ChIME’S 2025 Community Book Read
This is the heart of our Community Book Read. It’s not a book club. It’s a shared spiritual journey, an invitation to deepen your own reflections while knowing you are part of something larger, more luminous.
Interested in joining us in this shared journey through The Book of Joy. Currently we are holding space for 56 beautiful souls; students, alumni, seekers, and friends, who have chosen to step into this rhythm of reflection together. We are still growing. You can join at any time. Clicking on the Join now button will create access to all emails about the book group. You will receive a newsletter will offer a gentle prompt, a small invitation to explore, and a resource that opens the theme more widely. You’re invited to read at your own pace, notice what rises, and, if it feels right, share a spark of your insight along the way.
Whether you're just opening the cover or still deciding if you’ll join, there’s still time. This isn’t a race or a book club. It’s a quiet, spacious circle that spans locations, traditions, and across hearts. All newsletters and additional information will be posted here after the newsletter is sent.
Let the light of joy guide us, together.
Reflection Prompt
When in your life has joy surprised you?
What did it feel like—in your body, your breath, your spirit?
WEEK ONE
Resource Spotlight: Paul Ekman
If you're curious about the science behind emotions and how they show up in our lives, we invite you to explore the work of Dr. Paul Ekman. A renowned psychologist and researcher, Ekman is best known for his groundbreaking studies on facial expressions and universal emotions, research that deeply influenced The Book of Joy.
His work reminds us that emotions like joy, sadness, and compassion are not only natural, but shared across humanity.
Learn more on his website and Facebook page.
Resource Spotlight: Lojong – Training the Heart-Mind
Lojong is a Tibetan Buddhist practice that means “mind training” or “heart-mind cultivation.” It’s made up of 59 powerful slogans, short, poetic teachings that can help shift our perspective from self-centeredness to compassion and wisdom.
Practiced for centuries, Lojong offers practical, spiritual tools for living with more patience, awareness, and yes joy, even in the midst of suffering. The Dalai Lama references this tradition often, and its themes are deeply woven into The Book of Joy.
Example: “Be grateful to everyone.”
Even those who challenge you. Especially them. Lojong invites us to grow through every encounter.
To learn more or begin exploring Lojong:
Invitation to Explore
Set aside five quiet minutes this week. Sit somewhere comfortable. Close your eyes.
Ask yourself: Where does joy live in me today?
Try not to look for an answer, to endlessly poke around in your mind. Just listen.
The Dalai Lama on YouTube in the first part of his 21 video series on LoJong.