A Fresh Start
Pausing Wanderland and opening the door to When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chodron as Our Next Book Choice
Dear Mystic,
When I picked Wanderland by Jini Reddy as our first Mystic Book of the Month, I chose it because it had been sitting on my shelf for a while, quietly calling to me. It felt like the perfect choice to begin our shared reading journey, since it was an exploration of magic in the landscape.
As I started reading, I loved it. Her writing transported me into a quiet, naturalist vibe, and I felt a sense of calm and beauty while reading. But this week, when I picked it up again, something shifted. I lost that initial enchantment. Part of the narrative involves her seeking mystical experiences in nature, sometimes finding them, sometimes not. But the more people she visits, and the more places she explores, the more she seems to be left with disappointment—and the more I, as a reader, found myself craving deeper magic.
I do appreciate her memoir for the explorations it offers, but by the time I arrived at the middle, I realized it wasn’t where I wanted to be.
That moment gave me pause. I asked myself: Had I done my own mystic work when choosing this book? Had I tuned into the energy of our collective and felt into what we, as a group, needed right now? The answer was clear: no, I hadn’t. In my excitement, I forgot that crucial step.
As the leader of Mystics Reading Society, it’s my role to choose books that not only speak to personal growth and magic but also nurture the energy of this community. That means tuning into the collective energy—not just my own.
So, this morning, I sat down, tuned into the intuitive space, and asked, “What does our collective need right now?” The word that came to me was “comfort,” and right on its heels came the image of a book: When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times by Pema Chodron.
When I saw this book in my mind, everything clicked into place. We are in a collective difficult time. The world around us feels as though it’s unraveling, and many of us are grappling with uncertainty, fear, and the unknown. It’s as if the world is falling apart in ways both grand and intimate.
That’s why this book feels so right for right now—not just because it speaks to where we might be personally, but because it speaks to the collective experience we’re living through. Pema Chodron’s wisdom is a beacon in times like these, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles. It offers comfort for the hard moments without spiritually bypassing the difficulties, and it encourages us to meet the chaos with compassion, courage, and a deep understanding of our shared humanity.
I first read this book in my twenties, when my life was, in fact, falling apart. It opened my mind and heart in ways I’ll never forget. Today, as I sat with the image of the book, I couldn’t help but wonder how it would land for me now, at 46. I downloaded a sample on my e-reader, and when I read the first chapter, titled Intimacy with Fear, it felt like a direct meeting with who I am right now. It landed with clarity and resonance, and that’s when I knew: This is the book we need right now.
So, here’s the news: I’m following my intuition, pausing Wanderland, and setting us up for a deeply meaningful communal reading experience of When Things Fall Apart.
The Plan
I’m shifting our approach to this book in the spirit of slowing down and savoring every bit of wisdom. Instead of rushing through it in a month, we’re going to read a chapter a week until we’re done with all 22 chapters. This book is rich with depth, and I want us to move at a pace that allows us to truly integrate and process its wisdom.
Here’s how it will work: Each week, I’ll read one chapter of When Things Fall Apart and share my reflections with you in a Sunday morning essay, where I’ll highlight key takeaways, share how the chapter landed for me personally, and offer questions for your own reflection. You’ll be invited to share your thoughts in the comments and connect with our shared reading experience.
You’re invited to join in this journey—whether you read When Things Fall Apart along with me or just follow along with my essays. The beauty of this process is that there’s no “right” way to participate. Whether you go at your own pace or keep up with me, this is your space to reflect, connect, and grow.
We’ll begin this Sunday with an overview of the book—why we’re reading it now, what to expect from the journey, and how you can participate. Our reading experience officially starts on Sunday, June 29, when I’ll share my first reflection essay on Chapter 1, Intimacy with Fear.
It brings me so much joy to read in community with all of you. If you’re joining us, please leave a comment below and let me know how you’re feeling about diving into this book together. I’d love to hear what brought you here and what you’re hoping to discover from this shared journey.
—Emma
P.S. If you're curious about my style as a guide through a slow reading journey, you can check out my podcast, Full Heart Free Voice, where my friend Caitlin and I delved into Women Who Run With the Wolves by Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estés, exploring it one chapter at a time.
Hi, I’m Emma! I’m a reader and writer living in the mossy woods of the Pacific Northwest. I created Mystics Reading Society as a welcoming space where books, personal growth, and magic intertwine. Here, we explore transformative reads while creating a supportive community for those walking their own mystical, sovereign path.
If you also love to read cozy books, don’t miss my other bookish newsletter: Sleuth, Hero, Alien—for fans of cozy mysteries, charming sci-fi, and cozy fantasy.
Start with this post: My Minimalist Teapot Collection ☕🔍📚
Disclaimer: This blog is a resource guide for educational and informational purposes only and should not take the place of hiring a life coach, a therapist, or of seeking medical attention. No information on this blog creates a coach-client relationship between us. You are fully responsible for the decisions and actions you take in regard to your life and affairs
I'm looking forward to rereading this. Very timely choice.