The shorter, cooler days of September are a perfect time to nourish your soul and strive to be your “best self.” Here are some of my favorite spirituality-themed books to get you started on your mindfulness journey:
The Book of Joy
Recounts the inspirational conversations between two highly regarded friends and spiritual leaders – the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu regarding the topic of Joy. Although they come from different spiritual backgrounds, they agree on many of the aspects of attaining happiness. For example, they both differentiate between Joy and Happiness. Joy is experienced internally and transcends happiness, which is usually dependent upon external circumstances. A must read for anyone seeking to cultivate compassion and joy in the face an increasingly divisive world.
Anatomy of the Spirit
Written by energy medicine practitioner and mystic, Caroline Myss, Anatomy of the Spirit utilizes the foundations of 3 major religions – the Hindu chakras, the Christian sacraments, and the Kabbalah’s Tree of Life – to demonstrate the seven stages through which everyone must pass in the search for higher consciousness and spiritual maturity.
The Untethered Soul
Author and spiritual teacher Michael A. Singer explores the question of who we are and concludes that our identity is to be found in our consciousness, the fact of our ability to observe ourselves, and the world around us. Using meditation and mindfulness, Singer shows how the development of consciousness can enable us all to dwell in the present moment and let go of painful thoughts and memories that keep us from achieving happiness and self-realization. Easy exercises in each chapter help readers experience the ideas that Singer presents.
Think Like a Monk
After spending three years studying with Vedic monks in an ashram outside of Mumbai, Jay Shetty (On Purpose podcast host) realized that his calling was not to be a monk, but to spread the practices and knowledge he gained at the monastery in a modern, universally accessible way. He tries to help readers find “peace, calm, and purpose” by following the example set forth by monks. Shetty tackles issues such as fear, anxiety, finding one’s purpose, and dealing with relationships and provides exercises and examples to help readers integrate his teachings into daily practice.