more information, please visit her websites at www.karenhg.com and www.fullcupthirstyspirit.com.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 24, 2013
Self-care, take care of yourself, self-care, self-care—okay, we get it. How many times can a caregiver hear this before s/he gets sick of the phrase? Self-care articles glance over the logistics (and financials) of respite care; repeat the same familiar directives (eat right, sleep right); or miss the point entirely. Walk a day in our shoes: see how easy it is to carve out time for ourselves, when our day is spent taking care of others. It’s no wonder many caregivers roll their eyes when the subject of self-care approaches.
So it’s with a considerable amount of sensitivity that I draw closer to this article’s focus: a book on self-care. Full Cup, Thirsty Spirit, written by Karen Horneffer-Ginter, doesn’t take time for granted. Nor does it make self-care out to be an easy practice:
“The idea of self-care is so simple and basic yet it can be one of the most complicated journeys we embark on…. I don’t want to insult people by implying they don’t know the obvious fundamentals of caring for a human body (like proper eating, exercise, and rest). On the other hand, I don’t want to annoy them by suggesting these acts of self-care can easily fit into an already-busy life."
Making space for ourselves can feel like sticking a hefty hardcover on an overcrowded bookshelf. And the harder it is to do, the more you need it. Horneffer-Ginter understands space and time constraints firsthand so she knows how difficult it can be. But it’s still crucial to our health and happiness.
Caregiver lighting candleWe start slow. Literally. After a doctor’s appointment, try walking at half your normal speed back to the car. Of course there are places you need to be but maybe there’s one day you don’t. If we can “move slowly through the day life feels more magical.” We are hardwired to react to life quickly but if we give ourselves a moment’s pause before responding, our actions and words are more deliberate, less prone to mistakes.
For the caregiver that can’t get away, Horneffer-Ginter suggests several ways to take a break inside the home: Light a candle; let out a sigh; find a relaxing scent. Even though you won’t feel as nourished as a full night’s sleep, or an hour-long bath, you’re still taking a moment to yourself, building a space to release some of the stress that has been built up during the day. Full Cup, Thirsty Spirit invites the reader to envision how this lesson would take shape in his/her life with “Practice” guides at the end of each chapter. “Given the circumstances of your life, what activities would work best for you to take a break?”
And here’s where Horneffer-Ginter differs from the typical self-care advocate: she concedes that sometimes there are those unfortunate periods where it is genuinely impossible to take a break. Recognize those. “Otherwise, we may end up adding more tension to the situation by feeling bad or guilty that we aren’t taking care of ourselves…” In those times, we need the unshakable faith that we will be okay; we’re going to be okay.
Full Cup, Thirsty Spirit is filled with so many more precious and practical suggestions to more effectively take care of ourselves. It’s a message caregivers need to hear: it’s possible. Here’s how…
So it’s with a considerable amount of sensitivity that I draw closer to this article’s focus: a book on self-care. Full Cup, Thirsty Spirit, written by Karen Horneffer-Ginter, doesn’t take time for granted. Nor does it make self-care out to be an easy practice:
“The idea of self-care is so simple and basic yet it can be one of the most complicated journeys we embark on…. I don’t want to insult people by implying they don’t know the obvious fundamentals of caring for a human body (like proper eating, exercise, and rest). On the other hand, I don’t want to annoy them by suggesting these acts of self-care can easily fit into an already-busy life."
Making space for ourselves can feel like sticking a hefty hardcover on an overcrowded bookshelf. And the harder it is to do, the more you need it. Horneffer-Ginter understands space and time constraints firsthand so she knows how difficult it can be. But it’s still crucial to our health and happiness.
Caregiver lighting candleWe start slow. Literally. After a doctor’s appointment, try walking at half your normal speed back to the car. Of course there are places you need to be but maybe there’s one day you don’t. If we can “move slowly through the day life feels more magical.” We are hardwired to react to life quickly but if we give ourselves a moment’s pause before responding, our actions and words are more deliberate, less prone to mistakes.
For the caregiver that can’t get away, Horneffer-Ginter suggests several ways to take a break inside the home: Light a candle; let out a sigh; find a relaxing scent. Even though you won’t feel as nourished as a full night’s sleep, or an hour-long bath, you’re still taking a moment to yourself, building a space to release some of the stress that has been built up during the day. Full Cup, Thirsty Spirit invites the reader to envision how this lesson would take shape in his/her life with “Practice” guides at the end of each chapter. “Given the circumstances of your life, what activities would work best for you to take a break?”
And here’s where Horneffer-Ginter differs from the typical self-care advocate: she concedes that sometimes there are those unfortunate periods where it is genuinely impossible to take a break. Recognize those. “Otherwise, we may end up adding more tension to the situation by feeling bad or guilty that we aren’t taking care of ourselves…” In those times, we need the unshakable faith that we will be okay; we’re going to be okay.
Full Cup, Thirsty Spirit is filled with so many more precious and practical suggestions to more effectively take care of ourselves. It’s a message caregivers need to hear: it’s possible. Here’s how…
February 5, 2013
Full Cup, Thirsty Spirit is a self help book written by Karen Horneffer - Gunter, Ph.D and published by Hay House.
Right from the very start of this book I was questioning aspects of my life, which can only be a good thing. The book takes a flexible approach to the "tools" discussed, allowing the reader to dip into it where they need it most.
The author pinpoints six key shifts and discusses each at length. The aim is to bring balance into our busy lives in all areas, whether that be work, play, rest, enlightenment and so on. We are asked to question aspects of ourselves to help bring about positive change within our lives.
The author uses her own life and case histories from her psychology practice to get her point across, giving good examples of how we can achieve the change we seek. This allows the reader to identify their problems with those who have faced similar problems in life. It helps, in my opinion, to show that an answer can be sought and all is not lost.
At the end of each section there are plenty of practical things to do, helping the reader put into practice what they are learning and discovering about themselves.
I have read many self help books and found plenty of them to be lacking. This book is a good source of help upon the road to achieving balance within our overloaded, hectic lives. If you have tried self help books and found them to be lacking, then I recommend you read this one, I thoroughly enjoyed it and found out a few things about myself that I wasn't aware of. It helped to answer a lot of questions I had been asking myself of late.
Definitely recommend and well worth a read.
Five stars.
Right from the very start of this book I was questioning aspects of my life, which can only be a good thing. The book takes a flexible approach to the "tools" discussed, allowing the reader to dip into it where they need it most.
The author pinpoints six key shifts and discusses each at length. The aim is to bring balance into our busy lives in all areas, whether that be work, play, rest, enlightenment and so on. We are asked to question aspects of ourselves to help bring about positive change within our lives.
The author uses her own life and case histories from her psychology practice to get her point across, giving good examples of how we can achieve the change we seek. This allows the reader to identify their problems with those who have faced similar problems in life. It helps, in my opinion, to show that an answer can be sought and all is not lost.
At the end of each section there are plenty of practical things to do, helping the reader put into practice what they are learning and discovering about themselves.
I have read many self help books and found plenty of them to be lacking. This book is a good source of help upon the road to achieving balance within our overloaded, hectic lives. If you have tried self help books and found them to be lacking, then I recommend you read this one, I thoroughly enjoyed it and found out a few things about myself that I wasn't aware of. It helped to answer a lot of questions I had been asking myself of late.
Definitely recommend and well worth a read.
Five stars.
December 31, 2012
I don't think that anyone will argue when it's said that in today's world, life has become more stressed. Where we used to be able to get in the car and we were away from phones, we are now always available. Wifi has even made it so that it's not necessary to be near a computer to access email. Our lives are busy and sometimes that busyness is good things. But that busyness affects our souls and our peace of mind.
When I had the chance to review Full Cup, Thirsty Spirit, I jumped. This is a practical book filled with insight and suggestions to slow down and nourish our souls. The author addresses six areas to look at in your life and each chapter is filled with insights and suggestions. This isn't a book that you quickly skim and come away enlightened. It's a book that you take some time with and a book that you take time to reflect on and mark passages or pages. My copy is full of post-it tags from pages I want to reread or refocus on.
There was some surprising profanity, but nothing that really detracted. As it was used, it seemed to fit the situation or example. Something I really appreciated was how the holistic and spiritual elements of life were discussed and merged together: meditation as a way of turning inward and offering kindness and forgiveness as you embrace difficulties; and finding lightness in frustrating moments and seeing God's hand in your life and surroundings.
When I had the chance to review Full Cup, Thirsty Spirit, I jumped. This is a practical book filled with insight and suggestions to slow down and nourish our souls. The author addresses six areas to look at in your life and each chapter is filled with insights and suggestions. This isn't a book that you quickly skim and come away enlightened. It's a book that you take some time with and a book that you take time to reflect on and mark passages or pages. My copy is full of post-it tags from pages I want to reread or refocus on.
There was some surprising profanity, but nothing that really detracted. As it was used, it seemed to fit the situation or example. Something I really appreciated was how the holistic and spiritual elements of life were discussed and merged together: meditation as a way of turning inward and offering kindness and forgiveness as you embrace difficulties; and finding lightness in frustrating moments and seeing God's hand in your life and surroundings.
January 14, 2013
It is pretty obvious I like Karen Horneffer-Ginter’s book Full Cup, Thirsty Spirit. I have already referenced her in three posts. I also have twenty-two more passages marked to put further thought to.
Partly it is timing. The sub-title of the book is Nourishing the Soul When Life’s Just Too Much. I have a part time government job, two businesses of my own, and a large old house that requires constant tender loving care. Add to that attempting to stick to a gluten-free and dairy-free diet, and keeping my body fit, and yes, sometimes Life’s Just Too Much.
The other reason why I really enjoyed this book is Karen is funny. In places, laugh out loud funny. Most of the time I was laughing at her … or more accurately with her about her. As an author, business owner, and mother, Karen is no stranger to a thirsty spirit, and she shares her moments of ‘physician heal thyself” with the grace of humour.
If you are busy with busyness, Full Cup, Thirsty Spirit shares compassionate stories of how other people slowed down, and practical action steps on how to slow down yourself.
To read the full review visit http://silverandgrace.com/book-review...
Partly it is timing. The sub-title of the book is Nourishing the Soul When Life’s Just Too Much. I have a part time government job, two businesses of my own, and a large old house that requires constant tender loving care. Add to that attempting to stick to a gluten-free and dairy-free diet, and keeping my body fit, and yes, sometimes Life’s Just Too Much.
The other reason why I really enjoyed this book is Karen is funny. In places, laugh out loud funny. Most of the time I was laughing at her … or more accurately with her about her. As an author, business owner, and mother, Karen is no stranger to a thirsty spirit, and she shares her moments of ‘physician heal thyself” with the grace of humour.
If you are busy with busyness, Full Cup, Thirsty Spirit shares compassionate stories of how other people slowed down, and practical action steps on how to slow down yourself.
To read the full review visit http://silverandgrace.com/book-review...
January 18, 2013
Full Cup, Thirsty Spirit is a powerful little book with a topic perfect for beginning a new year, a new you. Are you feeling stressed? Are you on edge, trying to do everything and be everything you think others expect you to be? Are you having troubles coping and/or finding joy in your life? Do you desire to find your true north?
If you answer yes to one or more of the questions above, then you should read Full Cup, Thirsty Spirit! Author and therapist Karen Horneffer-Ginter gently coaches the reader through examples, hers and others', discussing the many challenges we may face day to day and revealing the path(s) to find our joy in the "swirl" of everyday living. Like the ying and yang, a balanced life is the secret to happiness.
To read my full review, see: http://shirley-mybookshelf.blogspot.c...
http://shirley-mybookshelf.blogspot.c...
January 28, 2013
If you like to use books, like I do, for morning meditation purposes, here's one I can heartily recommend. The author is a professor, therapist, young mother, and spiritual seeker. She understands the pressures of modern life and shares some of her vulnerable moments. She has produced a voice the reader can trust because it is authentically her own.
The book works well for meditation in part because its Six Sections are broken up into multiple subtopics with suggestions for practice and very practical tips (50 ways to take a break, for example).
My favorite section was Shift Five: Remembering Lightness. Not only did the author include a topic not always considered in books about spirituality, but she made me laugh, making me lighter.
I read the book in bites over the course of a month or so. Those bites filled my cup and fed my thirsty spirit. I hope you have the same experience as a reader.
The book works well for meditation in part because its Six Sections are broken up into multiple subtopics with suggestions for practice and very practical tips (50 ways to take a break, for example).
My favorite section was Shift Five: Remembering Lightness. Not only did the author include a topic not always considered in books about spirituality, but she made me laugh, making me lighter.
I read the book in bites over the course of a month or so. Those bites filled my cup and fed my thirsty spirit. I hope you have the same experience as a reader.
December 27, 2012
I loved this book! The author's gentle humor combined with clever wit make for an engrossing read. The many examples of real world people combined with tried and true practical suggestions for practicing these down to earth ideas to bring more joy and less stress into our everyday lives are brilliant. Anyone open to increasing the quality of their lives can benefit from her wise yet humble perspective and ideas. I highly recommend this excellent book!
December 18, 2012
This book bridges the space between our busy, joyous lives and the need for connection with the quiet spirit. What I love and what is unique about how the author addresses "busyness" is that she isn't telling you to change your world, she just offers ideas about seeing the spiritual within how you are already living.
February 2, 2015
Horneffer Ginter does an incredible job of putting in perspective a dilemma common to us all - we want it all, and make our live full, yet still yearn for something that seems outside our grasp. This book is a useful tool for finding ways to reconnect with what is essential. I highly recommend this book!!
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February 18, 2013This is a wonderful book! Karen offers concrete strategies for living fully, finding balance and deriving joy from the life you have. I highly recommend it for anyone feeling overwhelmed, disconnected or exhausted by everything on their plate.
December 19, 2012
Loved this read, especially for those feeling a void while busy parenting young children.
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January 31, 2013Review pending.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews