About the Book
Let go of the Shore, and let the water carry you.
Let go of the shore, float into the mystery...
You have all you need, it's all inside of you.
Close your eyes and breathe, and know that you are safe.
No need to make a plan, your heart will be your compass.
Just lift your sails in faith and trust that you will arrive.
(Lyrics from Karen Drucker’s song, “Let Go of the Shore”)
Struggling musician, wedding singer, musical comedienne, garage organizer, lemonade-stand entrepreneur, and competitive swimmer-- Karen Drucker has done all of these things and more, in her indomitable urge to grow and evolve.
Often funny, always honest and real, the stories she shares in Let Go of the Shore reveal how she leaves behind fears and limits to emerge as a writer, workshop leader, recording artist, and speaker--a free spirit who lives life to the fullest and inspires us to do so as well.
"This is my path. It is a constant process of surrendering to what is, what is next, who I am, what is emerging, what needs to be released. It's about letting go of the safety of the shore and what I have known, while floating into the mystery that is this amazing life."
In thirty-six stories and songs based on her life experiences from swimming the English Channel to showing off her best Tarzan call on national TV, Karen Drucker helps us to step boldly into the beckoning waters of our own freedom and growth.
Table of Contents:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Thank You | i
Special Acknowledgements | iv
Introduction | v
Foreword: Authoring Your Own Best of Life
by Joan Borysenko, PhD | vii
Part One: I Can Do It
Chapter 1: I Can Do It | 3
Chapter 2: Just Do It | 8
Chapter 3: We Are the Ones That We’ve Been Waiting For | 15
Chapter 4: Prosperity | 19
Chapter 5: I’ve Got the Power | 25
Chapter 6: The Call of Something More | 30
Chapter 7: This or Something Better | 39
Chapter 8: Taming My Inner Critic | 45
Chapter 9: I Don’t Have to Be Perfect | 50
Chapter 10: One Small Step | 57
Chapter 11: I Lost the Right to Sing the Blues | 61
Chapter 12: Relax, Let Go | 67
Chapter 13: I Allow, I Surrender | 71
Chapter 14: The Face of God | 76
Chapter 15: No Is My New Yes | 80
Chapter 16: We Are All Angels | 85
Part Two: What Does Your Heart Have to Say?
Chapter 17: Calling All Angels | 91
Chapter 18: Listen to the Children: What Does Your Heart Have to Say? | 96
Chapter 19: The Christmas Present | 101
Chapter 20: My Religion Is Kindness | 105
Chapter 21: You Are My Family | 109
Chapter 22: You Are Loved | 116
Chapter 23: Breathe | 12
Chapter 24: Gentle with Myself | 124
Chapter 25: In Beauty May I Walk | 128
Chapter 26: Lighten Up | 132
Chapter 27: Let Go of the Shore | 137
Part Three: Let It Shine
Chapter 28: What Would Love Do? | 144
Chapter 29: I Am Healed | 150
Chapter 30: Feel It | 155
Chapter 31: Three Little Words | 160
Chapter 32: Permission to Play | 164
Chapter 33: Life Goes On | 168
Chapter 34: On My Way | 172
Chapter 35: Let It Shine | 177
Chapter 36: There’s Enough | 185
About the Author | 189
Discography | 191
Index of Songs | 192
About the Illustrator | 193
About the Author :
Karen’s message is all about healing and love – whether singing one of her positive message songs or sharing stories that are funny, inspiring, and heart-opening. She is a keynote speaker, women’s retreat facilitator, and entertainer who has recorded 20 CDs of her inspirational music. Her chants and songs are used around the world and often help people deal with illness and loss, or help them fill the need to feel more centered for the day.
She has been blessed to work with such inspirational authors as Joan Borysenko, Mary Manin Morrissey, Oriah Mountain Dreamer, Alan Cohen, and SARK. She has received an honorary doctorate from the United Centers for Spiritual Living. Karen resides with her husband and two adorable cats in Northern California.
Karen’s intention is to make a difference by using her music to open hearts and share a message of hope, acceptance, and love.
Visit her website karendrucker.com Dr. Joan Borysenko is a distinguished pioneer in integrative medicine and is a world-renowned expert in the mind/body connection. Her work has been foundational in an international health-care revolution that recognizes the role of meaning, and the spiritual dimensions of life, as an integral part of health and healing. Eloquent and inspiring in settings that range from hospitals to hospices, from theaters to conference venues, and from boardrooms to houses of worship, she is a credible bridge between faith and reason. Her brilliance, humor, and authenticity—in combination with the latest research—make her a compelling and inspiring speaker and writer.In the early 1980’s Dr. Borysenko co-founded a Mind/Body clinic with Dr. Benson and Dr. Ilan Kutz, became licensed as a psychologist, and was appointed instructor in medicine at the Harvard Medical School. Her years of clinical experience and research culminated in the 1987 publication of the New York Times best seller, Minding the Body, Mending the Mind, which sold over 400,000 copies. A 20th newly revised anniversary edition was published in 2007. Author or co-author of 16 other books and numerous audio and video programs, including the Public Television special Inner Peace for Busy People, she is the Founding Partner of Mind/Body Health Sciences, LLC located in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Dr. Borysenko’s warmth and credibility- plus her lively sense of humor- create a compelling presence. One of the most frequent comments from people at her programs is that her teaching is a transmission- a living experience- that transforms their lives. One of the most popular and sought-after speakers in the field of health, healing, and spirituality, Joan’s engaging and well-researched presentations are perfect both for professionals and for the general public.
Review :
"For years I have loved Karen Drucker’s music, spirit, heart, talent, humor, wisdom, authenticity, and service. Now I love her book. In Let Go of the Shore, Karen will touch you with her stories, tickle you with her humor, move you with her wisdom, and make you feel like she’s your best friend. How lucky can you get?" — ALAN COHEN, author of A Deep Breath of Life
"Karen Drucker is a musical genius and her marvelous book expands that genius into writing that is uplifting, touching and profound. How absolutely deluxe to have this book!" — SARK, artist, author of Succulent Wild Woman
"Through stories and songs where she reveals her foibles and flaws as well as her passionate embrace of life, Karen Drucker inspires us not just to accept ourselves as we are, but to squeeze every drop of joy from our days. And did I mention she’s funny? A must-read for anyone who ever considered themselves odd or different—and that’s all of us." — M.J. RYAN, author of Attitudes of Gratitude
"Karen Drucker’s stories, like her music, are full of deep-hearted wisdom, gentle but ruthless honesty, and uplifting humour. She teaches us how to keep our hearts open and how to make a difference in the world without taking ourselves too seriously. If you want to embrace your humanness and open yourself to the kind of truths we need to hear each day read Let Go of the Shore. These are stories to savour and return to again and again." — ORIAH MOUNTAIN DREAMER, author of The Invitation
"In all my travels to the leading new paradigm healing conferences of the last 20 years, no one has inspired me like Karen Drucker... Karen is a musical and spiritual genius."
— CANDACE PERT, PHD, author of Everything You Need to Know to Feel Go(o)d.
