Two Island authors have written books aimed at enlightening and inspiring their readers, and both will read from their works on Friday.
Darsie Beck
Vashon Bookshop will be the scene of a launch party for Darsie Beck’s new book, “Your Essential Nature, a Practical Guide to Greater Creativity and Spiritual Harmony,” at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20.
The evening will spotlight the accomplishments of Beck, a well-known Vashon artist. He’ll read from his book, sign copies and demonstrate tools he uses in his daily spiritual and creative practices.
In “Your Essential Nature,” Beck suggests a series of practical exercises and discussions that enable the reader to gain access to the “creative and spiritual energy of the universe.”
He explains the art and practice of journal-keeping, guides readers on how to investigate their own creative beginnings and inspirations and provides direction to creating a daily centering practice. Each page is illustrated by Beck’s art.
Beck has deep Island roots. His mother, Alison Beck, was the sister of famed Island author and character Betty McDonald.
As an infant, Beck moved to the Island with his mother and father and was frequently cared for by Betty McDonald and her family. He has moved on and off the Island since, returning here full time in 1975.
Terry Hershey
Islander Terry Hershey, an author, minister and inspirational speaker, will discuss his newest book, “The Power of Pause: Becoming More by Doing Less,” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, at Books by the Way.
The book is composed of 52 short chapters, and each offers a meditation on life and embracing the power of “pause” — moments of stillness and peace interwoven into busy lives.
It’s too easy to be busy, Hershey said, for him and for others. He suggests that others take a breath, slow down the frantic pace of their packed schedules and connect with the things that are most important in their lives every week.
Only then, he writes, can we begin to live lives to the fullest — lives that are enriched by doing less and pausing more.
“When we live hectic and busy, we live distracted and detached,” he said. “A pause lets our soul catch up with our body.”
