Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve loved telling stories since I was a kid, and even majored in creative writing (as well as communication theory) at the University of Puget Sound. But then for years I chose a different path, working in the tourism industry in Denali National Park and for a cruise company.
Eventually I made another change and became a massage therapist. I noticed a recurring theme when working with massage clients. They wanted physical relief, but much of their soft tissue discomfort was caused by stress. I knew from decades of personal experience that meditation could be helpful for reducing stress and a busy mind. I decided I wanted to share my knowledge with people, offering them tools and techniques which empower them to help themselves.
My meditation background is largely Taoist and compassion focused. But I also wanted to learn about how to structure meditation courses, so I enrolled in the teacher training program for Stanford University’s 8-week Compassion Cultivation Training. After completing the course, I blended their structure with philosophy from my long-time Taoist teachers and developed a curriculum called Cultivating Compassionate Balance.
This book is a spin-off from that course. Many of the idea presented in Cultivating Compassion are explored more deeply in the course, but I wanted everyone to have access to these concepts and ideas.
When not teaching, writing, massaging, I love to hike, travel, read, do jigsaw puzzles and goof off with my wonderful Labrador Lily and husband Scott.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My current book is Cultivating Compassion: Simple Everyday Practices for Discovering Peace of Mind and Resilience. Though this book suggests ideas for developing a compassion meditation practice, it is far from what one might imagine a book on meditation might entail. This book is for readers who are looking for simple, practical, everyday suggestions on how to calm the mind, and become comfortable in their own skin. It is set up with 66 daily chapters (66 being the average number of days current research suggests for developing new habits) each of which contain an inspirational idea, self-reflection questions, and suggestions for daily action. Each chapter builds carefully on the last, and yet can be enjoyed individually.
So, what inspired me to write this? It stems from the desire to help people thrive in their lives. All of us face difficulties and distress at one point or another. Sometimes it becomes easy to give up and not remember to see the positive things in life. Sometimes we just want to shove challenging moments under the rug. But, in doing so sometimes those challenges fester. This book invites people to take a look at some of the challenging aspect of life and offers suggestions for how to do so with comfort and grace.
Ultimately I just wanted to share some of the ideas I’ve learned through decades of meditation retreats in order to help other people thrive.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I really like my environment to be quiet and filled with natural light. It’s even better when Lily is snoozing on the rug next to me.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love most works by a variety of spiritual authors, though none in particular have influenced this book.
What are you working on now?
I’m thinking about new ideas for more in-depth books on compassion meditation. For example: Compassion Practices for Parents, or Compassionate Leadership.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve found Self-Publishing School to be an incredible resource for both writing and promoting this book. I don’t think it would have come together without the support of that program and the incredibly helpful and kind forum that goes with it.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t over think it. Just do it. Write from your heart, and have faith it will all work out. Be patient with yourself, especially during the self-editing process.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Done is better than perfect. =)
What are you reading now?
I haven’t started it as I’ve been busy launching this book. But when I have a moment I think I’ll reread No Picnic on Mt Kenya. I love the story, I love the writing, and it is a fabulous distraction from current everyday life.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Though it isn’t in book format, it still takes a bit of writing… My next step is developing an online self study course based on the ideas shared in Cultivating Compassion.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
No Picnic on Mt Kenya, Comfortable with Uncertainty, West With the Night, Out of Africa
Author Websites and Profiles
Amy Pattee Colvin Website
Amy Pattee Colvin Amazon Profile
Amy Pattee Colvin’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Congratulations, Amy!