Why? Why? Why? & A New Earth

There is nothing like losing a loved one to make you contemplate your mortality, why you are here, and how you contribute to it all. It just really gives you pause. Well it does for the majority of us that is. Occassionally, you encounter someone who seems incredibly unaffected by it all.

So I have been mulling it all. Why do these things happen? Why the hell is cancer even around after all these years of so many people suffering? How long do any of us have? How can we ensure that our passing is as prepared for and as painless as possible for those who love us?

So having been mulling these questions over and over... I also am an Oprah watcher. Lord knows that woman is deep. She contemplates all of it and not only has wonderful perspectives on many a topic but often has amazing guests who speak to them all.

This brings me to her recent and consistent recommendation of the book A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose by Eckhart Tolle. It is her book club's latest book to be read and discussed.

Now, about Oprah's book club, I tried the very first book she recommended. I believe it was Song of Solomon. I could not and I mean could NOT get into it. I re-read that first chapter over 100 times I swear. I kept thinking somehow I will get into this. But I just could not. It was many years ago, so I should give it another go. But after years of sitting on my bookshelf, taunting me, I decided enough was enough and put it in a yard sale. Sorry Oprah. Sorry Toni Morrison. Maybe I should buy it again.

so then I did try The Deep End of the Ocean by Jacquelyn Mitchard. I enjoyed that. It scared me, worried me, engaged me and kept me in suspense.

so while I watch the show (don't you just love Dr. Oz?) faithfully and love having the DVR as it provides me with the reassurance that Oprah is there waiting for me when I need her, I have not always jumped on the Book Club wagon.

but right now, with the thoughts going through my head about who I am? where I am in life? where do I want to go? and having just hit the big 4-0... I feel ready to reach. My hubby picked up the book for me and then Oprah keeps talking about how she and Eckhart Tolle are creating the world's largest classroom.

Starting this coming Monday evening, and going on for 10 weeks, there will be an online webinar about the book and finding your life's purpose. It is free and live. You can ask Oprah and the author questions and participate in the discussions and have a workbook and everything. It took me a week of reflection as to whether I wanted to try it or not and last night I signed up. For two of the weeks, I shall be in the States and needed to see if I could participate there, and having confirmed this, I am both excited and scared.

I started this book this morning.

So... anyone want to join me and the other 300,000 people signed up? (at last count that is)