“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counsellors, and the most patient of teachers. ~ Charles William Eliot
A word on books…
I’m a book person but you might not be. Use this list as a guide to find ideas that stretch you in new ways. Maybe find the audio book versions or listen to podcast interviews with these authors. Resources are everywhere. Google stuff. Take all kinds of classes. Provide space for creative yearnings, laugh a lot, find teachers and friends you click with. Hang out with people who think the way you do and with others who think very differently. When you take into account all of the possible resources you could access this is a teensy little list.
Nevertheless, I think these books are life-changing when they find you at the right time:
- “The Untethered Soul,” by Micheal A. Singer (A book I can’t say enough about. Read it, read it, read it.)
- “A New Earth,” by Eckhart Tolle (I bought this when it first came out because I had really enjoyed his previous book, The Power of Now. The thing is I could never get into this one until I listened to a podcast interviewing him about the book and then, taa-daa…like magic, I was eagerly reading and re-reading this book.)
- “True Love,” Thich Nhat Hanh (This is a small little book you can read in entirety while taking a bath and yet it provides volumes worth to practice true love in your life.)
- “Planting Seeds: practicing mindfulness with children,” Thich Nhat Hanh and the Plum Village Community
- “The Yamas and Niyamas: Exploring Yoga’s Ethical Practice,” Deborah Adele (A very practical and accessible book filled with thoughtful and real practices that make skillful living from moment to moment seem possible.)
- “The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are,” Brené Brown
- “Eastern Body, Western Mind: Psychology and the Chakra System as a Path to the Self,” Anodea Judith
- “The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success: A Practical Guide to the Fulfillment of Your Dreams,” Deepak Chopra
- “The Four Desires: Creating a Life of Purpose, Happiness, Prosperity and Freedom,” Rod Stryker (upload the guided meditation CD by the same name)
- “Letters to a Young Poet,” Rainer Maria Rilke
- “The Alchemist,” Paulo Coelho (this is fiction you can apply to how you live your life…and you can read it again and again and find something new)
- “Writing Down the Bones,” Natalie Goldberg (the author uses her writing practice as meditation – amazing book)
- “The Artist’s Way,” Julia Cameron (the process this book takes you on if you are willing to commit is well worth the time investment)
- Any poetry by Mary Oliver (when inspiration to be present is required she is my prescription)
- “Just Breathe: Mastering Breathwork,” by Dan Brulé is an incredible resource. It is literally packed with wisdom and in the last section there is a 21-Day Breath Mastery Challenge that will help you realize that breathwork is a vital part of your approach to wellness.