I've been influenced by so many great books. I think the first one that gave me a sense of the possibilities is The Celestine Prophecy. The idea that energy is the basic component of any living thing and the changes you can make when you change your energy is something that has stayed with me.
The year I split from my husband I went away with a friend during Christmas week. It was odd not to be with family for the holiday, but liberating and fortifying as well. Sometimes you need a change of scenery to hasten the healing.
Being grateful has really helped me in my life. When I pray silently in my head I often change the "please give me" thoughts to "thank you for" and it's really helped me to see how much better life can be if you enjoy what you have in the here and now.
I think I could contemplate the petals of certain flowers for some period of time ... with the raisins I'm afraid I'd be tempted to eat them.