Hopelyn Gray’s collection of meditative and insightful sayings is a must-read for those struggling to find tranquility and hope.
These words come from our full review of Hopelyn Gray’s spiritual self-help book, Soulful Serenades for Calm and Clarity— perfectly capturing our professional opinion on this thoughtful, inspiring read. And in this current climate of stress and uncertainty, meditative reads such as this one are more essential than ever.
In this written interview, Gray outlines her personal journey to self-acceptance and inner peace, the role of faith in her daily life and the books that have inspired her own writing. So if you’re searching for a guide to finding calm and clarity in your own life, look no further!
Q: What inspired you to write Soulful Serenades for Calm and Clarity, and how did you choose the themes of inner peace, mindfulness, and self-discovery?
A: I was inspired to write soulful serenades for calm and clarity because of a horrific situation that happened involving one of my children. It brought about total disruption in my life: pain, confusion, disbelief, denial, shame, blame, as well as guilt. Dealing with it was very tough, so I had to change my thinking while coming to grips with what had happened. I had to tell myself that I did my best; my prayers became my daily word, the peace I needed to maintain clear thoughts of who I am to overcome the numerous setbacks as they came.
Q: The book emphasizes stillness and introspection in a chaotic world. How do you personally create moments of tranquility in your life, and how do you suggest readers do the same?
A: My profession as a cosmetologist and a cosmetology Instructor helps me to find peace when I am behind the chair cutting, or styling some one’s hair, or even demonstrating a service to students in training. It brings me peace, especially when I have use more of my creative mind. However, the topper of it all for me is prayer — having quiet moments just talking to God and allowing faith to run its course. So, I would advise everyone to try praying and have faith.
Q: Your reflections explore profound concepts like gratitude, self-love and resilience. Was there a particular personal experience that shaped your understanding of these themes?
A: Self-love, gratitude, and resilience came early in my life as a young girl. I view beauty as an outer appearance and show gratitude only if something materialistic happens. And resilience to stay alive, including complete school, to enable competency in means of survival for life.
I had a delusional mindset about self-love till about twenty years ago. I accepted that I was ugly and my sister was beautiful based on what was said each time a family member or friend would choose to compare us. I know now that it’s genuinely a perception of how one views something or someone, and all I have to do is perceive the same in a positive light and view myself as such, not just by looks but by what I do and say. I know now that gratitude is a must every day I am alive. It is a privilege. Resilience is standing tall and staying on the coast at any moralist cost necessary.
Q: What role do you think writing and creativity play in fostering inner calm and clarity, both for yourself and for others?
A: For me, writing plays a pivotal role in my life. It gives me the freedom and a sense as if I am screaming words on paper that are sometimes difficult to tell someone, and it helps to calm my anxiety, a substantial therapeutic mental clarity for me, and I believe it can do the same for others.
Q: If there is one takeaway you hope readers gain from your book, what would it be?
A: One takeaway: I hope readers gain the “COURAGE” never to stop loving themselves!
Q: In a world dominated by fast-paced living and digital distractions, what advice would you give to someone seeking to cultivate mindfulness and reconnect with their inner self?
A: Embrace your true self in a world filled with distraction and digital dominance; in all things, pray and meditate using words of upliftment and affirmation, and let GOD be the header of all they say and do.
Q: Are there any specific authors, poets, or spiritual practices that influenced the creation of this book and its gentle, melodic tone?
A: My greatest inspiration in writing this book was deep meditation with God, the book of Psalms — authors like Maya Angelou (Still I Rise), Richard Carlson (Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff), and Brian Tracy (Goals!).
Soulful Serenades for Calm and Clarity is available for purchase on Amazon and Bookshop.
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