The Atlas of the Heart

by Brene Brown

Vermilion

Brene Brown, professor at the University of Houston but better known for her bestselling books – The Gifts of Imperfection, Daring Greatly – and TED talks for which she has more than 50 million views, says:  If we want to find the way back to ourselves and one another, we need language and the grounded confidence to both tell our stories and to be stewards of the stories that we hear.  This beautifully illustrated and lavish hardcover is a real gift of a book – to give away but even better to give yourself!  In it, Brene Brown explores eighty-seven of the emotions and experiences that define what it means to be human – ranging from dread, envy, regret, despair through nostalgia, curiosity and interest to awe, joy and gratitude.  This book is her framework for cultivating meaningful human connections. It gets you thinking.  It makes you feel “heard”. It helps you understand what others are going through.  Its’s filled with memorable quotes, pics and even cartoons to get the message through. A very timeous and useful guide through the minefield of human experience!

In this life, we will know and bear witness to incredible sorrow and anguish, and we will experience breathless love and joy.  There will be boring days and exciting moments, low-grade disappointment and seething anger, wonder and confusion.  The wild and ever-changing nature of emotions and experiences leaves our hearts stretch-marked and strong, worn and willing.  My hope is that we find that solid ground within us, that shore that offers safe harbour when we’re feeling untethered and adrift.  The more confident we are about being able to navigate to that place, the more daring our adventures, and the more connected we are to ourselves and each other. – Brene Brown