As I Lay Pondering: Daily Invitations to Live a Transformed Life

by Kayce Stevens Hughlett

Psychotherapist, healer, and artist of being alive, Kayce Stevens Hughlett, offers readers the personal gift of transformation in this devotional daybook. Like Mark Nepo's classic Book of Awakening , Hughlett invites individuals to enliven their lives day-by-day through 365 practical reflections and prayers of inspiration, purpose, freedom, and joy. Infused with teachings from historical and current wisdom figures like Carl Jung, Martha Beck, Buddha, Jesus, Lao Tzu, Thomas Merton, Sue Monk Kidd, Anne Lamott, and others, As I Lay Pondering feels like sitting down for conversation with a close friend. Filled with soul, it will meet you where you are whether looking for a recharge or grasping for a lifeline. It is a book you can turn to anytime and read cover to cover, randomly, or one entry at a time. Filled with inspiration, short stories, and simple activities to deepen the pathway to presence, this book is the ideal companion for any personal journey.

534 pages, Paperback

First published January 25, 2012

About the author

I prefer to read novels in the summer and non-fiction/memoirs in winter.
I prefer writing with a fountain pen over computer keyboards.
I prefer summer in Seattle over winter almost anywhere.
I prefer Paris over Rome. Big dogs over small. Fluffy cats over sleek.

I abhor that the world is filled with suffering, and I know affliction has helped create the individual I am today.
I love music of all kinds, rhythm and movement.
I thrive on new experiences, adore reading, blogging and movies ranging from the romantic to the contemplative.
One of my favorite authors, Anne Lamott, calls laughter “carbonated holiness” and I couldn’t agree more heartily. Belly laughs are manna from heaven and there is also nothing better than a well-timed temper tantrum.
Play time with friends and family is sacred as is quiet space and solitude.

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a remarkable book of 365 short essays that are full of articulate wisdom intuitive guidance. If you are looking for a book to accompany through a whole year, look no further. You will find much to ponder and feast on here! An excellent gift for anyone who is questing towards personal growth and inner light (including you!).

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of Daybooks, books that invite you go deep and reflect on all that is possible. As I Lay Pondering is one of my favorites!

[Claudia Blanton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book felt just like a spiritual devotional without centering around a belief system or tied to a particular deity, but instead asks us to take a closer look at the divinity within ourselves.

While each section has a particular date assigned to it and follows a calendar year, I do not believe, that you have to wait until the beginning of the year to begin reading it, as these messages can be useful and inspiring no matter where you start in this book. I love books like that, because even if I am getting a devotional at the end of the year, I am very eager to get started, and hardly have the patience to wait. With this book, you can just jump right in, wherever you are in the year right now.

It's mindful and thoughtful feel, added to the appeal, in a very refreshing and warm way. It made me feel good!

[Dora Okeyo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm loving the daily nuggets of wisdom in this book, I just wish this had been available on January 1st.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picked up this gem after reading a few pages from the discounted book section for $8 (original retail price $25.95) at Banyen Books. I’ve enjoyed it very much so far. Just one or two pages a day but I like the prompts for meditation, journaling, or just as the book title suggested, pondering.

Look forward to start it again tomorrow (Jan 01, 2025).

[Kayce Hughlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of course I adore this book. I wrote it. It was my "first" and I love that it was a portal into my future as a woman and author. Like a first lover, "As I Lay Pondering" has its flaws, but it is full of heart and angst. Would I change some things, of course. AND it is perfect as it is.