Wisdom from a Humble Jellyfish: And Other Self-Care Rituals from Nature

by Rani Shah

A delightfully illustrated guide to harnessing the rhythms of nature for self-care.

We could all learn a thing or two about living in balance from our friends in the plant and animal kingdom.

Take, for example, the jellyfish, one of the most energy-efficient animals in the world, moving through the ocean by contracting and relaxing, with frequent breaks in between.

Or the avocado tree, which can credit its existence to a mutually beneficial relationship with the pre-historic sloth, followed by some hungry, hungry humans and the advent of agriculture.

And then there is the oyster, producing a pearl as the result of an immune response when a grain of sand invades her system. What better example exists of how adversity can produce something beautiful?

We need look no farther than nature—from the habits of the porcupine to the sunflower to the wombat to the dragonfly—for small and simple things we can do to slow down, recharge, and living more thoughtfully, lovingly, and harmoniously.

Wisdom From a Humble Jellyfish . . . is at once charming and scientific, packed with essential wisdom and practical tips worth borrowing from our plant and animal friends for life-changing self-care.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Nature, Audiobook, Science, Mental Health, Personal Development

144 pages, Hardcover

First published April 28, 2020

Reviews

[Jess · Rating 1 out of 5]

Gah. Dropped it like a hot rock three chapters in. Schlocky positivity nonsense using interesting animal facts as a lure. I’m going to go watch some Nat Geo for a self-care detox.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.45 stars. (Will possibly round up to 5. Maybe.) This book is a time machine for every STEM ecology kid who grew up in libraries.

PT: intersection of art and science booklist, serotonin books, zoology books, MARE 171 booklist

Remember that nonfiction, species-focused hardcover books you found in your elementary school library? The one that had a glossy cover with a picture of the particular animal front and center, usually showing the animal doing something particularly awesome? That's what this book feels like. Early elementary school zoological readings that never go too far in-depth but skim the surface just enough to prompt reader enthusiasm. Reading this is just going back in time and discovering those zoology books in the beanbag chair in the moderately walled-off nonfiction section of your childhood library. No one else is there to bother you or to tell you you're getting too excited about sloths or frogs or jellyfish or whatever. It's just you, the book, and your imagination running wild at the IDEA of life so different from you. Pistol shrimp can DO that?? Vervet monkeys can act like me?? Wombats do WHAT?? And, of course, then the questions of HOW and WHY and WHAT ELSE CAN IT DO run like marquee signs through every chapter. It's all that early excitement of those childhood books written for older readers. I want to live wedged in the pages of this book, right in the middle, pressed up against the spine glue, permanently unreachable. No one can find me or talk to me in my little zoology book haven. It's just words and REALLY COOL animals and author enthusiasm. That's what I want. That's all I've ever wanted. 
The self-care connections are neat, creative, whatever. For me, it's about the ZOOLOGY FUN FACTS. 
(4.5 stars on Storygraph)

[Shirleynature · Rating 4 out of 5]

Upbeat, engaging & sometimes silly, this is a heartfelt, hopeful and wise book to learn how to adapt and thrive in our increasingly challenging world. Rani Shah shares the strategies of many charismatic animals to exemplify how to we can all practice self-care rituals. Ultimately, being more connected to the natural world is mutually beneficial for humans and other animals.

Rani Shah founded Fuss Class News, "The Internet's South Asian-American Satire News Source". https://fussclass.com/

Thanks to the publisher, I was able to read this book in advance.

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life is rough for all of us. You'd think that once we humans managed to find ways to ensure a good supply of food and to stay warm in the icy days of winter that we'd be set. But, no, we humans are our own worst enemies. We have developed habits that destroy us from within.



Rani Shah encourages us to practice self-care. And who better to teach us self-care skills than nature?

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The raven, for example. Did you know that ravens have been observed calling out to wolves when they spot an injured or weak animal and leading the wolves to it? Yes, cooperative behavior. It benefits the wolf, and it benefits the raven because the bird doesn't have the power a wolf has to break open bones and flesh.

What can we learn about self-care from birds, then? "We must flock together in order to succeed."

The elephant is another good role model in self-care for us humans. Did you know elephant families are led by matriarchs? Elephant leaders are chosen not for their battle skills or popularity, but because they have earned the respect of the rest of the elephants in the family.

Self-care lesson from the elephant? "True leadership is earned, not awarded."



So, a jellyfish?

Yep, a jellyfish. Did you know that the jellyfish may be three times as old as the first dinosaurs? And do you realize how jellyfish move? To swim, a jellyfish must contract its body and then relax in order to initiate a second wave of movement. Unless it relaxes in between strokes, there is no forward movement. The jellyfish is one of the most energy-efficient creatures on the planet.

Self-care lesson from the, yes, jellyfish? "There is no moving forward without a little relaxation."

Other chapters teach us how we can learn better self-care habits from the shrimp, the spider, the oyster, yes, even the sunflower.





Review:

https://readerbuzz.blogspot.com/2022/...

[Jules | Friday Night Readers · Rating 4 out of 5]

today I'm sharing a great self care book for quarantine times courtesy of Dey Street books, which sent me an ARC. Wisdom from a Humble Jellyfish comes out 4/28, and it has such a unique concept: examining the natural survival mechanisms that plants and animals use to thrive in harsh environments and relating them to how we can similarly care for ourselves.

While I had never thought of this concept before, it totally makes sense! For example, the humble jellyfish quite literally cannot move forward in the water without relaxing between movement, and likewise, as humans we require relaxation to keep going in life.

Join our conversation about more self care on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/p/B_cxVtGAiS-/

[Kandice · Rating 3 out of 5]

That was not at all what I was expecting. I am attempting to read at least one non-fiction book a month in 2021 since these are not my usual forte. This counted, was short and featured animals. Win win!

While I was amused by the facts shared about animals and how they could be related to, and used as examples of, human self-care, amused was as good as it got. There were no big secrets, reveals or "ah ha!" moments.

Certainly not a waste of time, but not something I would really recommend or read again.

[Abby Kincer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Follow me on Instagram @bookmarkedbya! *Thanks to Dey Street for the free book.

This is an absolutely delightful, fascinating, and uplifting book about prioritizing self care in a world that prioritizes social media and a "go go go" mentality in every facet of life. It's also a really interesting book about some super cool animals - I particularly enjoyed the facts about shrimp. Who knew shrimp were such badasses?!

The illustrations are delightful, the animal facts fascinating, and the thoughtful, caring tips on self-care helpful and soothing. The emphasis on saving our sanity and saving the planet make for an absolutely lovely book that I will cherish. I highly recommend adding this one to your library.

[Abbie | ab_reads]

This is more self help than science and a bit more twee than I was expecting. I thought there’d be a lot more cool animal facts and details about their habitats and behaviours, not taking ‘fake it ‘til you make it’ advice from an octopus.

I think it might be a better read in print, as apparently it’s illustrated. It’d make a nice stocking filler for someone about to embark on a life change. As an audiobook, it just feels glib.

[Moonkiszt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rani Shah's book is a fun romp through nature. For me it was a listen, and from other reviews appreciating the accompanying artwork, I suspect I'm missing an endearing element. Short, and sweet, she didn't stay long on any one creature. Still there was some element of how each creature has a lesson for us hard-headed humans if we will just listen up.

A great read to clear the palate between heavier offerings!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

The time is now for this book. Oh my goodness, between the breezy, fun writing style, the cute drawings, and just the overall “good job, you” message, and that it’s a super-quick read, I anoint this the must-read pick-me-up for quarantine and beyond. I want to send this book to all my friends, but will have to buy them their own copies, because I need to hold onto this one.

[Roberta · Rating 3 out of 5]

But, but... it's too short! I want more!
So, audiobooks are still something new for me. I listen to them while commuting to work.
This was just perfect: interesting topic read by a perfect voice. Informative and silly at the same time, it avoids that feeling of superiority that posseses some self-help books.

Basically, you are given a fact about some less famous, less fluffy animal; then the author tries to transalte it into the human life as a way to improve one's life. Sometimes it makes sense, sometime it seems forced, but after all is an enjoyable short reading.

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️
This is a short, very easy to read, cute book that I would definitely recommend if you need a quick break between heavy reads. It is all about the true definition of self-care and how to accomplish it. All the lessons are derived from examples in the natural world and shows how we can take inspiration from animals and nature. Nothing in this book was profoundly new and life changing but I did really like the reminders, tips, and advice. Each chapter has a message we’ve likely heard before but when it’s framed in this unique way, it helps it sink in a lot more. I definitely wrote down a lot of the quotes and it does make you want to be better at self-care.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful and quick read to re-center yourself. It takes all of the quirky animal facts from across the globe and translates them into things you can think about in your daily life like celebrating differences, how much work to put into something, "going for it but trying to protect yourself as much as you can" using animals like the jellyfish, sloth, spiders, porcupines, and more.

I would totally reread this one again just to dart back into the world of animals and celebrating the things that make them unique.

[Abbie Sanger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kinda a cheat easy read while my kindle is broken. I used to read this book when teaching outdoor ed and the kids loved it.

[Dlmrose · Rating 2 out of 5]

2+

[Robin Tobin (On the back porch reading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh soooo cute...

[Pooja Kobawala · Rating 5 out of 5]

Promise, not bias. truly a delightful read that leaves you thinking after every excerpt. I don't read self help or how-tos, and probably picked this read up solely bc I adore the author, but once I started, I couldn't stop. Maybe its the Pandemic or maybe its Shah's upbeat, sense of humor with a heavy dose of brain catching factoids- I read this book in two solid sittings. I laughed out loud numerous times (only other book to make me laugh out loud in a room was Brooklyn Follies on the F Train).

This book is super light- coffee table, night stand, shoot even in the bathroom- a SOLID reminder of what we all need to do to make this world go round. Everything we are nostalgic about and everything we are seeing (dolphins in Venice, mountain views sans pollution etc) during this Pandemic time is a solid result of us pressing pause- and allowing nature to do its thing- this book is a weird complement to the Pandemic- is that a compliment? I am not sure- but I am finding myself highlighting and rereading portions- i love the bottom line of this book- listen to nature, it will lead you in the right direction.

the footnotes and illustrations were top notch as well.

[Callum McLaughlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The primary aim of this book is to encourage us all to follow the many examples of self-care and wisdom found throughout the natural world, by simplifying our daily lives and prioritising our own health and wellbeing. It does so by sharing fascinating facts about the weird and wonderful creatures we share the Earth with, and exploring what principles we as humans can take from them to apply to our own routines.

It has to be said that a few of the equivalent self-care tips for people were very tenuously linked to their animal counterparts, but I consistently enjoyed the gentle, warm tone of the book. The highlight for me was definitely the plethora of fun, interesting facts I picked up along the way (like how porcupines have evolved to have a coating of antibacterial oil on their quills, to reduce the risk of infection when they accidentally cut themselves on them). By imparting knowledge in small, bitesize chunks, and finding ways to make it applicable to our everyday lives, it’s the kind of read that educates stealthily, focussing on genuine interest and readability, and successfully avoiding the dreaded feel of a school lesson.

I appreciated the way Shah brought everything together at the end, by highlighting the sad reality that many species referenced throughout the book are currently at risk of extinction, and why it’s critical that we redress the balance of our lives to reconnect with simpler, kinder, and more natural ways of being. After all, ‘caring for nature is self-care for us all.’

Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

[Britta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a charming book. I read it in a single sitting and quite enjoyed it. Shah blends succinct and clever facts with friendly humor and ties it all together with quick self care anecdotes. Never have I come across a book that blends the benefits of odd evolution from the animal world with methods to practice self-compassion, but this one actually nails it. My favorite section was about the pearls. I not only learned something new (that sand actually isn't a player in the creation of pearls! I've been living a lie!), but the way that fact was then tied into how we can reframe our own personal damage was honestly so smart and sweet. I totally loved it.

The illustrations by Gemma Correll are just the icing on the cake.

Easy to read in small bites or all at once, I really enjoyed this book. Don't expect tons of naturalist detail....but that's not the point. ;)

[Nadina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fabulous read, to the point where it is a book I actually want to buy and refer back to.
It is easy to read and broken down into nice sections (based on different species).
I liked the illustrations at the beginning of each "chapter" and found them to be fun and cute.
I liked that the key point for the advice from each section was summarized in a sentence (or two) at the end.
The structure of each chapter is essentially some facts about how the particular species featured in that section is adapted for "self-care" and then goes into how humans can apply these techniques or ideas to themselves.
It was quick, simple, and a good read over all. I would be quite likely to recommend it to others.

[Pinky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Smart, funny, charming. Oddly timed publication to coincide with global pandemic. I would have liked it more before but still got a ton out of it. Author draws parallels between the natural world and self-care for humans. There are some seriously quirky creatures out there! Fun fact: wombats have cubed shaped poop! Who knew? Felt smarter after having read this. Will forget to meditate. Again. But I feel more at one with nature.

[Justin Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute book! And a really unique concept. It's a fun light read letting nature provide examples of how to make our own lives a little better.

[Chels Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wisdom from a Humble Jellyfish by Rani Shah

Is perfection

I’m not sure how one should categorize this book. Self-help, spiritual, self care, bathroom reads, nature reads, science book, essays? I guess it more like sermons on random animals and natures and how we can use these examples in our own life.

It’s a short quick read, a great aeroplane read, or beach non-fiction read. It covers many animals and plants. So much so that if your are not interested in one, just wait a few pages and a new interesting animal will appear.

It not self help in the sense of “just like a caterpillars you too can transform into your true form”. But rather it’s more “the tree porcupine spends a lot of time in trees, and falling out of trees which, when your a porcupine means impaling yourself on your quills. As such porcupines are now immune to gang-green and tenus. You too can develop immunity to thing based on the environment.”

Likewise, it’s more rituals or trains of thought that you can walk down to change certain things in your life. It’s a lot about adapting and using the strategies that work best for you. Like the example of 3 spiders all using different web strategies but all eat, all survive.

It was a lovely peaceful read, that I would read again or gift for either the rituals or the animal knowledge. I have also noted that the author seems to be of the same generation and has the same type of humour as me. Which is rather fun. To read books, particular self help genre that is understanding of my generational needs. Eg. Never not having the internet, not always being reachable by work, Carmen Sandiego.

This books is good for anyone has a interest in the natural world and ways to improve their life for a more balance and fulfilling approach.

[Meagan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good coffee table book. Good in bite-sized pieces: reminds me of fortune cookie wisdom snippets. 🥠

I wish the book had more detail because both the animal facts and the self care tips were pretty surface level. And there's nothing ground-breaking in here - if you've ever googled any tips or read any other self-care books then there's no new information here.

Some of the self help tips had me rolling my eyes. And some of the delivery of lines in the audiobook was kinda cringey and the jokes fell flat. I would give the audiobook 2/5 stars. Which is really rare for me since usually the audio elevates the experience for me.

All that said, it's an upbeat book and has some cool facts and some good reminders of health-care rituals. On a Buy, Borrow, Bypass scale I would say bypass unless you want a cute coffee table book to adorn your living room.

[Jean · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has an interesting premise, but unfortunately fails a bit in the execution, I think. It was a fast and easy read, and there were some fun animal facts, but overall it felt very surface level. There is no in-depth ideology here, which is not necessarily bad, but it felt like in terms of "self-care" there is no new information or ideas presented. I also thought the epilogue got a bit preachy and to be honest didn't really feel like it fit with the rest of the book. It should have, but for me, it felt like a sloppy transition from taking self-care "tips" from nature to preaching about conservation. The whole thing reads like a string of blog posts put together in a book. It's fine, and would probably make a good high school graduation gift, but not one I'll be revisiting for wisdom.

[Camillia (Twenty Three Pages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started out pretty mild with cute hedgehogs and little avocado trees. And then next thing I knew she was talking about mind controlling parasites that change a rats sense smell so they will eventually kill themselves AND WOW. That really escalated very quickly.

It was a lovely book though. The author picks animals, insects and parasites (yikes) and looks at how they survive and thrive and adapts that to human lives and it’s really nice and a unique way to look at self care and protecting our mental energy.

Best part of this book was square shaped poop.

[Sarah Brousseau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3/75: Wisdom from a Humble Jellyfish: And Other Self-Care Rituals from Nature Shah, Rani. Somehow... somewhere... the Universe put this book in my path TODAY and i devoured it. When I said there are books you read at exactly the right time in life, exactly when you need it, this is the exact feeling I got as I was reading this book. Cute little anecdotes, comparing life to our fellow creatures in the wild, from the jellyfish to the porcupine to the spider, this was needed. My soul is content as I rest tonight.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

a unique and quick read that connects self care with the many abilities and survival mechanisms of flora and fauna. it’s upbeat, engaging, heartfelt, and at times silly. I’m usually not an audiobook person, but I got this on audiobook while waiting for the ebook and thoroughly enjoyed the narration. While I have a shaky history with self-care books, I felt more connected to Shah’s creative take on self care and scientific insight as compared to more traditional self care and wellness books. I also appreciated Shah’s final bit of advice, that nurturing nature is wellness for us all. Highly recommend.

[Amanda Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and Sweet. A super easy read (audiobook is 2 hours).

The mix of animal facts and self-care advice is interesting. It feels a little forced at first, but I like both topics do it worked for me.

Some nature stories were cute, others a bit creepy, and sometimes just strange. I always like to learn a bit more about random plants and animals.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Average level of good. Nothing groundbreaking. Wish it had been more specific to what animals do to care for themselves and how we can learn from them rather than extrapolating animal actions to unrelated human emotions. The chapter about taking breaks was my favorite.