I have encountered many wonderful books over the years that have inspired me and helped me on this life journey. Maybe one or more of these will be helpful to you.
Thought-a-day books are my go-to for short, insightful lessons delivered one day at a time. Here are some of my favorites:
Mindfulness, Day by Day: How to Find Peace in the Present Moment by Josh Baran. This themed collection of passages by ancient Buddhist sages, Christian and Jewish mystics, contemporary teachers, philosophers, and poets celebrates the perfection of the present moment.
365 Tao: Daily Meditations by Deng Ming-Dao. 365 Tao is a contemporary book of meditations on what it means to be wholly a part of the Taoist way, and thus to be completely in harmony with oneself and the surrounding world.
The Book of Awakening: Having the Life You Want by Being Present to the Life You Have by Mark Nepo. The Book of Awakening is the result of Nepo’s journey of the soul and may inspire others to embark on their own. He speaks of spirit and friendship, urging readers to stay vital and in love with this life, no matter the hardships. Encompassing many traditions and voices, Nepo’s words offer insight on pain, wonder, and love.
Pocketful of Miracles: Prayer, Meditations, and Affirmations to Nurture Your Spirit Every Day of the Year by Joan Borysenko. Through daily meditations and exercises, Joan Borysenko offers wise words in an effort to help us to let go of fear and realize the light of peace.
I’ve already highlighted Pema Chodron and one of her best-known books, When Things Fall Apart, under GUIDES in the menu above. Here is another inspiring book by this loving and compassionate Buddhist nun:
Comfortable with Uncertainty: 108 Teachings on Cultivating Fearlessness and Compassion by Pema Chodron. Comfortable with Uncertainty offers short, stand-alone readings designed to help us cultivate compassion and awareness amid the challenges of daily living. Through the course of this book, readers will learn practical methods for heightening awareness and overcoming habitual patterns that block compassion.
Spiritual Economics: The Principles and Process of True Prosperity by Eric Butterworth. This straightforward, nontheological approach to prosperity has been effective for thousands and may help you learn to work with the flow of life and attract prosperity in every area of your life.
Happiness Is an Inside Job: Practicing for a Joyful Life by Sylvia Boorstein. Sylvia Boorstein posits that the secret to happiness lies in actively cultivating our connections with the world, with friends, family, colleagues–even those we may not know well. She shows us how mindfulness, concentration, and effort can lead us away from anger, anxiety and confusion, and into calmness, clarity and the joy of living in the present.
The Enlightened Heart: An Anthology of Sacred Poetry edited by Stephen Mitchell. Stephen Mitchell has compiled an anthology of poetry chosen from the world’s great religious and literary traditions, from Lao Tzu to Francis of Assisi, William Blake to Anthony Machado.
Note: I’m linking books to Amazon for convenience in case you decide to purchase them. This is not meant as a promotion of Amazon. I hope you will support your favorite outlets for book purchases.