In 'What We Ache For,' Oriah explores the deep emotional and spiritual yearnings that define our humanity. Each profound reflection invites readers to confront their own desires, fears, and dreams, sparking a journey of self-discovery. With evocative prose, Oriah intertwines personal stories and universal truths, creating a mirror for our own experiences. This book challenges us to embrace vulnerability while seeking authentic connections that nourish our souls. Can we find the courage to pursue what truly matters in our lives?
By Oriah
Published: 2005
"We are not meant to be perfect; we are meant to be genuine and to embrace the ache of being human."
In her previous books, Oriah Mountain Dreamer has challenged readers to live with passion and honesty, to embrace the true, fallible, human self. What We Ache For is a moving and eloquent call to delve deeply into our creative selves, to do our creative work, and offer it to the world. The creative process is essential to human nature. It is as essential as spirituality and sexuality, and in fact all three are deeply intertwined. What We Ache For is a practical book allowing readers to embrace the urgency and necessity of their creativity, whatever their medium -- writing, painting, sculpture, dance, music, or film. As Oriah says, "Doing creative work allows us to follow the thread of what we ache for into a deeper life, offering us a way to cultivate a life of making love to the world." Following Oriah through this journey in such chapters as "The Seduction of the Artist," "Learning to See," and "Risk and Sacrifice," What We Ache For challenges and inspires readers to fully embrace their artistic selves as a way of forging a path of spiritual unfolding.
Oriah is a celebrated author known for her profound explorations of the human experience through poetic prose and reflective narratives. She is best known for her notable works, including 'The Invitation' and 'The Dance', which invite readers to delve into themes of authenticity, connection, and the beauty of the ordinary. Oriah's writing style is characterized by its lyrical quality, blending personal insight with universal truths, often encouraging introspection and a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.
Key information about the book.
Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!
In "You Are a Badass," author Jen Sincero delivers a bold and empowering guide to unleashing your inner greatness. With humor and candor, she challenges readers to confront their self-doubt and embrace the power of positive thinking. Through relatable anecdotes and actionable advice, Sincero ignites a fire for self-improvement, urging you to take charge of your life. This book is not just a self-help manual; it's a call to action for anyone ready to break free from mediocrity. Are you ready to step into your badass self and transform your reality?
In "Shut Up and Run," the author embarks on a transformative journey that combines the grit of endurance sports with profound life lessons. This energizing read challenges conventional beliefs about running, revealing it as a powerful metaphor for the struggles we face every day. With humor and raw honesty, the narrative invites readers to confront their fears, push beyond limits, and embrace the wild, freeing spirit of movement. Each chapter serves as a catalyst for personal growth, urging you to silence self-doubt and unleash your potential. Ready to lace up your shoes and discover what lies beyond the finish line?
In "The War of Art," Steven Pressfield uncovers the relentless battle every creative individual faces against resistance. This powerful guide examines how self-doubt, procrastination, and fear can sabotage artistic endeavors and personal growth. Through inspiring anecdotes and practical wisdom, Pressfield encourages readers to embrace their passion and conquer the demons that hold them back. He offers a roadmap for transforming struggle into triumph and dedicating oneself to the calling of creativity. Will you rise to the challenge and unleash the artist within?
In "The Conscious Parent," Dr. Shefali Tsabary challenges conventional parenting wisdom, urging us to see our children as mirrors reflecting our own emotional growth. With profound insights and practical guidance, she emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and mindfulness in fostering a deep connection with our kids. This transformative approach not only nurtures the child’s individuality but also promotes healing for the parent. As you journey through the pages, you’ll discover that true parenting begins with your own emotional evolution. Are you ready to reclaim your role as a conscious co-creator in your child's life?
In 'The Courage to Be Disliked', renowned philosopher Ichiro Kishimi and psychologist Fumitake Koga present a transformative dialogue between a young man and a wise philosopher. They explore the concept of Alfred Adler's psychology, emphasizing that happiness is a choice and freedom comes from the courage to be oneself. The profound insights challenge conventional beliefs about identity, relationships, and the burden of past traumas. As they delve into the meaning of true self-acceptance, the narrative invites readers to confront their own insecurities and societal expectations. This engaging exchange sparks curiosity and inspires a new outlook on personal growth and fulfillment.
In 'The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**k', Mark Manson challenges conventional self-help wisdom by advocating for embracing life's struggles rather than avoiding them. He argues that our obsession with positivity can lead to dissatisfaction and that a deeper, more meaningful life comes from focusing on what truly matters. Through a mix of humor and blunt honesty, Manson offers a refreshing perspective on how to find personal fulfillment. This book invites readers to reconsider their values and priorities, urging them to care only about the things that bring true happiness. Are you ready to stop striving for a perfect life and start finding meaning in the imperfections?
In 'When Things Fall Apart,' Pema Chodron offers a compassionate guide to navigating life's inevitable challenges and heartaches. Through Buddhist teachings, she invites readers to embrace discomfort as a doorway to personal growth and transformation. Chodron shares poignant insights on vulnerability, fear, and the power of surrendering to the unknown. With warmth and clarity, she encourages us to cultivate compassion for ourselves and others amid chaos. This profound exploration of resilience will inspire you to find strength in the face of uncertainty.
In 'The Wealth of Nations', Adam Smith unveils the intricate dynamics of economics and its impact on society. He argues that free markets, driven by individual self-interest, can lead to unprecedented prosperity. Smith introduces the concept of the 'invisible hand,' suggesting that personal ambitions can benefit the collective good. This groundbreaking work lays the foundation for modern economics, challenging prevailing mercantilist ideas. Dive into Smith's insights to uncover how economic forces shape our world and influence our everyday lives.
Showing 8 of 30 similar books

Lex Fridman is an artificial intelligence researcher, podcaster, and MIT professor, known for his work in autonomous vehicles, robotics, and deep learning. Fridman has gained widespread popularity through his podcast, Lex Fridman Podcast, where he interviews leading thinkers in science, technology, and philosophy, exploring topics like AI, consciousness, and the future of humanity. His academic work focuses on human-centered AI, aiming to create machines that can better understand and interact with humans. Fridman’s ability to distill complex topics into accessible conversations has earned him a large following, and his podcast is known for its thoughtful, in-depth discussions with some of the brightest minds of our time. He is also an advocate for the responsible development of AI, emphasizing the ethical implications of this rapidly advancing technology. Outside of academia and podcasting, Fridman is a practitioner of jiu-jitsu and frequently speaks about the importance of discipline and continuous learning.

Adam Grant is a renowned organizational psychologist and bestselling author, celebrated for his influential work on motivation and workplace dynamics. He is a professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he has been the youngest tenured professor and earned numerous teaching awards. Grant's books, including "Give and Take," "Originals," and "Think Again," have been translated into multiple languages and have topped bestseller lists worldwide. His research and insights are frequently featured in major media outlets, and he hosts the popular podcast "WorkLife." Through his writing and speaking, Grant has profoundly impacted the fields of psychology, business, and education.

Dr. Mark Hyman is a leading physician in functional medicine, advocating for using food as medicine to combat chronic disease. He has written numerous bestselling books, including Food: What the Heck Should I Eat?, focusing on nutrition and wellness. Dr. Hyman is the founder of The UltraWellness Center and has appeared frequently on television as an expert in health and wellness. He is also a senior advisor for the Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Functional Medicine. His work champions holistic health and lifestyle changes.

Susan Cain is a celebrated author and speaker best known for her groundbreaking work on the power of introversion. Her debut book, "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking," became a New York Times bestseller and has been translated into over 40 languages, significantly influencing how society views introversion and extroversion. Cain's impactful TED Talk on the same subject has garnered millions of views, further cementing her influence. She co-founded the Quiet Revolution, an initiative aimed at empowering introverts in various aspects of life. Cain's insightful contributions have sparked a global conversation about the strengths and needs of introverts, reshaping workplace dynamics and educational practices.

Emma Watson is a British actress and activist best known for her role as Hermione Granger in the "Harry Potter" film series, which brought J.K. Rowling's beloved books to life. Beyond her acting career, Watson has made significant contributions to literature by promoting gender equality and women's rights through her work with the United Nations, including the HeForShe campaign. She has also curated and shared book recommendations that highlight feminist literature and diverse voices. Watson graduated from Brown University with a degree in English literature, further emphasizing her dedication to the literary world. Her advocacy and influence have made her a prominent figure in both the entertainment and literary communities.

Brendon Burchard is a high-performance coach, motivational speaker, and bestselling author, best known for his books High Performance Habits and The Motivation Manifesto. He helps individuals and organizations achieve peak performance through strategies focused on clarity, energy, and productivity. Brendon’s work emphasizes the importance of personal growth and developing habits that lead to sustained success. He has coached Fortune 500 CEOs, Olympians, and other high-achieving individuals. Brendon is also the founder of the High Performance Academy, where he trains people to lead more impactful and successful lives.

Gary Vaynerchuk, also known as GaryVee, is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and social media personality. He initially gained prominence through his family’s wine business, turning it into a digital juggernaut with his online content and wine reviews. Gary is now the CEO of VaynerMedia, a full-service digital agency, and has authored multiple bestsellers, including Crush It! and Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook. He is known for his blunt, motivational style and advice on business, marketing, and personal branding. Gary continues to inspire millions with his focus on hustle, entrepreneurship, and leveraging digital platforms for success.

Arianna Huffington is the founder of The Huffington Post and Thrive Global, a company focused on wellness and productivity. She is a bestselling author and prominent speaker on the importance of sleep and managing stress. Arianna’s work emphasizes the importance of balance between professional success and personal well-being. Her book The Sleep Revolution has inspired a global movement to prioritize rest. She is considered one of the most influential women in media and business.
Showing 8 of 24 related collections
“We are not meant to be perfect; we are meant to be genuine and to embrace the ache of being human.”
What We Ache For
By Oriah
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.