ZEN – a Japanese word for the Sanskrit word dhyana wherein Enlightenment is sought through introspection and intuition
Mysticism – a belief in the possibility of attaining direct union with a Higher Source or Knowledge of spiritual truths, as by meditation
The Spiritual Journey – the seeking – the path to Self – the inner life
Some books are Sacred and some authors can help and guide or just validate and communicate with us via their words.
Twenty Five Good Books that have literally changed my Life/Direction/Understanding:
You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay
The Four Agreements: A Toltec Wisdom Book – A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz
Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life by Jon Kabat – Zinn
There’s a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem by Wayne Dyer
When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times by Pema Chodron
Pocketful of Miracles: Prayers, Meditations, and Affirmations to Nurture Your Spirit Every Day of the Year by Joan Borysenko, Ph.D.
Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach
The Tao of Abundance:Eight Ancient Principles for Abundant Living by Laurence G. Boldt
Attitudes of Gratitude: How to Give and Receive Joy Every Day of Your Life by M.J. Ryan
Love is Letting Go of Fear by Gerald Jampowlsky, MD
The Road Less Travelled by M.Scott Peck, MD
Words of Courage and Confidence by Sue Patton Thoele
To Love is to Be Happy With by Barry Neil Kaufman
The Soul of Money:Reclaiming the Wealth of Our Inner Resources by Lynne Twist
A Return to Love:Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles by Marianne Williamson
The Velveteen Principles: A Guide to Becoming Real – Hidden Wisdom from a Children’s Classic by Toni Raiten-D’Antonio
The Little Prince by Antoine St. Exupery
Spiritual Fitness: How to Live in Truth and Trust by Caroline Reynolds
The Art of Power by Thich Nhat Hanh
Conversations with God: an Uncommon Dialogue by Neale Donald Walsch
Gracious Living in a New World: Finding Joy in Changing Times by Alexandra Stoddard
Positive Energy: 10 Extraordinary Prescriptions for Transforming Fatigue, Stress and Fear into Vibrance, Strength and Love by Judith Orloff, MD
The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron
Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life with the Heart of a Buddha by Tara Brach, Ph.D.
Boundaries by Cloud and Townsend
I recommend anything written by these authors (in fact I like to read everything written by an author once I love them) but these are my special favorites. I could give you a story behind each book and how and when it changed my life. The staying power is being able to re-read it and still find more. I highlight, dog-ear and flag my books. They are meant to be cherished, read thoroughly and to be referred back to. Reading books about the Spiritual adventure of our Mortal lives and how to co-exist, co-create and co-mingle with ourselves and others is of great importance to me. The contemplation has aided me in rough times, confirmed me in easy times and assured me always, whatever the weather in my life. I have been given solace, guidance and light by reading.
I hope you give something you have not read before a chance from this list and I would love to hear your understanding on any book, these on this list or otherwise.
Other notable authors on my shelves in this genre that are worth mentioning:
Caroline Myss, Deepak Chopra, Jack Kornfield, Shakti Gawain, Diane Dreher, Gail Sher, Melody Beattie, Karen Casey, and Amy Dean