Becoming a Stillness Ninja - by Alice Iona MacKinnon (Hardcover)

About the Book

Rising out of disaster, "Becoming a Stillness Ninja: Reflections on Resilience, Recovery and Love" is a deeply personal series of stories, poems and photographs about becoming the person, author Alice MacKinnon, always wanted to be.

Book Synopsis

In the first week of spring 2019, the ground beneath the feet of writer, surfer and teacher Alice MacKinnon, disintegrated. Hell descended upon her home and neighbourhood in the form of the worst recorded bushfire in Queensland's history. As she scrambled to regain a foothold on her life, it shifted again and again, leaving her reeling for three years.

In amongst those years of groundlessness, free-falling and endings, Alice chose to begin again and become someone entirely new. She has a new name, a new wife, a new home, a new community, and a new mindset and skillset.

She applied herself to transformation out of collapse like a martial artist. She practised inner stillness like a ninja to harness her mind and cultivate peace so she could more skilfully ride the waves of life with alignment and grace.

"Becoming a Stillness Ninja: Reflections on Resilience, Recovery and Love" is Alice's story about becoming the person she always had the potential to be - more loving, wholehearted, joyful, kind, patient and true to herself.

This is a book of deeply personal reflections in the form of stories, poems and photographs, beautifully presented by designer Ingrid Schroder. It is Alice's intention and great hope that this book reaches out and helps give your own life a feeling of substance, meaning, purpose and coherence.

"Becoming a Stillness Ninja: Reflections on Resilience, Recovery and Love" is a sister book to "Surfing as a Dance: How one woman found grace in and out of the water" which was published in 2018 when Alice was named Sally.

Review Quotes

"Alice's writing has the crisp, clear, peal of truth, wisdom and beauty that resonates like a bell. In 'Becoming a Stillness Ninja', Alice channels a lifetime's Zen practice, surfing, struggle, tragedy, triumph and breakthrough into a raw, honest memoir, in poetry and prose, that dares you to meet your higher self." Tim Baker, author of "Patting the Shark"

"Within the pages of this remarkable book the reader is immersed in a heartfelt and heroic account of a life that has endured tremendous challenges, awakenings, love, forgiveness and inner peace. Alice's raw storytelling unveils the depth of struggle and haunting traumas that have been confronted. Yet, amid the darkness a beacon of hope emerges - testament to the power of inner strength, mindfulness and the transformative potential of meditation through surfing. The narrative delicately weaves together the waves of the ocean with the waves of life, revealing how the act of riding upon the water's surface becomes a metaphor for rising above adversity." Natty Gee, Emergency Services Worker

"Reading this book I found solace in Alice's profound understanding of resilience, the unwavering determination to overcome obstacles, and the courage to rise above adversity. To the resilient souls who have weathered storms - finding strength amongst the chaos, and emerging with hearts still beating, this book is for you. To those who have embarked on the arduous road of recovery - confronting your demons one step at a time and drawing on reserves of courage you never knew you possessed, this book through Alice's journey honours your victories. This book celebrates the importance of truth and creativity in our lives. It encourages us to challenge the status quo, embrace our authentic selves and explore the vast edges of our imagination. It is a profound testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the power of feeling heard, and the limitless potential we possess for personal growth and transformation. This is a captivating and deeply moving read that will resonate with anyone on a quest for truth, healing and self-discovery. I wholeheartedly recommend it to all who seek inspiration, empowerment and a renewed sense of purpose in their lives." Scotia Monkivitch, Creative Recovery Network