The beauty of Six Degrees of Separation is that everyone begins with a single story and then follows their own spool of threads—winding, looping, sometimes criss-crossing—until a vibrant tapestry of unexpected and amazing reads emerges. This month, my thread begins and ends with Theory & Practice, weaving its way through stories of displacement, resilience, firsts, habits, and the thoughtful spaces in between.

And before I get to the six degrees, as per usual, I got distracted along the way thinking about theory and practice and habit-forming. Given I wrote down some reset goals in Thursday’s post, I decided to see what will take me from the theory of that goal to practicing it as habit.

Taking a Goal from Theory to Practice

1. Make Peace with Progress Over Perfection

Theory: Embrace progress as the real goal rather than chasing an impossible perfection.

Practice:

• Set small, achievable goals: Break big tasks into bite-sized steps so you can celebrate wins frequently.
• Allow yourself to make mistakes: Treat errors as learning opportunities, not failures.
• Track your progress: Keep a journal, checklist, or app to notice how far you’ve come.
• Practice self-compassion: When you feel stuck or frustrated, remind yourself that growth takes time.
• Focus on action, not outcome: Prioritize showing up and doing the work rather than obsessing over flawless results.

2. Be Fully Present for Small, Unrepeatable Moments

Theory: Life is made of tiny, fleeting moments that matter deeply — being fully present lets you truly experience them.

Practice:

• Pause regularly: Take short intentional breaks during your day to check in with your senses — what do you see, hear, feel?
• Put away distractions: When with loved ones or doing something meaningful, silence your phone and give your full attention.
• Practice mindful breathing: Use a few deep breaths to center yourself before engaging in any moment.
• Journal your experiences: Write about small moments you appreciated each day to deepen your awareness and gratitude.
• Use reminders: Set gentle alerts or visual cues in your environment to remind you to slow down and be present.

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Full Circle: From Theory to Practice and Back Again

Theory & Practice —> The Boat People —> Bamboo People —> A Long Walk to Water—> When Stars are Scattered —> A First Time for Everything —> The Habit of Being —> Theory & Practice

Theory & Practice —> The Boat People

The Link: Sri Lanka

As always, I am yet to read the starter book of this month’s SixDegrees, Michelle de Kretser’s Theory & Practice. It offers a layered exploration of life’s complexities and reflections, with the protagonist from Sri Lanka. This takes us to The Boat People by Sharon Bala, also about Sri Lankan protagonists, telling the poignant story of asylum seekers from that region. Both books weave personal and political histories, connecting place and identity.

The Boat People —> Bamboo People

The Link: “people” and refugees

From The Boat People to Bamboo People by Mitali Perkins. Aside from the shared word in the title, there is also a connection in the shared focus on displaced communities. Both highlight the resilience and struggles of refugees caught in the high tides of conflict and survival. I talked about Bamboo People in an earlier post this year. I did get started on it in June, but family commitments took me away from it. Now I need to get back to it.

Bamboo People —> A Long Walk to Water

The Link: refugees and two central characters

In Bamboo People, two young protagonists face harsh realities, mirroring A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park, where two central characters’ stories of endurance and hope unfold side by side. Both novels are sure to tug at heart-strings while giving you hope for resilience and humanity. I read this one a while ago, and like with other books from the author, I loved this one.

A Long Walk to Water —> When Stars Are Scattered

The Link: refugees and two central characters

Continuing with When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed. This is one of my favorite recent reads, and definitely among my top favorite graphic novels. With this link, I continue the theme of refugee life. Also, it centers on two characters navigating hardship and hope.

When Stars Are Scattered —> A First Time for Everything

The Link: graphic novel memoir

Transitioning from one graphic novel memoir to another – Dan Santat’s – for young readers (9 – 12 years, and up). A First Time for Everything is about exploration and new experiences. Both books in this pairing embrace the power of illustrated storytelling to reveal personal journeys.

A First Time for Everything —> The Habit of Being

The Link: word play on titles — “first time” and “habit”, and kind of memoir-ish

From trying something new for the first time to settling into The Habit of Being. This one is a collection of Flannery O’Connor’s reflective letters edited by Sally Fitzgerald. I thought to shift away from the refugee theme of earlier pairings, and instead take myself from beginnings to patterns, or habits, that make us who we are.

Regarding O’ Connor, I have read a couple of her short stories ages ago. What I recall now is the staying power of her words and stories. I started reading The Habit only this week. I landed upon this book after starting and breaking many other bridging books. Finally, deciding to use the words/meanings as my link lead me here. Before I go down another rabbit hole, let me say, I am enjoying the read!

The Habit of Being —> Theory & Practice

The Link: continuing the word play — “habit” and “practice” to close the circle

Closing the circle with Michelle de Kretser’s Theory & Practice, this link plays on the connection between habit and practice.

And Now, the End of This Post

Dear reader, which of these books featured/listed here have you read/will you pick to read first? Any other suggestions for books about theory & practice? Which books would I find on your six degrees starting with Theory & Practice?