What are the best Inspirational or “Personal Growth” books you’ve read?
Daily | August 5th, 2008
Those gems of wisdom that have changed the way you looked at the world and inspired you to be your truest self…
Carrie says:1. The Astonishing Power of Emotions, by Esther Hicks
2. Getting the Love You Want, by Harville Hendrix
3. A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose, by Eckhart Tolle
Danielle says:1. Total Freedom: The Essential Krishnamurti, by J. Krishnamurti “Discipline is a tool that numbs the mind.” This spun me out into a deeper way of living.
2. Start Where You Are: A Guide To Compassionate Living, by Pema Chodron. This gave me every good reason to weave Buddhism into my faith collage.
3. The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom, A Toltec Wisdom Book, by Don Miguel Ruiz. So simple it could change the world.
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August 5th, 2008 at 12:21 am
I’m not that into ‘personal growth’ books, but two books that made me want to change how I live my life were A David Suzuki Collection, and Naomi Klein’s No Logo. These books made me think about how my lifestyle choices can impact the environment and other people.
August 5th, 2008 at 12:29 am
Loving Kindness – Sharon Salzburg
Marianna Williamson Books
The Four Agreements
August 5th, 2008 at 2:25 am
“Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close” by Jonathan Safron Foer
Not labeled a ‘personal growth book’, but for me the life lessons in the book are clear and poignant.
August 5th, 2008 at 3:05 am
I’m Ok You’re Ok by Wayne Dyer. I read it early in life, the book taught me about the beauty of living in the moment and more importantly that I could control my feelings – now that was an aha moment!
August 5th, 2008 at 3:16 am
This is a hard one for me. So many times I have read a book and I can’t move on. Even some fictional books have really touched my heart. But I would have to say Inside My Heart by Robin McGraw & The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. He was a wonderful person/husband/father. May he soar!!
August 5th, 2008 at 3:17 am
Soul Types by Sandra Krebs Hirsch and Janet A.G. Kise some really cool stuff on Myers Briggs and an appropriate Spiritual path based on your Myers Briggs type. If you have found Myers Briggs helpful don’t miss this book.
Anything by Don Richard Riso on the Enneagram. Understanding your Enneagram type names your dark side and where to go for specific spiritual/personal growth
I am so glad I had a good handle on these before I came upon Style Statement. They are like differing prisims of the diamond heart of True Self.
I would love to hear from anyone who connects their Style Statement to their enneagram type
.
August 5th, 2008 at 3:26 am
These aren’t exactly like others on here, but Christiane Northrup’s Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom changed my life. I also loved Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes. My shelves are now FULL of inspiration, but it was these that let me know that I could read the others, and that I could listen to myself and write my own stories.
August 5th, 2008 at 3:33 am
The Bible
The Gift of Change by Marianne Williamson
Staying on the Path by Dr. Wayne Dyer
A great quotation from Staying on the Path is this:
“A purpose isn’t something that you’re going to find. It’s something that will find you. And it will find you only when you’re ready and not before.”
August 5th, 2008 at 3:36 am
Top Three would have to be:
Skillful Means – Patterns for Success by Tarthang Tulka. I read this when I was 19 and managing a healthfood store …. It was like reading A New Earth, but 30 years ago.
Women Who Run With The Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes. Timing is everything…. I read this in 1996 when spending long hours supervising some rough and tumble guys on a huge project building wilderness hiking trails and a provincial park. This book was key to my survival kit. I was definately not travelling with my pack.
Nobody Nowhere by Donna Williams. This amazing book gave me insight and inspiration when I entered a new world of working with people with autism. I highly recommend it for everyone.
August 5th, 2008 at 3:39 am
Another great book about personality archetypes is “About Men and Women” by Noreen and Tad Guzie. I was fortunate enough to take a workshop with Noreen that combined their work and teaching calligraphy. Awesome.
August 5th, 2008 at 3:41 am
I used to be into personal growth books, I still have to many to count. I stopped reading them when I understood that growth is personal, and all those books where about persons who had found their own way and wanted to share that with the world. As I mentioned , growth is personal and unique, it differs from each person. I will grow in my own time and way. I also understand that I can`t fix my life in a go , as much as I would like to. Anxity, depression, sadness and anger are in life for a reason and we have to deal with that. No matter how many affirmations we do each day they won`t go away unless we react to them.I read personal growth books for inspiration now and then, and value my journey.
August 5th, 2008 at 4:07 am
Not exactly a personal growth book, but it got me started on this journey of living healthier, trying to eliminate plastics from my household/immediate environment, reusing items and making things myself instead of buying them and just living simpler like generations before us did: “The Complete Organic Pregnancy” by Deidre Dolan and Alexandra Zissu.
August 5th, 2008 at 4:13 am
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. I’ve worked through this book several times. Each time, my life has changed for the better.
Follow Your Own North Star by Martha Beck and Callings by Gregg Michael Levoy are both awesome books on life purpose. And Pema Chodron’s The Places that Scare You: a Guide to Fearlessness in Difficult times inspired me deeply.
August 5th, 2008 at 4:15 am
and I’m going to add Strengths Finder by Tim Rath. This book was profoundly helpful to me and has also inspired many of my clients greatly.
August 5th, 2008 at 4:15 am
Ack, typo. Tom Rath.
August 5th, 2008 at 5:09 am
I’ve only read one ‘personal growth’ book to date: The Artist’s Way. Really effective. I’m not completely where I want to be yet professionally but it has helped to bring back creativity into my daily living. I love being a CREATE-A-HOLIC.
August 5th, 2008 at 5:11 am
Women, Sex and Addiction by Charlotte Kasl
Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes
The New Earth by Eckhart Tolle
Enneagram: A Christian Perspective by Richard Rohl
These are some of the books that changed me. There are many others which have touched me and which I’ve learned from.
August 5th, 2008 at 5:13 am
Live What You Love by Bob and Melinda Blanchard.
This dynamic duo have been authors to many books, but this book in particular really struck a cord with me. The couple tells tales of their wildest dreams…and how they put them into action, no matter how far fetched. I find it incredibly motivating that they did not let anything get in the way and found a way to make their dreams a reality.
August 5th, 2008 at 5:13 am
I haven’t read Style Statement yet, though I’ve had the book for weeks.
I’m looking forward to seeing any links between my Enneagram type (I’m a Four) with my style statement.
August 5th, 2008 at 5:19 am
One of the most powerful books I’ve read so far is The Four Agreements. I agree with Danielle. It’s simplicity can revolutionize and change the world.
August 5th, 2008 at 5:36 am
‘Women who run with wolves’ is one that I read regularly. Love it.
August 5th, 2008 at 5:40 am
I’ve never heard of the Enneagram, it sounds interesting. Are Don Richard Riso’s books a good place to start?
August 5th, 2008 at 5:41 am
‘Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway’ by Susan Jeffers. An oldie but a goodie.
August 5th, 2008 at 5:49 am
Cool, looks like i have permission to list 3
1) “Awakening the Buddha Within” by Lama Surya Das.
A very accessible book about Buddhist principals
2) “The Power of Now” Eckhart Tolle
Crazy wise man offering such simple (albeit challenging) concepts
3) “Parenting From the Inside Out” by Daniel Siegel
Reminds me to look inward for understanding and balance that with my intuition when interfacing with my child (my mirror)
August 5th, 2008 at 5:51 am
Did you take the course along with reading the book? They have a group in my hometown and do a workshop 2x a year, i hear its transformational!
August 5th, 2008 at 5:55 am
I think I mentioned this book to Danielle during my style statement..Although “The Stone Angle” by Margaret Laurence is fiction, I share the lead character’s mantra of “simply rejoice”. I am working on living this out sooner than later.
Other books that have been inspirational are “Loving What Is” by Byron Katie and “Reclaiming Spirituality” by Diarmuid O’Murchu.
Thanks everyone for some wonderful books to enjoy on holiday
August 5th, 2008 at 5:57 am
I read the book only. The woman who recommended it to me is both a career counsellor and poet so I took her word for it. I found it very powerful reading my way through it independently so I imagine a workshop group would be even more inspiring.
August 5th, 2008 at 6:06 am
Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman’s Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia by Elizabeth Gilbert
It’s about one woman’s journey. I read it during my divorce. It was very inspirational and encouraged me to start my own journey of self-discovery.
What Happy People Know: How the Science of Happiness Can Change Your Life for the Better by Dan Baker and Cameron Stauth
Helped me to realize how consciously focusing on the good things is a simple way to raise your happiness level. I know that is a simple concept, but through the studies in this book it really made me BELIEVE that it was possible.
August 5th, 2008 at 6:22 am
“Happy for No Reason” by Marci Shimoff
“There’s a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem” by Wayne Dyer
“Creating Affluence” audio CD by Deepak Chopra
August 5th, 2008 at 6:32 am
1. The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom
2. The Mastery of Love, both by Don Miguel Ruiz
3. Style Statement: Live By Your Own Design by Carrie McCarthy & Danielle LaPorte
I grew up in a Christian household and was always taught to be wary of “New Age” teachings but the moment I opened Ruiz’s pages I felt a connection. Its teachings are simple yet profound, my soul agreed and my faith and life were changed. They are always on my coffee table. Along with those is Style Statement. I’ve had it for over five months now and even though I’ve filled out all the questions I can’t help but return to it again and again to be inspired. That’s what these books continually do, they inspire, they nourish, they remind me to not trouble myself with perfection but never give up on being excellent.
August 5th, 2008 at 6:55 am
I loved Women Who Run With The Wolves! It really inspired me at a time when I needed some food for thought.
August 5th, 2008 at 6:56 am
The Four Agreements is great, I agree but right now it seems to be Eckhart Tolle’s The New Earth…I tried to pick up “Now” about 4 years ago and put it down…wasn’t ready for it, but then a few months ago I picked this one and it was like he was talking to me. Funny how that goes isn’t it?
August 5th, 2008 at 7:00 am
Living a Literary Life by Carolyn See. If you’re a writer, it’s just the thing to make you happy!
August 5th, 2008 at 7:10 am
I’m not big into personal growth/inspirational books. I tend to find most good works of fiction very inspirational. However, I have read one book of this genre that I found SUPER: “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff…and it’s all small stuff” by Richard Carlson. There’s also another book I read called “Who Moved my Cheese?” (I can’t remember the author’s name) that I found incredibly inspiring. Both of them remind you to lighten up! Stop struggling so hard to make things perfect or a certain way. Go with the flow, and don’t be afraid to change directions when your plans don’t seem to be working out the way you first envisioned them.
August 5th, 2008 at 7:12 am
The Bartholomew series (I Come As A Brother, etc) and the Emmanuel series (A Manual For Living Comfortably In The Cosmos).
This is a series of channeled books that have changed my life.
I also like The Four Agreements very much, and often recommend it to clients.
August 5th, 2008 at 7:19 am
You Can Heal Your Body and You can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay
This is personal grow because it requires you to take a good hard look at what you believe, what you think, and whether or not you are taking responsibility or blaming others for the life you live. When I quit being angry at my mother and began seeing her as a very confused and lost soul, I then was able to become compassionate and forgiving.
August 5th, 2008 at 7:28 am
Good morning my dearest friends! Bonjour!
Right now STYLE STATEMENT is at the top. Ovwer the course of many years, I have read so many “personal growth” books in the professional, and personal fields I lost count. But THE PROMOTANLE WOMAN, and EXCESS BAGAGGE. The first book set me up to look the part regardless of what everyone else did aroind me casual Friday or not, and the second book made me realize how carrying around resentments is like carrying with me a sack of marble.. it really slows me down… There have been many more books that I have enjoyed and passed along but these two I still have on my library…
Carinos,
Cécile
August 5th, 2008 at 7:32 am
“Awareness”, Osho
“When Things Fall Apart – Heart Advice for Difficult Times”, Pema Chodron
“Meetings with Remarkable Men”, G.I. Gurdjieff
“The Lost Teachings of Atlantis”, Jon Peniel
“In the Meantime”, Iyanla Vanzant
August 5th, 2008 at 7:36 am
In no particular order, because I think books hit us when we’re able to HEAR them:
The Shack — away from religion and into relationship
Healing with Whole Foods — the cause and effect of eating
Mama Gena’s Guide to the Womanly Arts — “Treat every woman as a sister and a goddess” — words that changed my life and whose ripple effects I enjoy daily
(Love the Enneagram books too!)
August 5th, 2008 at 7:41 am
My SS is “creative balance” and I’m a split between Enn #4 &5. I almost laughed when Carrie deduced it because it was so obvious, but like many simple, obvious things, impossible to realize without assistance. I’ll check for the book you suggest, thanks!
August 5th, 2008 at 7:52 am
Sidney Poitier’s book….I forgot the name of it…but it was the book that was on OPRAH. It was an excellent book of overcoming odds, family issues and relationships.
THINK BIG by Dr. Ben Carson….How can you think any other way? Again overcoming odds in his education and career….those that inspired him to succeed…and becoming a famous surgeon! I met him at my cousin Brenda’s graduation (that was a chance of a lifetime-a dream come true). He shook my hand and autographed my book. I will never forget that moment! (He wasn’t the best note taker in medical school, so he paid his classmate for his notes) WOW! Just an amazing story.
August 5th, 2008 at 8:10 am
the tibetan book of living and dying and anything by ken wilber…
August 5th, 2008 at 8:51 am
I loved this book. Charming notes……genius!
August 5th, 2008 at 8:55 am
The Bible
The Artist’s Way (and all other Julia Cameron books)
The Four Agreements (Ruiz)
You Can Heal Your Life (Hay)
A Return to Love/ A Woman’s Worth (Williamson)
Wild, Succulent Woman (SARK)
All the Joy You Can Stand/Sacred Pampering Principles (Gandy)
The Alchemist (Coelho)
August 5th, 2008 at 9:07 am
Take your Soul to Work
Feel the Fear and do it Anyway
August 5th, 2008 at 9:22 am
I would have to say Choice Theory by William Glasser. I have kept it my bible for years. Some if no longer applies to me any more but,the main point of the book still rings true to this very day.
August 5th, 2008 at 9:26 am
The Road Less Travelled – M. Scott Peck. It’s an old one but a good one.
August 5th, 2008 at 9:32 am
Observing Spirit by Peter Rhodes
The book has tasks to do at the end of each chapter and it can be done alone or in a group. It will change the way you live our life.
August 5th, 2008 at 9:54 am
there are so many- books are another form of angels on earth for me. the ones that stand out are “the Gift of Our Compulsions” by Mary O’Malley which introduced me to another way of being- responding to my compulsions with curiosity and compassion instead of cruelty and loathing. “The Right Questions” by Debbie Ford helped me move from the me i’d been to the me i longed to be and “Getting Real” by Susan Campbell helped me heal and taught me how to take risks in relationship to create true intimacy. The list goes on and on… I have been blessed and changed by so many beautiful and healing books.
August 5th, 2008 at 10:04 am
My Style Statement is Sacred Dramatic. In terms of the Enneagram, I’m a 1 (with a 9 wing) “The Reformer” , tho’ I often also test as a 4 “The Individualist” (with a 5 wing.) It makes sense becasue 4’s progress to 1’s. I’ve been a 4 longer than I’ve been a 1.
It makes perfect sense with my Style Statement (and my astrology, AND my Myers Briggs, INFJ). Introverted. Cause-centric. Righteous but Live and let live.
August 5th, 2008 at 10:05 am
we’re big fans of the Strengths Finder test. Everyone in our studio has to do it.
August 5th, 2008 at 10:08 am
do you know about the Abraham-Hicks material?
August 5th, 2008 at 10:10 am
ahhh yes. Ditto and ditto. A Brief History of Everything blew my world open. And Grace and Grit broke my heart in the best way.
August 5th, 2008 at 10:12 am
1. How To Be Happy No Matter What By Dr. RIchard Carlson- Changed my life when I was 19 years old. I learned I was in charge of my thoughts, moods, etc. It started me on my path towards personal responsibility for my happiness. Also started me on the road to seeking out self-help books as a source of inspiration and growth.
2. Real Magic By Dr. Wayne Dyer
3. I also love books by Ester Hicks and am looking forward to the new book coming out by the same author on Money and the Law of Attraction on August 12, 2008!
August 5th, 2008 at 10:17 am
Oh, so many books… I do confess that I do not finish books, as much as I love to read them, about 20-30 pages from the end, I put it down, and start a new one… I am on the journey to figure out what that is about…
My favs are:
1) The Secret – Rhonda Byrne (literally changed the way I thought)
2) You Can Heal Your Life – Louise Hay
3) A New Earth – Eckhart Tolle
August 5th, 2008 at 10:23 am
Letters to a Young Poet by Rilke —read it at 14 and have kept the lessons close to my heart.
Love in Action by Tich Nat Hahn (and all works by him)
Women who Run with the Wolves– Clarissa Pinkola Estes
August 5th, 2008 at 10:25 am
No! I’m off to look into it right now!
August 5th, 2008 at 10:36 am
Years ago, two books by Merle Shain – Some Men are more Perfect than Others, and When Lovers are Friends – helped to attain a more practical outlook on life and love, getting away from always expecting the fairy-tale ending.
August 5th, 2008 at 10:43 am
The Power of Now
A New Earth
both by Eckhart Tolle
August 5th, 2008 at 11:05 am
Life & Death in Shanghai is an account of Chinese author Nien Chang’s imprisonment during the Cultural Revoltion. An absoulte page-turner, I couldn’t put it down. It’s a finely crafted novel about how free-thinkers were treated under Mao’s rule. One of my favourite works of non-fiction, I find it an inspiring reminder that most problems are petty, and I have never known true suffering.
August 5th, 2008 at 11:20 am
Well said! Nice.
August 5th, 2008 at 11:25 am
Whether or not you have children, every adult should read at least one children’s book on a monthly basis – just to keep perspective. My favourite is “Oh! The Places You’ll Go” by the best fun-concocter doctor there is: Dr. Seuss! I always read that to my grade twelve students on their last day of class with me.
August 5th, 2008 at 11:53 am
Mind Power, by John Kehoe
Ask and it is given, by Ester & Jerry Hicks
A New Earth, by Eckhart Tolle
August 5th, 2008 at 11:56 am
The Bible and Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.
II Corinthians 1:3+4 and Don’t Panic!
Two of the most comforting and practical things I have ever read.
August 5th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Stephanie,
My sister-in-law lent me THE POWER OF NOW and I am having a hard time getting into it. What did you like, what did you find in it?
Cécile
August 5th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Books that have changed me…
1. Eleven Minutes (Paulo Coelho)
2. Celestine Prophecy (James Redfield)
3. Eat, Pray, Love (Elizabeth Gilbert)
August 5th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
And…4. The Monk Who Sold his Ferrari (Robin Sharma)…and of course 5. Style Statement!!!
August 5th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
1. Emotional Alchemy: How the Mind Can Heal the Heart by Tara Bennett-Goleman. An amazing combination of mindfulness training and emotional schema therapy. It teaches you how to apply mindfulness to your automatic, habitual emotional reactions, transforming them from an instant, mindless reflex to compassionate moments of choice.
2. Mosaic Mind: Empowering the Tortured Selves of Child Abuse Survivors by Regina Goulding and Richard Schwartz. Not self-help, it’s actually oriented towards therapists, but the way the authors flesh out Internal Family Systems theory is amazing. A theory of personality that embraces our natural multiplicity of mind that is transforming how I interact with myself and with others, and that has become instrumental in my healing journey. I highly recommend it even if a person hasn’t been abused, as the personality theory still applies and because we all interact with abuse survivors on a daily basis (25% of women and 20% of men have been sexually abused before age 18).
3. Teachings on Love by Thich Nhat Hahn. Loving-kindness meditation has changed the way I live and love.
August 5th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Your top three: ditto, ditto, ditto. I should check out the rest of your recommendations.
August 5th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
Act of Faith by Iyanla Vanzant
A New Earth by Eckardt Tolle
A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson.
August 5th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
August 5th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
I agree Karyn. I used to be a first grade teacher and the picture books alone made my job satisfying. My favorites authors are Leo Leoni, Eric Carle, Mo Willems, Kevin Henkes, Ezra Jack Keats, Patrick McDonnell, and Lauren Child.
Great Authors and remind you not to take life so seriously.
August 5th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Oh, and Eat, Pray, Love (that one I actually did finish – ha ha ha)!!!
August 5th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
Anything Sylvia Browne. I like her outlook on life, her beliefs, and the very first book I read from her was the best of all “Life on the Other Side”. It opened a whole new world. Now I am presently reading “A New Earth”. Very profound. Very thought provoking… and finally the Four Agreements… this book has also changed my outlook on life!
August 5th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
I just got it from the library today after reading your post! Thanks for the recommendation!
August 5th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Oh yes….Kevin Henkes has created a world that my daughter adores! Especially lovely is Julius: The Baby of the World. I always laugh when I read, “…that story earned her ten minutes in the uncooperative chair…”
August 5th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Lots of great books up there! A few classics not mentioned are:
Das Energi- by Paul Williams
I love to use this book as an oracle–open the page and find an answer to what ever is going on…
Also the I Ching.
Anything by Ernest Holmes & Catherine Ponder.
August 5th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
I love the last words you wrote “to not trouble myself with perfection but never give up on being excellent.” Very beautifully written. Caused me to stop and reflect.
August 5th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
ha ha! Great.
August 5th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
I’e never met you but you certainly feel like a very healthy 4 from what you write and what engages you.. Going to one is the way 4’s find health and growth. A four once said to me going to one helps them engage with the real world instead of drifting into introverted fantasy.
Did you know 4s are almost always (but not always) INF with either J or P
August 5th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
I love what you say here. The books are maps for the beginning of the journey of life (like the first sixty of so years). At some stage we step of the mapped area to the countryside marked “here be dragons” That when the adventure really begins.
August 5th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Radical Acceptence by Tara Brach.
Fantastic Book — a great combination of Buddhist teachings and personal growth.
August 5th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
Ditto. Wolves tipped me over into real womanhood.
August 5th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
I just put that on my Amazon shopping list – thanks!
August 5th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
OK time to come on out of your inner world and engage with the Style Statement Book. You will absolutely love having a style statement.
and just because you are a 4 it will be something amazing and beautiful and utterly unique.
August 5th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
Ask at a good bookshop there are other good books. I like Riso because he goes from the begining to help you “get” the enneagram to some of the deeper and more complex stuff. A decent library is a good place to start too.
August 5th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Over the years I have turned again and again to When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chodron and The Art of Worldly Wisdom by Balthazar Gracian for inspiration and advice.
August 5th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Oh My Goodness, where to begin!!
Write it Down, Make it Happen – Henriette Anne Klauser
Creating a Charmed Life – Victoria Moran
The Secret – Rhonda Byrne
The Success Principles – Jack Canfield
Your Best Life Now – Joel Osteen
There have been so many books and resources that have shaped me. I just get giddy sometimes when I look through my library of inspirational material. I reread these books & learn something new each time.
I can’t wait to read the other books you all recommend!
August 5th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
I love Anne Lamott’s books Traveling Mercies and Grace, Eventually. Also, The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, How Not to the Afraid of Your Own Life by Susan Piver, Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach and Younger by the Day by Victoria Moran.
August 5th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
Since childhood, these are books that given me inspiration. I go back to them time and again. For ‘soul food’ I guess.
Happiness Is A Warm Puppy by Charles Schulz
The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams
Le Petit Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Wolfe
Concerning the Spiritual in Art by Wassily Kandinsky
Siddhartha by Herman Hesse
The Lazy Man’s Guide to Enlightenment by Thaddeus Golas
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
August 5th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Since childhood, these are books that given me inspiration. I go back to them time and again. For ‘soul food’ I guess.
Happiness Is A Warm Puppy by Charles Schulz
The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams
Le Petit Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Wolfe
Concerning the Spiritual in Art by Wassily Kandinsky
Siddhartha by Herman Hesse
The Lazy Man’s Guide to Enlightenment by Thaddeus Golas
A Course in Miracles
The Four Agreements by Miguel Ruiz
August 5th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
anything written by hugh prather. his words are emotional and they make sense.
August 5th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
The Five Love Languages is the best book to understand how to grow a relationship by safistying a persons emotional needs. People today are emotionally starved. This will help you to understand how to feed a relationship by fulfilling a person emotionally.
August 5th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Oh my gosh, I just heard an amazing story about Randy this morning on the “Chat With Women” radio program (Seattle’s Alternative Talk Radio). I’m ordering the book and looking forward to watching his lecture on YouTube. It was a very moving peice. Did you know him?
August 5th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
AMEN! “You Can Heal Your Life” was the first book given to me that I didn’t follow, “A Return to Love” was the second book that I couldn’t read because it didn’t resonate and now, many years later, I’m a passionate advocate of both.
August 5th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
Abraham Hicks is wonderful although it’s very personally and might not resonate with people until they’re ready (like most things). I get their daily email messages, too.
August 5th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
“The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho
“Veronika Decides to Die” by Paulo Coelho (actually anything written by him is amazing)
“The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle
August 5th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
Well get your tissues ready. I had been taking my two oldest boys to a workshop for some brotherly bonding that was 40 minutes from our home, so I bought the audiobook. They had listened to it right along with me. My oldest son who is 13 was so inspired by his philosophy of fullfilling childhood dreams. I saw such a change in him that led to us talking about life; the good choices and bad that we have made. It opened up a door to such a beautiful conversation between a mother and son. I don’t think we ever would have had that unforgetable moment if not for Randy Pausch. In one part he talks about, if you don’t attempt at something you really want you will never know if you could have done it. This led to my son writting to Randy, to thank him for the inspiration, and let him know he was in our prayers. He responded via letter, and my son will forever be grateful, as well as attempting the unknown without fear. Please visit alice.org. While it is designed by Randy for children to have fun learning to design web pages. What a legacy to leave.
August 5th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
It would be interesting to see if “Creatives” are most predominantly Fours. I think I’ll do a little survey…
August 5th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
Yes. All the advice can get in the way of EXPERIENCING it for yourself.
August 5th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
I really like Alexandra Stoddard’s books – they give me hope that maybe I too can live an elegant life (fat chance!)
My other really inspirational book is called Cowgirls: Women of the American West by Teresa Jordon. On days when I am dragging and tired and feel like I just have SO much to do, I read about these gals from the olden days and realize how they’d trade places with me any day and be happy for it!
Thanks to all also for the recs on Pema Chodron, Style Statement and Living a Literary Life – going to definitely pick up those!
August 5th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
Everyone responds to different things in the book, but for me, the part about the pain-body was what struck a chord. Every time something leaves a scar on your heart, it adds to this THING inside you that acts up and lashes out sometimes – often when you least expect it, or at people who do not deserve it. You can learn not to feed your pain-body – for example, you can start by refraining from watching violent movies and the evening news. The pain-body is something that you are born with – it is what Jesus referred to as original sin, and the buddha called it Dukkha. It is what it means to be human. It is stronger in some people than in others, and I guess that it depends somewhat on whether you come from a background of people who have been persecuted throughout history. It grows throughout your life as you have negative and painful experiences.
This is the part that I identified with, anyway. I found that the exercises where you are supposed to just FEEL YOUR HAND and that kind of thing were helpful, if a little trying at times!
If you are having trouble, try reading A New Earth – it is a lighter read and feels a little more applicable. However, my friend told me that everyone stops reading The Power of Now at EXACTLY the point that is the most important for them. So maybe you should try it for a while longer.
Warm wish…
August 6th, 2008 at 5:30 am
Stephanie,
I wonder why at the exact time that is most important… I shall pick it up tonight and continue. I will keep you posted.
Cécile
August 6th, 2008 at 7:53 am
#1 would of course be the Bible. I have read and studied this wonderful book since 1982.
#2 Change Almost anything in 21 days by Ruth Fishel
#3 Everyday Serenity by David Kundtz This is a great read for people with a busy life.
August 6th, 2008 at 8:42 am
“The Seeker’s Guide” by Elizabeth Lesser
“Life’s Too Short for Tantric Sex” by Kate Taylor
“Finding Your Own North Star” by Martha Beck
“A Woman’s Worth” by Marianne Williamson
August 7th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
I looked this up on Amazon and there are many versions of this book. Which “The Artist’s Way” book do I need to read first? thank you for the recommendation!
August 7th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
My friend said it is because we resist enlightenment and are addicted to Drama (suffering, pain, excuses, or whatever else is holding us back. I think it is different for everyone).
August 7th, 2008 at 10:04 pm
There are many:
Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life – Wayne Dyer
The Book of Secrets – Deepak Chopra
Take Me to Truth: Undoing the Ego – can’t remember the two authors but they’re from Australia
The Age of Miracles – Marianne Williamson
The Power of Intention – Wayne Dyer
those are a few …
August 7th, 2008 at 10:04 pm
i love hugh prather.
August 7th, 2008 at 10:05 pm
the little prince is excellent and has many wonderful lessons.
August 7th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
great book by pema chodron
August 7th, 2008 at 10:07 pm
yes i read the monk who sold his ferrari … very good
August 7th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
both of those are great.
August 7th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
i have many of ken wilber’s books he’s fantastic. i especially loved grace and grit.
August 7th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
ah yes, awakening the buddha … that’s marvellous
August 7th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
yep, i was just gonna add women who run with the wolves. a great one.
August 7th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
one other i just thought of is, the giving tree by shel silverstein. very beautiful.
August 8th, 2008 at 6:02 am
I know, there seems to be an entire shelf dedicated to the Artist Way series. I started with….The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity, 10th Anniversary Edition. There was no workbook included.