Gillian Anderson - We - A Manifesto for Women Everywhere

The information provided in this book is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment that can be provided by your own medical or mental health provider. Neither the authors nor the publisher are providing health care, medical or mental health services, or attempting to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure in any manner any physical, mental or emotional issue, disease or condition. If you have or suspect that you have a medical or mental health problem, contact your medical or mental health provider promptly. Also, before beginning any physical activity suggested in or inspired by this book, it is recommended that you seek medical advice from your personal physician.

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First published by HarperCollins Publishers 2017, 2018

SECOND EDITION

© Gillian Anderson and Jennifer Nadel 2017, 2018

Gillian Anderson and Jennifer Nadel assert the moral right to be identified as the authors of this work

While every effort has been made to trace the owners of copyright material reproduced herein and secure permissions, the publishers would like to apologise for any omissions and will be pleased to incorporate missing acknowledgements in any future edition of this book.

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Source ISBN: 9780008241933

Ebook Edition © Match 2017 ISBN: 9780008147945

Version: 2017-12-21

Since the first edition of this book was published the need for a different way to approach all areas of our lives has become even more evident and urgent.

In our own home countries, Britain and America, we’ve seen intolerance and bigotry endorsed at the ballot box. There has been an increase in levels of fear and uncertainty not just for ourselves and our communities, but also for the future of our planet.

There is another, better way of doing things. The principles and tools in this book lay out a blueprint for positive change – both for us as individuals and for the world that we all inhabit.

Please read, enjoy and share with other women. Together – joyfully, lovingly and with compassion – we can make change happen.

‘Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?’

MARY OLIVER

At some point in our lives, most of us feel the gentle calling of our soul. Sometimes it’s so quiet we can barely hear it – a soft tapping. No louder than a leaf falling from a tree.

We may imagine we didn’t hear it. Or perhaps it is louder and takes the form of a persistent ache, a nagging sense that there is something missing. ‘Is this it?’ we wonder when we wake in the dead of night or find ourselves caught in the treadmill of our daily grind.

It may be a hint of loneliness that endures even in the company of friends. Or a sense of injustice and a desire to change things that feels urgent and necessary, but also hopeless before it even begins.

Perhaps our heart tells us there is a better way of living, that we need to stop ignoring what really matters – the suffering of others and our planet’s future – but our head insists we’re naïve and tells us to knuckle down and get on with our lives as they are.

For others the call may take the form of a crisis – a break-up or breakdown, a betrayal or loss. Or perhaps it’s addiction, depression or another serious illness.

However it comes, it is an invitation to take a journey. You may resist. Many of us have resisted it for years, even decades. Ultimately it’s your choice. But it will wait for you patiently, tapping daily or every so often in small and big ways to remind you that, in truth, you can’t avoid it if you truly want to live a meaningful life.

If you’ve heard that call, this book is for you. It’s for women who want happiness and meaning. It will guide you towards inner peace and provide the power to help transform the world in which we all live.

Cover

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

Foreword

An Invitation to You

The Journey

Why Now?

How WE Works

Why We Wrote WE

WE’s Vision

PART 1: The Essentials

Getting Started

ESSENTIAL PRACTICE 1

GRATITUDE: A mind-altering Substance

ESSENTIAL PRACTICE 2

GENTLENESS: Changing the Messages We Give Ourselves

ESSENTIAL PRACTICE 3

RESPONSIBILITY: Taking Care of Ourselves

ESSENTIAL PRACTICE 4

MEDITATION: Creating a Safe Space

A Note on Addiction

PART 2: The Nine Principles

The Path Ahead

PRINCIPLE 1

HONESTY: Getting Real

PRINCIPLE 2

ACCEPTANCE: Making Friends with What Is

PRINCIPLE 3

COURAGE: Ending the Victim Trap

PRINCIPLE 4

TRUST: Living Without Fear

PRINCIPLE 5

HUMILITY: Unmasking Our Ego

PRINCIPLE 6

PEACE: Ending the Conflict Within

PRINCIPLE 7

LOVE: Transforming Relationships

PRINCIPLE 8

JOY: Living Fully

PRINCIPLE 9

KINDNESS: Love in Action