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Succulent Wild Love: Six Powerful Habits for Feeling More Love More Often
A new philosophy of love and relationships for everyone
Relationships do not require compromise or sacrifice
You can create joyful solutions instead
SARK has made a career out of sharing her personal, journal-like writings and art, and inspiring others with her vulnerable and honest journeys toward self-acceptance. She has helped her legions of fans craft lives filled with joy, creativity, and self-love — and she even married herself in a “statement of self-liberation” described in Succulent Wild Woman . And yet SARK had one big secret overcoming her fears to commit to an intimate life partnership. So she embarked on a “Covert Love Operation,” and, after much soul-shaping, it culminated in her meeting psychologist and spiritual teacher Dr. John Waddell — and discovering Succulent Wild Love . They now teach and mentor together using the principles in this book — six powerful habits that can transform any relationship or open you to create the partnership you want.
Over 175 pieces of SARK original art included
Relationships do not require compromise or sacrifice
You can create joyful solutions instead
SARK has made a career out of sharing her personal, journal-like writings and art, and inspiring others with her vulnerable and honest journeys toward self-acceptance. She has helped her legions of fans craft lives filled with joy, creativity, and self-love — and she even married herself in a “statement of self-liberation” described in Succulent Wild Woman . And yet SARK had one big secret overcoming her fears to commit to an intimate life partnership. So she embarked on a “Covert Love Operation,” and, after much soul-shaping, it culminated in her meeting psychologist and spiritual teacher Dr. John Waddell — and discovering Succulent Wild Love . They now teach and mentor together using the principles in this book — six powerful habits that can transform any relationship or open you to create the partnership you want.
Over 175 pieces of SARK original art included
256 pages, Paperback
First published November 10, 2015
81 people are currently reading
381 people want to read
About the author
SARK
34 books495 followersSARK (a.k.a. Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy) is an American author and illustrator of self-help books. Five of her sixteen books have been national bestsellers, and she has sold more than two million copies of her books.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 7, 2016
I've pretty much avoided books about "relationships" until this one. Who can resist Succulent Wild Love?
When SARK (Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy) met John Waddell, he was a widower whose wife Jeanie had died in 2011. John opened to loving again and saw that Susan was a woman who wanted to give and receive love.
John proposed in 2014, Susan said yes and they planned to marry when they finished the book. In the meantime, they "married" their principles and processes to offer a very positive outlook on personal relationships as well as the relationship you have with yourself. (Susan married herself in 1997 and wrote about it her book Succulent Wild Woman.)
She is very honest about her longing for a "great love" and her fears and anxieties about it.
As Succulent Wild Love can be read out of order, I opted to start with chapters 12 and 23 because I'm "basically happy" in my relationship.
In Chapter 12, "Joy-full Solution Creating," Susan and John recommend experimenting without asking for the other person's help. Susan and John call this a Joy-full Solution, that is, thinking about a decision by determining what you want and then imagining yourself in the other person's shoes. They suggest trying this first with something simple (like the choice of a movie) rather than a complex issue where the emotional stakes are high.
In Chapter 23, "Actively Loving," I appreciated the list of "Ways to Consciously Increase Your Feelings of Love." This one is among them: "We keep a positive vision of ourselves and of the relationship, and when we don't feel that way, we do our inner work and ask for support from each other, or someone else, as needed."
John wrote: "Susan and I consciously show our love for each other every day, through a look, a touch, hugs, words of appreciation, and many other ways small and big. We've seen that death scene in the movies and decided, 'Why wait? Why not show each other that kind of love every day rather than waiting for one of us to get hurt or die?' And it feels good."
John lost his wife Jeanie after only ten years together. And since reading the book, I learned that John was diagnosed with Stage Four Cancer and died after the book was published. It makes his comments above both poignant and prescient.
John and Susan reviewed one another's writing and probably did so for this book. He learned from Susan to tell her first what he appreciated in her writing rather than going for what needed to be changed. Susan likes to make Daily Appreciation Lists to include other people as well. And sometimes, in the midst of it all, "We just lie down flattened and breathe."
We learn so much from previous relationships and I appreciate the way Susan and John brought others into their story. They've also included essays by guest contributors.
Susan wanted autonomy in what she expected to be a long-term love relationship. She was glad to feel "separate." She wrote: "[John] shared the importance of maintaining his own separateness and boundaries while in relationships too."
Early on in the book there's a chapter on "Soulfully Single and Open for Love" which is a description Susan used about herself before meeting John. Each chapter ends with an Awareness Practice and this particular chapter includes questions for those who are single as well as for those in a loving relationship with another person.
Succulent Wild Love is rich with wisdom, suggestions and "six habits" that include Joy-full Solutions where no one needs to compromise or sacrifice. There is lots to help readers be "soulfully single," with advice on ending a relationship, and designing a relationship that is unique to them.
by Mary Ann Moore
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women
When SARK (Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy) met John Waddell, he was a widower whose wife Jeanie had died in 2011. John opened to loving again and saw that Susan was a woman who wanted to give and receive love.
John proposed in 2014, Susan said yes and they planned to marry when they finished the book. In the meantime, they "married" their principles and processes to offer a very positive outlook on personal relationships as well as the relationship you have with yourself. (Susan married herself in 1997 and wrote about it her book Succulent Wild Woman.)
She is very honest about her longing for a "great love" and her fears and anxieties about it.
As Succulent Wild Love can be read out of order, I opted to start with chapters 12 and 23 because I'm "basically happy" in my relationship.
In Chapter 12, "Joy-full Solution Creating," Susan and John recommend experimenting without asking for the other person's help. Susan and John call this a Joy-full Solution, that is, thinking about a decision by determining what you want and then imagining yourself in the other person's shoes. They suggest trying this first with something simple (like the choice of a movie) rather than a complex issue where the emotional stakes are high.
In Chapter 23, "Actively Loving," I appreciated the list of "Ways to Consciously Increase Your Feelings of Love." This one is among them: "We keep a positive vision of ourselves and of the relationship, and when we don't feel that way, we do our inner work and ask for support from each other, or someone else, as needed."
John wrote: "Susan and I consciously show our love for each other every day, through a look, a touch, hugs, words of appreciation, and many other ways small and big. We've seen that death scene in the movies and decided, 'Why wait? Why not show each other that kind of love every day rather than waiting for one of us to get hurt or die?' And it feels good."
John lost his wife Jeanie after only ten years together. And since reading the book, I learned that John was diagnosed with Stage Four Cancer and died after the book was published. It makes his comments above both poignant and prescient.
John and Susan reviewed one another's writing and probably did so for this book. He learned from Susan to tell her first what he appreciated in her writing rather than going for what needed to be changed. Susan likes to make Daily Appreciation Lists to include other people as well. And sometimes, in the midst of it all, "We just lie down flattened and breathe."
We learn so much from previous relationships and I appreciate the way Susan and John brought others into their story. They've also included essays by guest contributors.
Susan wanted autonomy in what she expected to be a long-term love relationship. She was glad to feel "separate." She wrote: "[John] shared the importance of maintaining his own separateness and boundaries while in relationships too."
Early on in the book there's a chapter on "Soulfully Single and Open for Love" which is a description Susan used about herself before meeting John. Each chapter ends with an Awareness Practice and this particular chapter includes questions for those who are single as well as for those in a loving relationship with another person.
Succulent Wild Love is rich with wisdom, suggestions and "six habits" that include Joy-full Solutions where no one needs to compromise or sacrifice. There is lots to help readers be "soulfully single," with advice on ending a relationship, and designing a relationship that is unique to them.
by Mary Ann Moore
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women
April 12, 2016
The best relationship advice comes from those who are gentle and honest with readers. In their first book collaboration, SARK and John Waddell are those honest, gentle guides. They not only give solid advice. They give it from a place of refreshing openness. Sprinkled among their tips for jumping relationship hurdles are stories of their own challenges. What makes that so refreshing is their different perspectives on the same stumbles. They also include relationship stories from other couples. The result is a book that is practical, believable and encouraging.
We all wander the labyrinth when it comes to our relationships, with ourselves and our loved ones. We take wrong turns, double back, try again. Sometimes we want someone else to hold a light on the path. This couple holds it high, showing love's shadows as well as its joys.
Whatever your own relationship history, you will find friendly, useful, believable resources in this book. I read the Kindle version, which managed to incorporate some of the colour and whimsy of SARK's earlier books. It also links back and forth throughout the book and to a website where additional resources are gradually appearing.
Succulent Wild Love is a welcome companion for anyone wanting the most out of relationships and life.
We all wander the labyrinth when it comes to our relationships, with ourselves and our loved ones. We take wrong turns, double back, try again. Sometimes we want someone else to hold a light on the path. This couple holds it high, showing love's shadows as well as its joys.
Whatever your own relationship history, you will find friendly, useful, believable resources in this book. I read the Kindle version, which managed to incorporate some of the colour and whimsy of SARK's earlier books. It also links back and forth throughout the book and to a website where additional resources are gradually appearing.
Succulent Wild Love is a welcome companion for anyone wanting the most out of relationships and life.
August 28, 2016
Everyone on the planet should probably read this book on relationships. The wisdom it provides is fantastic for identifying old patterns and addressing the importance of self-love! The content on handling inner critics and coming up with "joyfull solutions" instead of compromise is wonderful and can be applied to so many facets of life and interpersonal relationships.
February 7, 2020
SARK has made a career from sharing her personal stories and journal writings. She encourages other to live life to the fullest. To lean into experiences. To be woke.
In this book, she discloses six powerful habits for feeling more love more often.
In this book, she discloses six powerful habits for feeling more love more often.
August 30, 2017
I am glad that SARK was happy in love, but I didn't get much out of this book. :?
August 13, 2020
I found this book really annoying. the writing style and tone are definitely not for me. However, the concept of a no-compromise relationship made this worth picking up (from the library).
July 1, 2023
I LOVED THIS BOOK! Revelatory. Helps me be more loving to myself and others. Hoping to find my perfect man! Judging only damns you.
Read
February 6, 2016(FROM MY BLOG at kwrites.com) SARK’s books are lovely, bold, and vibrant celebrations, and this collaboration is no different. It’s as visually gorgeous, vibrant, and engaging as all of her prior offerings. In the past, she has written about being soulfully single and marrying herself, but in this book SARK is happily coupled. So happily coupled that she wants to share her ‘joyfull-ness’ with us (I am a wordsmith myself, so I especially appreciate SARK’s reconfiguration of words to suit her purposes).
SARK and John share six habits, which I think of as tools, to help us reach this joy-full state with our own partners. Because, as SARK tells us on page 25, “You can do what I have done.”
One of these is our Inner Wise Self. You know those voices you hear in the back of your head, chatting away all day long, mostly telling us untrue and unkind things about ourselves? Those are NOT your Inner Wise Self. They are your Inner Critics. But our Inner Wise Self is in there too! She is patiently waiting to muscle those other chuckleheads out of the way.
Hello, Inner Wise Self? HI! Long time no hear! It sure has been a while!
Um, oh, you’ve been here all the time? Duh. Time to start listening, huh?
Because you can consult your Inner Wise Self about anything. And everything. Can and should. You will receive loving, kind advice when you do. Let yourself listen to it. Let yourself act on it. Even if it’s scary. Especially when it’s scary.
Another of the six valuable tools they teach in this book is the one I’ve come to think of as the “Perfect Person” tool. John tells us on page 155, “Susan was being the perfect Susan, and any way that I was not able to see that was my responsibility.” Wait, what? Your partner is already perfect? So they do not need any fixing? So they do not need any fixing! They are already just fine! You are free! You can work on yourself, instead! As excellent this tool is to use in a relationship with your partner, I think it is equally as powerful, maybe even more so, to use in relationship with one’s children. Try it. Let me know what you think.
I have so little free time. I don’t waste it reading (or recommending) books that are not worth reading. This book is WONDER-FULLY worth reading!
If you are interested in buying this book, here’s a link to the product page on the New World Library website: http://bit.ly/1WdRY6c. You can also find it Succulent Wild Love on Amazon.
Enjoy!
SARK and John share six habits, which I think of as tools, to help us reach this joy-full state with our own partners. Because, as SARK tells us on page 25, “You can do what I have done.”
One of these is our Inner Wise Self. You know those voices you hear in the back of your head, chatting away all day long, mostly telling us untrue and unkind things about ourselves? Those are NOT your Inner Wise Self. They are your Inner Critics. But our Inner Wise Self is in there too! She is patiently waiting to muscle those other chuckleheads out of the way.
Hello, Inner Wise Self? HI! Long time no hear! It sure has been a while!
Um, oh, you’ve been here all the time? Duh. Time to start listening, huh?
Because you can consult your Inner Wise Self about anything. And everything. Can and should. You will receive loving, kind advice when you do. Let yourself listen to it. Let yourself act on it. Even if it’s scary. Especially when it’s scary.
Another of the six valuable tools they teach in this book is the one I’ve come to think of as the “Perfect Person” tool. John tells us on page 155, “Susan was being the perfect Susan, and any way that I was not able to see that was my responsibility.” Wait, what? Your partner is already perfect? So they do not need any fixing? So they do not need any fixing! They are already just fine! You are free! You can work on yourself, instead! As excellent this tool is to use in a relationship with your partner, I think it is equally as powerful, maybe even more so, to use in relationship with one’s children. Try it. Let me know what you think.
I have so little free time. I don’t waste it reading (or recommending) books that are not worth reading. This book is WONDER-FULLY worth reading!
If you are interested in buying this book, here’s a link to the product page on the New World Library website: http://bit.ly/1WdRY6c. You can also find it Succulent Wild Love on Amazon.
Enjoy!
April 2, 2016
I love this book unconditionally!
This book lived up to it's title and more. Every chapter felt like I was being held in a happy, loving embrace. It ran ahead eager to show me what is possible and then came back to sit with me when I doubted I could find my way. Full of joy and practical practices that feel real and true and doable, I can't wait to read it again (and maybe again and again), until I can have what they're having.
This book lived up to it's title and more. Every chapter felt like I was being held in a happy, loving embrace. It ran ahead eager to show me what is possible and then came back to sit with me when I doubted I could find my way. Full of joy and practical practices that feel real and true and doable, I can't wait to read it again (and maybe again and again), until I can have what they're having.
March 16, 2016
Great book. Excellent advice.Sark is wonderful. John will be missed.
February 25, 2016
This is a helpful book if you want to learn more conscious ways of engaging within relationships so that there's a win-win scenario. The ideas are reinforced using really positive language as well.
May 30, 2016
This book gives tools to grow any loving relationship. I really like the joyful solutions idea and am looking forward to cultivating that practice with my children, friends, and mate.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews