Reading; A Tool for your Spiritual Journey
Blessings!
While I am traveling on my spiritual journey, I am mindful of what I put into body. What I discovered some years ago is that it’s not just what you put in your body that will affect you on your journey, but also what you allow to enter your mind as well! Reading is a great way to control what you allow to enter your mind. During my journey I have read some amazing books that have helped me to grow deeper into my spiritual journey. Reading about the spiritual journeys others have traveled (ex:Dalai Lama) or about the spiritual topics that others have mentioned can help you discover something new in your journey. Reading a powerful book can also serve as a spiritual mentor, how so? When I find a book that I resonate with, I will choose another book from the same author! You can learn from the author by studying their work, specifically by reading their literature. Reading spiritual books from other cultures can also help enlighten you on other forms of spiritual practice. For example, after reading “Restoring Your Life Energy” by Waysun Liao, I learned the practice of Tai Chi, which is an ancient Chinese tradition that involves moving meditation, meditation in motion. I have begun to study Tai Chi and have added it to my spiritual practice. Reading books from other cultures also allows you to mentally travel around the world and gather knowledge. When I am reading a book, I always make sure to take notes! I write down anything that I resonate with, anything that stands out. Sometimes an author may discuss other literature that relates to their work. You may also discover a quote that is so powerful that you want to use it as a mantra or affirmation. While reading “Seven Habits of Highly Successful People” by Steven Covey, I learned the importance of writing a mission statement for your life! Writing a mission statement for my life has been helpful for me to stay grounded and to have clear boundaries in my life. It helps remind you of the reasons why you have a sense of wholeness, and a understanding of life, leaving you feeling grounded!! After reading a book, I like to take a moment to see how the book made me feel in each of my self-systems (MEPS: mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual). This allows me to deeply analyze the literature and use it as a resource/tool in my life. Sometimes if I feel a system is out of balance, I will go back to a book to assist me to regain balance in my system. Books are words, and words are powerful. By reading powerful literature you can benefit immensely on your spiritual journey. Take what you need for your journey!!
Today, I am sharing some of the books that have been helpful for me, and I am sure you will benefit from them as well. As an integrative wellness and life coach, I coach my clients from the perspective of MEPS systems of self. MEPS stand for: Mental, Emotional, Physical and Spiritual. These four systems help form the system of self. I will list the books under a system. This will allow you to choose a book with the understanding of what system the book can help you with the most. Please note that some books many fall under one or more systems. The body is interconnected and so are our systems of self. Because your systems of self are interconnected, you can choose a book for one system and it may indirectly benefit and affect another system that you were not necessarily focused on at that moment. Overall, reading is a great way to gain knowledge. I hope you enjoy your book of choice, happy reading!
Mental System:
“Meditation: by Eknath Easwaran
“The Power of Myth” by Joseph Campbell and Bill Moyers
“Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life” by Dr. Wayne Dyer
“The Biology of Belief” by Bruce Lipton
“Quantum Healing” by Deepak Chopra
“Seven Habits of Highly Successful People” by Steven Covey
“The Dalai Lama’s Little Book of Inner Peace: The Essential Life and Teachings” by Dalai Lama
“The Healthy Wholefoods Counter” by Annette B. Natow, Ph.D. and Jo-Ann Heslin, M.A., R.D
“SuperFoods” by Steven G. Pratt, M.D., and Kathy Matthews
“The New Guide to Relaxation” by Parragon Publishing Book
“Crystal Healing” by Judy Hall
"Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill
"Key to Living the Law of Attraction... A Simple Guide to Creating the Life of Your Dreams" by Jack Canfield and D.D Watkins
"Magical Mind, Magical Body" by Deepak Chopra, M.D
Emotional System:
“Comfortable With Uncertainty” by Pema Chodron
“The Biology of Belief” by Bruce Lipton
“Quantum Healing” by Deepak Chopra
“Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life” by Henry Cloud & John Townsend
“The Dalai Lama’s Little Book of Inner Peace: The Essential Life and Teachings” by Dalai Lama
“The Healthy Wholefoods Counter” by Annette B. Natow, Ph.D. and Jo-Ann Heslin, M.A., R.D
“SuperFoods” by Steven G. Pratt, M.D., and Kathy Matthews
“The New Guide to Relaxation” by Parragon Publishing Book
“Crystal Healing” by Judy Hall
"Key to Living the Law of Attraction... A Simple Guide to Creating the Life of Your Dreams" by Jack Canfield and D.D Watkins
"Chakra for Beginners" by Sara Rile
"Magical Mind, Magical Body" by Deepak Chopra, M.D
Physical System:
“Restoring Your Life Energy” by Waysun Liao
“Healing Back Pain” by John E. Sarno
“Quantum Healing” by Deepak Chopra
“You’re Not Sick, You’re Thirsty” by F. Batmanghelidj
“The China Study: The Most Comprehensive Study of Nutrition Ever Conducted And the Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss, And Long-term Health” by Thomas Campbell
“The Dalai Lama’s Little Book of Inner Peace: The Essential Life and Teachings” by Dalai Lama
“The Healthy Wholefoods Counter” by Annette B. Natow, Ph.D. and Jo-Ann Heslin, M.A., R.D
“SuperFoods” by Steven G. Pratt, M.D., and Kathy Matthews
“The New Guide to Relaxation” by Parragon Publishing Book
"Chakra for Beginners" by Sara Rile
"Magical Mind, Magical Body" by Deepak Chopra, M.D
Spiritual System:
“Restoring Your Life Energy” by Waysun Liao
“Comfortable With Uncertainty” by Pema Chodron
“To Igniting Your Divine Spark” by Sera J.
“Quantum Healing” by Deepak Chopra
“The Healing Code” by Alexander Loyd
“The Dalai Lama’s Little Book of Inner Peace: The Essential Life and Teachings” by Dalai Lama
“The Healthy Wholefoods Counter” by Annette B. Natow, Ph.D. and Jo-Ann Heslin, M.A., R.D
“SuperFoods” by Steven G. Pratt, M.D., and Kathy Matthews
“The New Guide to Relaxation” by Parragon Publishing Book
“Crystal Healing” by Judy Hall
"Chakra for Beginners" by Sara Rile
"Magical Mind, Magical Body" by Deepak Chopra, M.D