Reviews
CULTIVATE COMPASSION is a 2021 Indie Reader Discovery Award winner. Compiling wisdom and advice from all over the world, CULTIVATE COMPASSION helps readers learn how to best retain a sense of compassion and inner strength during even the most difficult times. The author's guidance covers a variety of topics, such as gratitude, authenticity, mindfulness and balance. An inspirational book that need not be read cover-to-cover, CULTIVATE COMPASSION offers good practices and solid direction for developing self-care, resilience, and kindness
Indie Reader Discovery Awards 2021
WINNER ~ Self Help Category
PURE JOY! Maria James-Shier's debut book is a motivational read! Current events illustrate the topics addressed in this book are more important than ever. This book is the reminder that we all need: to live kind, compassionate, empathetic and tolerant lives. The photos that accompany each chapter are a joy to look through. Well done!
Christine J.
Legal e-Discovery Team
Thoroughly enjoyed and am recommending this beautiful coffee table book. Maria is one of the most amazing nurses I have worked with and has always been an upstander.
Cyndi Balram
RN
CARING FOR THE CAREGIVER. Grounded in nursing and other caregiving professions through the author's background as an Emergency RN in a busy Toronto ER department, this book assists the reader in exploring topics such as resilience, self-care, compassion and combating the negative effects of stress. A critically important message in light of COVID-19, which is resulting in unprecedented levels of stress in our front line health care and essential workers.
T.H.
Nursing Leadership
ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE. A wonderful daily inspiration that reminds the reader to reflect and appreciate the positivity that surrounds each day. The timing for this publication is ideal as we struggle through this unprecedented time - when remembering what we should be thankful for rather than focusing on what we feel we are missing out on can be difficult. Randomly opening a page in this book provides a thoughtful reflection accompanied by beautiful illustrations of joy in daily life. Thank you to the author for these reminders that can start or end your day with a thoughtful smile!
Joanne
Nurse Manager
WOW!
Am I impressed!
Profound, philosophical and so well structured. The wisdom and advice in this book are beautifully organized and presented. It will be a memorable and motivational read both for those in the relevant professions and for the rest of us, simply struggling to make sense of life. It is strongly recommended for anyone in situations providing emotional support either by intent or by happenstance. It is essential that caregivers be kind to themselves.
Virginia
Academic Librarian
THOUGHTFUL AND MOTIVATIONAL. So grateful for the gentle reminder for self-care, reflection and mindfulness for those around us. The book is strategically organized for the reader to pick a page of motivation that matches your daily needs. You will want to keep this gem close at hand.
Sheila
Executive Director, Economic Development
A MUST READ FOR 2021. Each chapter of Cultivate Compassion provokes thought and reflection. Especially during these challenging pandemic times, we can all benefit from reading this book to better understand HOW we cultivate compassion for ourselves and others. There has never been a time when there has been more of a need to put the messages of hope, resilience, compassion and self care into action. This book provides the framework for this.
Tara M.
Social Worker
THIS INSIGHTFUL BOOK explores the multiple ways we can inquire about who we are at a deeper level, and understand the essential ingredients to true self care. This book has captured my heart in so many ways, and at a time of uncertainty in the world this book cultivates a peace inside that we are all searching for.
Carol Baxter ~GLOW Yoga Studio
Author: The Confidence Project ~ Tribal Flow
BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN INSPIRATIONAL BOOK. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. An inspirational and important read during this very stressful time dealing with COVID-19. It helped me to de-stress and relax. I loved all of the beautiful photographs as well.
Christy
Educator
THOUGHTFUL, BEAUTIFUL AND PRACTICAL!
I absolutely loved this book! It explores compassion in a completely thorough and practical way. Now more than ever we need it's teachings. Grateful for the useful strategies I am already starting to use.
Samantha Theis
RN, BScN, Wellness Coach
BEAUTIFUL RESOURCE FOR INPSIRATION AND STRENGTH. This book is a wonderful summary of research collected about compassion and caregiving that has been organized into inspirational and thought provoking passages with particularly beautiful pictures supporting each concept. It would benefit professionals and individual caregivers as a source of daily strength and motivation.
Pat and Nicole G.
Nova Scotia, Canada
Cultivate Compassion is SUCH A SHINING LIGHT in such a dark and uncertain time in the world. Maria's perspective and life experiences are thoughtfully laid out in this uplifting read. The photographs and illustrations are colorful, raw and really capture what it is to live a meaningful life! Make you really reflect on your own experiences and the way you approach every situation (past, present and future). Such a great read and would highly recommend!
Jaclyn Terakita
Manager Tenant Projects ~ Cadillac Fairview
WILL READ AGAIN AND AGAIN! I loved this book! Especially in these very challenging times, this book serves as a great tool in reminding us of the importance of being the best version of ourselves in order to cultivate compassion in our day to day interactions. It provides the tools to break down the areas where you may need to focus more energy and attention; and provides recommendations on how to do so. This is not a read one time book. Each day I open to a random page and read a few pages in order to start my day off with a compassionate mindset.
LOVED this book.
Jennifer
Hospitality
BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED AND THOUGHTFULLY WRITTEN.
This is such a lovely book! Each entry is insightful and healing, thereby soothing the distressed heart and nourishing the weary soul. I highly recommend this splendid book!
Anna G.
Mental Health
INSPIRATIONAL AND A BEAUTIFUL GUIDE ON LIVING LIFE WITH COMPASSION. Wonderful read with images that inspire thoughtfulness and create a sense of tranquility as you flip through the pages. Recommend to anyone who wants to center themselves and find ways to live more compassionately and learn to see the beauty in everyday life 🙂
Bree
Logistics Manager, International Operations ~ Canadian Red Cross
INSPIRATIONAL READ. This book is an uplifting collection of strategies to assist us to remain upright, despite the many obstacles we face. The photographs used to complement each topic are absolutely amazing!
Amanda F.
Mental Health
THIS SHOULD BE ON EVERY COFFEE TABLE! Amazing book to read when you need a little self-reflection. I love how each page offers a unique topic that can be taken away and used to see the world in a more enjoyable way. There are beautiful illustrations to go along with each page. During these times of uncertainty everyone should be reading this book.
Hailey Olynyk
Operations and Administrative Manager
NEW COFFEE TABLE BOOK. This book is a perfect read for the start of a New Year. The beautiful pictures and thoughtful quotes on each page have earned this book a permanent spot on my coffee table.
Kirsten
Educator
LIFE CHANGING. I bought this book and I am so happy I did. Helpful to unwind, de-stress, and add more enjoyment to my days. Great read for 2021!
Rosemarie J.
Retiree, Human Resources
VERY SPECIAL INSPIRATIONAL, HELPFUL BOOK. This book is inspirational, well planned and thought out. The pictures are amazing and it is exactly the lift a person needs these days. So much research and evaluation with the most human touch and insight from caregivers around the world. It makes a great gift, coffee table book or a daily uplift! Get it and enjoy!
verified purchaser
Business
BEAUTIFUL BOOK! Insights from global caregivers. Gives hope and motivational strategies to help us get through life's bumps and barriers. Beautiful pictures fit the narrative to a tee! Makes a beautiful gift as well!
Karolin S.
Workplace Wellness
LIFE HACKS 2021: How do we face each day during uncertain and unprecedented times? How do we dig deep within these fast shifting tides? A conversation starter to help us navigate 2021.
Brad
Health & Safety
DAILY REMINDERS. I enjoyed the book, it is a great read to start the year~ Maria weaves wonderful reminders on how to show up in life with self care being top of mind. The pictures are beautiful, the quotes resonant and each 'practice' can be implemented into your life if you stay present.
Betty Woodman
Training & Development
A JOURNEY OF KINDNESS THROUGH COMPASSION. This amazing book is truly inspirational and shows us how we all can examine various aspects of compassion to integrate into our lives. The wonderful illustrations for each element of compassion are heart warming and brings the world to me as the reader. This book is developed with compassion, is about compassion, and the author has truly helped us to understand how we as human beings, professionals, and individuals can immerse ourselves into how we can be kind to others and ourselves to make life wonderful. An absolute pleasure to read.
Beverley Dew
Educator
AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR CARING PROFESSIONS. More, now than ever, in the midst of a global pandemic killing thousands of people a day, this message of compassion, resilience and stress relief has never been more relevant and needed by health care providers, essential workers and professionals trying to navigate a very volatile and uncertain environment on a daily basis. The messages of hope, resilience, compassion and self-care are supplemented with stunning imagery that beautifully augment the words they accompany. As our stress levels approach unprecedented levels, this book can help you consider strategies to combat stress, uncertainty and anxiety. Highly recommend!
Terri Hinkley
CEO, Academy of Medical Surgical Nurses
I really enjoyed this book! There is a lot of interesting research and strategies on how to overcome life's challenges. I am left feeling inspired and optimistic about the future!
Dana W.
Student, Western University
A lovely inspirational read with beautiful pictures to go along with the quotes. Great coffee table book. Highly recommend.
Andrea Wright
Dental Hygiene
In the midst of a pandemic and the accompanying suffering and sadness, this book is a must read. It is well researched, well written and the many photos of people and far away places support the books theme.
Don
Primary Care
I received this book as a gift and find it to be athoughtful read that moves me to linger in thought, to honour my current self, my stregths and build on my best self. A wonderful gift!
MJ Markham
Tenant Management
AN EXCELLENT BLUEPRINT FOR LIFE. I truly loved both the subject and the structure. I am a natural caregiver (even when I do not realize it) and I recognize that at any point in my life I can pick up this book and find myself in given chapter and then find a way to deal with the stress of any given situation. Everyone can benefit from this phenomenal book. None of us are immune from the complexities of life the pandemic has shown us. Thank you Maria for composing a most beautiful and thoughtful blueprint that will guide us toward living a more compassionate life; always remembering we can only be as good to others as we are to ourselves.
Marie James
Caregiver
RENEWED FOCUS ON WELLNESS IN 2021. I have started 2021 with this book to guide my daily reflection time. It brings together beautiful photos, inspiring quotes and thoughtful insights to inspire my renewed focus on wellness. This book can be enjoyed over and over again, read it front to back or randomly open to a new page to start each day.
Debby
Employment Programs Manager
Bruce Wright
Retired, Business
Karen Andrew
Avid Reader
Kelsie O.
Operations Manager
THOUGHT PROVOKING. I just started reading Cultivate Compassion: Self-Kindness Counts. I have been absorbing this book in a couple of different ways...reading a chapter at a time and I have also opened it randomly to see if there is a message I am meant to ponder. The book has a 'good feel' to the touch and through the authors words. If I was asked to describe the feeling, I would say reading it has felt like a 'warm hug'. The layout offers an uncomplicated read with concise chapters followed by a page of suggested reads providing easy reference to delve further into a subject of interest. I believe this book serves as a wonderful asset for caregivers in various roles and settings and also for those interest in personal development. I look forward to continuing to savour and learn. When I am done, it will be close at hand for future inspiration, as a thoughtful guide. Kudos to the author...well done!
MR
Educator, RN
BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN BOOK, filled with opportunities for self reflection and guidelines in caring for oneself as well as those that we encounter in our daily lives. This is a book to be left at the bedside, on your coffee table or in your favourite reading nook, where you will be prompted to read on a regular basis. It is lovely to read something insightful and uplifting in these trying times. Thank you Maria James-Shier!
Janice C.
Avid Reader
INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGES. Well thought out with beautifully chosen pics. Great layout and read that allows you to stop and truly reflect on the meaning of the words and apply them to yourself. I have been reading one chapter at a time and find the book to have a calming effect on me during these chaotic times.
Maureen Creaser
Avid Dog Walker
THOUGHTFUL, WELL RESEARCHED, VERY APPROPRIATE FOR THE TIMES. In her debut book, Cultivate Compassion, Maria James-Shier meaningfully articulates the importance of compassion towards oneself and others, for maintaining a healthy mind and body.
In these turbulent times, this work is extremely relevant for essential workers and professional caregivers. It will also resonate deeply with those whose role as a personal caregiver has been turned on its head, in our constantly changing environment.
Now, more than ever, it is vital to develop self-care practices, in order to be resilient and remain mentally and physically well enough to show compassion toward others.
With inspirational quotes from thought leaders in the field of self-compassion and meaningful accompanying pictures, James-Shier offers practical steps to developing and maintaining compassion for yourself and others.
In a very organized fashion, Cultivate Compassion offers a wealth of information and once read, will be kept close by, as a handy reference.
Beth Brown
MBA, Volunteer
INSPIRING BOOK, I really enjoyed it! 2020 has been a very challenging year, so it is refreshing to read a positive, inspiring book to help us all become more compassionate towards others and ourselves. The world needs more kindness and understanding of one another's needs, whether it be your neighbour, friend, family or a total stranger. We can all learn from this book and become better people. Well written and beautifully illustrated. It is a really good read.
Sandra
Legal Assistant
BEAUTIFUL IMAGES AND MESSAGES OF GRATITUDE AND WELLNESS. This book gives us permission to consider how to be kinder to ourselves, practice self care and explore resilience. Framed within the author's background as an RN in a busy ER, this book encourages reflection and takes on a guided imagery journey, to explore how we, as caring professionals, can care for ourselves. In the midst of COVID 19 this message becomes more critical than ever.
Registered Nurse
USA
INSPIRING. The quotes and photos so enhance the writing and draws one into the book when you pick it up. I am always encouraged to revisit books on my bookshelf when they contain quotes. I would like to suggest this book be introduced to PSWs during initial or refresher training to facilitate discussion. Both patients and the caregivers need kindness and compassion.
Susan
Retiree
WELL RESEARCHED, A GREAT GUIDE TO SELF KINDNESS. This book has me thinking of how I can apply its principles to my everyday life. Truly helpful during these difficult challenging times. I wish it had been available when I was caring for my elderly parents and terminally ill brother.
Kathy
Chief Experience Officer
THOUGHT PROVOKING AND HELPFUL. As a fellow Nurse, I so appreciated the wonderful collection of wisdom and advice that you garnered from so many sources and combined them with such beautiful pictures. A thought provoking and helpful book for all. Much needed in such a broken world.
Maureen Munro
Retired, Nursing
PERFECT TIMING! This book is amazingly written and the illustrations add to the inspirational messages. This is a book of daily reminders. There is a message or lesson on every single page. Pick a chapter and put your daily readings into practice. It will do wonders for yourself and others as you interact throughout the day. I would also like to highlight that this book is not exclusive to caregiving roles, regardless of professional backgrounds, WE can all appreciate the insights.
AJ
Provincial Trainer - Criminal-Civil, MAG
I received the book 'Cultivate Compassion' as a New Year's present. This was the right book for what we are all going through at the moment. Kindness, joy and gratitude are just three of the subjects mentioned in the book, with many other factors of human emotions discussed. I think this book would be a great asset to our church library. I would certainly recommend it.
Valerie E. Carmichael
Retiree
Thoroughly enjoyed and am recommending this beautiful coffee table book. Maria is one of the most amazing nurses I have worked with and has always been an upstander.
Cyndi Balram
RN, Scarborough ON
