Most companies lack a soul. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t find your own soul or add some to your job. I felt vacant much of the time while I was selling ad space (heck, I wasn’t saving the world or working towards world peace), and I craved a deeper connection to myself. Probably because I was serving myself up all the time. I needed to go "within" so I could endure what was going on outside. I wanted to find some peace. Reading helped. But finding groups outside of the norm helped calm and excite me. I tried all kinds of things from bodywork and breathwork to dance movement and self hypnosis before bed. Don’t knock them till you try some. I will keep posting business and well-being stuff because they aren’t mutually exclusive. I believe you must do all of it.

Jennifer Louden -- Jennifer wrote the Women’s Comfort Book at least a decade ago. She had an Excel-like spreadsheet of things to do depending on the mood or situation. When I had little comfort in my life and no idea about self-care she gave me simple ways to be nice to myself. Our paths crossed at a creative collaborative in Big Sur several years ago and she is still at it. Her sites are robust as are her video blogs and more.

Hayhouse -- What can you say about the Grandma of spiritual consciousness books? Louise Hay is in a class by herself. I read Heal Your Body back in the 80’s and still refer to it when my back acts up or I have a rash or worse. She’s a genius and publishes books the NY publishing world wouldn’t touch. She’s been on the cutting edge of body and mind healing for decades. Her corral of authors is amazing.

Camille Maurine -- I was given Camille’s book Meditation Secrets for Women by a friend. Since I have an active mind and body, the idea of sitting still seemed too much for me. Camille explains many kinds of ways to meditate. If there isn’t one that works for you in this book I’d be shocked. She offers fun classes in Santa Monica, California and is a gift to women.

A Course in Miracles -- Who couldn’t use some? Though I’ve only attended a handful of classes over the years, I ’ve found many friends who enjoy working something like this. The "synchronicities begin to appear non-stop," says one of my buddies.

Sounds True -- These folks offer the best selection of guided meditation CD’s ever. When I was a novice and couldn’t turn off my brain I’d pop one of these puppies in and get to sleep. No more ruminating. They are the pu pu platter of new age music and such.

I hate having to go to an aerobic class at a gym. There has to be more fun things to do to let off steam, lose weight, build muscle and stay young.

Remo -- These folks manufacture drums. If you’ve never played an instrument ( I didn’t), you can enjoy a drum circle. They hold them weekly in Los Angeles and list instructors in other areas. Not only is this a good work out for your arms but it’s an hour of uninhibited joy and craziness. I feel the same way I do after a yoga class––centered and clear and smiling. Can’t beat it. No pun intended.

• Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman
• Full Catastrophe Living by Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D.
• Rules for Renegades by Christine Comaford Lynch
• Free Agent Nation by Daniel Pink
• The Ecology of Commerce by Paul Hawken