What Does Chewy Read? (Chewjitsu Books Part 1)

If you’ve been watching me for any length of time. Then you know I’m constantly reading something. And one of the questions I get. . . probably about as often as I receive message regarding a BJJ technique is “What books do you read?”

I plan to do a video and go through some of the books in my library to share them with you guys. But I figured I’d share at least a couple of my favorites with you today. I’ve included links to them in the very bottom. (Head’s up, the links are Amazon affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra but helps support the website and Youtube channel. So if you get the books and use the links below, I appreciate it!)

BOOK #1: Hero with a Thousand Faces

Back in my early 20s I was on this mythology kick. I had been downloading lectures about Greek and Roman mythology almost daily. I think the mythology kick was fueled by the interest I’ve had for ancient Greece and Rome.

And while digging into the history you find a constant prevalence of the myths of their time shaping their decisions. At least at certain periods.

Eventually I came across this book by an author I’d never heard of. But I bought it as it had a lot of positive feedback and recommendations.

I loved the book! It was amazing. It was a kind of bridge between the myths used throughout history and their actual importance and symbolic meaning.

The stories of old religions which seem dead, antiquated or at the very least misused by powerful men came alive with new meaning. It was almost a decoding process that happened.

Myself, a former baptist, who felt a bit put off by organized church and religion due to circumstances that occurred as a teenager, could now go back and read through religious texts and find useful information. Not in its historical accuracy, factual existence but in the symbolic meaning to what they were leaving to us.

There’s a reason why so many religions share the same basic truths or use the same basic myths. And when you look at myths and old religious stories this way, they take on a far more resourceful place in your life.

BOOK #2: Reflections on the Art of Living : A Joseph Campbell Companion

The 2nd book I wanted to share is another Joseph Campbell based book. (I figured I would keep things congruent for the post)

Theres a fun story about how I found this one.

One day on a beautiful early summer day I went to get a haircut. The barbershop was packed that day and I had a 2 hour wait! Luckily the barbershop is located on a fun part of town. Restaurants, businesses, all that stuff.

I turned my phone off into airplane mode and decided to have a nice 2 hour break to myself.

After having lunch I picked up a coffee. And right next to the coffeeshop is a local bookstore. So I decided to go in for  stroll.

I love bookstores. Especially the small ones! That paper smell that comes from the books. Every ounce of space has been maximized to fit as much as possible in the rather cramped environment.

I went to the history section and then to philosophy, which is often my habit. And there I pulled this simple look yellow and maroon book out. I’ve purchased most of Joseph Campbells work and so I was surprised to see something new!

The 1st pages open up with fantastic little quotes and excerpts and I ended up reading through about 20 pages before I decided to purchase it.

When I came to the checkout, the man behind the counter was a Campbell fan as well and we must have talked for a half an hour or so on myth, philosophy, etc.

I’ve since read the book either in whole or in parts countless times. This random little book became one of my favorites.

It’s Easy to Read

This one is probably one of my absolute favorite books. It was put together by Diane K. Osbon who studied with Joseph Campbell during a set of lectures at the Esalen Institute.

The book is a mixture of excerpts from his lectures blended together with relevant pieces from his past writings.

What I enjoy about this book the most is that is contains the qualities of a Meditations, Tao Te Ching or Emerson’s work. Where, even if I’m pressed for time, I can sit down and just open the book to whatever page I land on, and can take away some useful digestible information.

Like in the Tao or in Self-Reliance. I can just open the book to a random page and get a beautiful thought or idea to chew on for a few minutes or the rest of the day.

This book is very much that way. It’s very accessible and easy to enjoy. Which sometimes Campbells work can be a bit out there and you have to kind of be ready to read it.

Hero with a Thousand Faces

Reflections on the Art of Living

I hope you enjoy the books!

-Chewy