Along the way, I began to understand that this is indeed the intent of the book, something meant to be browsed and re-read and pondered. So, I was skeptical about how this might translate into a coffee table book, something whose purpose I take to be slow browsing rather than reading.

That is, the concepts are simple to grasp, but challenging to engage-and put into practice. This is a departure from Brown’s previous books, which have been published in paperback and are simultaneously easy to read and challenging to digest. When I first held the book in hand, I felt skeptical about its coffee table book appearance and its heavy paper and text call outs. and to find a “universe where we can share the stories of our bravest and most heartbreaking moments with each other in a way that builds connection” (xxiii). The aim is to provide a way to talk about, to name, and to share emotions so that “we can learn more about the emotions and experiences that define what it means to be human – including the language that allows us to make sense of what we experience” (xxiii). Brown writes, “When we don’t have the language to talk about what we’re experiencing, our ability to make sense of what’s happening and share it with others is severely limited” (xxi).

The premise and goal of Brene Brown’s latest book, Atlas of the Heart, is to build a shared vocabulary in order to foster shared connection. The words we use to describe how we feel can be tricky and we may not always be able to know or communicate exactly what it is that we feel. In response, she told me she felt anxious, which meant a little bit nervous and a little bit excited. Collaborating with folks to help them feel more lovingly connected to themselves, and to each other, is Lura's passion (and coincidentally, Lura says, the way to transform our world)! Lura loves to be in relationship with people, animals, and nature.“Are you excited?” I asked my daughter as I drove her to the opening night of the local high school play. She believes that with support, we all have an innate capacity to shine our unique light.

Lura was a PSU Oregon Registry Master Trainer, received the COCC Diversity Education Program award in 2015, is Safe Zone certified, has extensive DEI training, and has offered numerous DEI community workshops and discussions.Currently, Lura has a small online private practice with plans to offer groups and retreats. Her favorite classes included How to Thrive, Critical Thinking, Families in Poverty, and Mindfulness & Resilience. Biography: Lura Reed is a clinical psychologist who taught at OSU-Cascades for many years.

Atlas of hearts