Recommended Reading
I am a ravenous and unapologetic devourer of self-help books.
The genre is often greeted with skepticism and eye-rolls. That is a shame, because I can attest from personal experience that many of its contents are profoundly life-changing.
Here are a few that have been the most pivotal for me:
- When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chodron. This book entered my life at my most profound low. It’s a compelling and blunt exhortation to sit with hard and painful feelings, instead of running away from or trying to numb them. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it will set you free. I keep multiple copies on hand and am constantly giving it to friends going through crisis or transition.
- Radical Compassion by Tara Brach. The RAIN framework she shares for navigating tough emotions is something I use on myself and teach to my clients regularly. It’s deceptively simple but incredibly powerful.
- When The Body Says No by Gabor Mate. This book brilliantly explains how repressed emotions and stress manifest in physical symptoms and how to begin unwinding those patterns. It gave me permission to stop beating myself up for being exhausted and sick all the time, and embrace the absolute necessity of rest and boundaries.
- Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed. This is an incredibly moving set of essays that illustrate the tenderness, beauty, wisdom, and hope that can come from facing profoundly difficult circumstances with honesty and courage.
- Awakened Relating by Lynn Marie Lumiere. On its surface this is a book about romantic relationships, but ultimately its power is in guiding you into relationship with the worthy and lovable essence already within yourself. This book got me to a place of self love that no other teacher or technique ever did.
- A Clear and Simple Prayer by George Bertelstein. His incredibly straightforward, accessible, inclusive philosophy for emotional maturity is both powerful and poetic. I try to re-read a random passage from this every night before bed, to help center and refocus myself.
- The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. This book is full of lightweight yet profound exercises and writing prompts to nurture creativity as a spiritual practice and avenue for fulfillment – even if you don’t consider yourself to be “artistic.” It was a deeply healing and uplifting experience for me and has helped me embrace more spontaneity and play in my life.
There are many more, but these are the ones I most frequently find myself returning to. I count them as cherished friends who dramatically altered the course of my life.
What’s on your list?
