There are so many wonderful books available in the realm of spirituality and personal growth. I sure have gathered a large collection of them over the years! But as I ponder the silly question, “which 10 spiritual books would you wish for if you were stranded on a remote island?” a few are coming to mind right away. These are the books that have been at my bedside, in the backpack, and away from the bookshelf the most often. They have inspired me, over and over again, always continuing to teach me in profound ways.
1) The Four Agreements, by Don Miguel Ruiz – this small and simple book teaches us to live in ever more happiness by disengaging from some of the parasitic mind patterns that bring so much suffering. Don’t take anything personally. Always do your best. Be impeccable with your word. Don’t make assumptions. With these simple ideas, I have found my life transformed over and over again. If you haven’t read this book, make it a priority.
2) The Bhagavad Gita, translated by Stephen Mitchell – this wonderful translation is clear, beautifully expressive, and very connected to the heart of the teachings of this perennial classic from India. In the Gita, we meet Arjuna, a warrior, and Krishna, his guru and great master. Through the story of Arjuna’s collapse in the face of battle, Krishna guides all of us to embrace the challenges, to be strong and willing to face what is difficult in life, to do the right thing as inspired by the heart, and to release attachment to any results.
3) Love, Freedom, Aloneness, by Osho – this book is a wonderful guide that inspires each of us to fully embrace love that is free of attachment and expectations, and to fully accept life as it is, whether bringing us into togetherness or solitude. It has been a wonderful re-centering guide for me as I have found myself leaving romantic relationship, and wanting to reconnect with my own center.
4) Animal Speak, by Ted Andrews – this is a wonderful resource for connecting with the intuitive and instinctual teachings of animal totems. If you find yourself crossing paths with crows, foxes, deer, or even insects of any particular kind, this book offers guidance in interpreting what these creatures may be trying to teach you. While I am not clear exactly what his source is for this information, and I don’t know if it comes from any particular indigenous tradition, I have found it helpful and usually right on track.
5) A Thousand Names for Joy (or any other book), by Byron Katie – with love and compassion and no-nonsense clarity, Byron Katie brings people to question the very ground of the stories we tell ourselves that cause so much suffering. She encourages people to question these stories and thoughts with “is it true?” As I have come to her work (often reluctantly and with lots of resistance), I find myself unravelling my own thoughts instead of solving the problems that I have created as a result of those thoughts. This is always a welcome process!
6) Practicing Peace in Times of War, by Pema Chodron – a tiny book compared to her others, but a wonderful gift. This book brings the reader to practice presence, to reflect on the wars that we enact from within ourselves, and inspires us to embrace acceptance, compassion, and peace from within. I love to underline meaningful passages in books, and I must say, most of this book is underlined! Truly an inspiring book that encourages us to practice freeing ourselves from war in our daily lives.
7) Earth Prayers, by Elizabeth Roberts and Elias Amidon – this is a wonderful collection of prayers, poems, invocations, chants, and writings from a wide variety of spiritual traditions. Each one expresses a deep connection to the natural world, abiding love in nature, and deep mourning for humanity’s loss of connection with our Earth Mother home. I sometimes like to keep this by my bed and read one short inspiring piece each day.
8) Blue Truth, by David Deida – this book is a collection of short writings by Deida, each intended to be a powerful reminder of the ephemeral nature of living, and to inspire us to open to ever greater capacities of loving. Sometimes sensual, sometimes shocking, this book always returns me to presence in my body, and connects me to the deepest longing of my heart.
9) The Lost Language of Plants, by Stephen Harrod Buhner – Buhner is part poet, part biologist, and part philosopher. His words have inspired me over and over again, reminding me of the deep and visceral connection that we humans have to the Earth, and especially to the green growing world of plants. His vision and language are clear and filled with both incredible knowledge and heartfelt love. His words come to me as a reminder of what I have always known, what is buried in our collective human consciousness and DNA.
10) Radical Acceptance, by Tara Brach – I truly love Tara Brach’s kindness, compassion, wisdom, and willingness to be very vulnerable and open about her own life and practice. Her humor and stories are lighthearted and filled with wonderful teachings about this human existence, and the practices from the tradition of vipassana meditation she shares are always a gift. Through her work, I have learned that it is possible to return to the moment, open my heart and mind to what is arising, and accept what is with gratitude and awareness.
I think it would be easy to go on and list another ten, too! But for now, I will leave you with these. I’d love to hear about your favorite books, and if you have read any of the above, how they impacted your life, too!
Illusions (and others) by Richard Bach, Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman, 2150 AD by Thea Alexander, Stranger in A Strange Land by Robert Heinlein, The Kin of Ata Are Waiting for You by Dorothy Bryant, A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L’Engle are some of my all time faves, that continue to inspire me.
I read The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran at the young age of 22 and it has never left me…the books that have been given to me by other people are the ones I love the most since it is such a real way to make a connection with another person and show you care enough to share a favorite thing with them.