A big part of my wellness journey has been the various books on spirituality and mindfulness. If you're looking for something that will give you a fresh perspective, open your mind (and heart!), and provide easy practices to make changes in your life, start reading one of the six books below that had a significant impact on my life.
1. The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself - Michael Singer
This #1 New York Times Bestseller is one of the more easily digestible spiritual books out there. It's a great introduction to our relationship with our thoughts and emotions, and offers ways to help us live in the present moment and let go of negative feelings. No matter what stage of your spiritual journey you're on, this book acts as a great teacher and reminder of what we can do to break free from limiting patterns.
2. Power of Now - Eckhart Tolle
Since this book was published in 2001, Eckhart Tolle has become one of the most well-known spiritual authors in the world. He's been interviewed by and worked with Oprah Winfrey numerous times, thanks to his profound personal account of the spiritual transformation he endured. This was the first book I read on this subject matter and it radically shifted my beliefs and opened my eyes to a new way of being.
3. Letting Go: The Pathway of Surrender - David R. Hawkins
Letting Go has been the most transformational and healing book I've ever read -- so much so that I've read it cover to cover at least four times. After employing the advice Hawkins lays out in the book, I've experienced what it truly means to let go, and it has become my mantra and way of life. This is the most experiential and practical of the author's many books around healing and enlightenment.
4. Loving What Is - Byron Katie
The title says it all… this book is about learning to love things as they are. Byron Katie created a process known as “The Work,” which is a step-by-step guide utilizing four questions to change our beliefs around certain problems and free us from unnecessary suffering. There are some great nuggets of wisdom in the book, and “The Work” is something I’ve returned to several times when I feel stuck on a particular issue.
5. The Courage to be Disliked - Fumitake Koga and Ichiro Kishimi
Here's the book summary: Using the theories of psychologist Alfred Adler, this book follows a dialogue between a philosopher and a young man about how to break free from the expectations of others and forge our own path. The student acts as the reader, asking the questions that naturally come up to the often-belief-challenging concepts.
6. The Wisdom of Sundays - Oprah Winfrey
Oprah has a way with words, packaging spiritual ideas in a beautiful, graceful manner that mirrors how she acts in the world. This book contains insights and personal anecdotes inspired by her popular Super Soul Sunday television show with various spiritual leaders like Maya Angelou and Thich Nhat Hahn. Oprah has interviewed people from all walks of life and compiled the best advice for living a mindful, connected, and loving life.