Therapy Book Club
There’s something special about the energy in the room when people ideas that change their minds or inspire growth in some way. This got me thinking about my personal reading list of favorites, that span 40 years of stimulating and exciting my growth-mindset. This is by no means a comprehensive list, but my hope is that it will be become a living document that will attract like-minded beings and evolve into a soul-conversation that generates a healing energy of it’s own.
Way of the Peaceful Warrior, by Dan Millman
Truly, as advertized, a book that changes lives. It’s thoughtful but leaves you feeling light, and informative without being heavy handed. A smart, easy read that will stay with you all day, like a good conversation with an old friend.
The Celestine Prophecy, James Redfield
A validating adventure that felt to me like healthy escapism for my empathic spirit. If you’re hungry for more, the sequel is The Fifth Insight, although it didn’t move me, personally, as deeply as the first leg of the journey.
Pocket Pema, Pema Chodron
Simple, accessible, and teeny-tiny, it’s small enough to toss in your purse or keep in your glove compartment! She is positive proof that deep thoughts don’t need to be long winded. She is the godmother of sitting with suffering, and her matter-of-fact, straight-to-the-point writing style is disarmingly compassionate—she is the human embodiment of acceptance.
Grief Handbook
This sweet, chubby little book was recommended to me by the spouse of one of my old patients after she passed away. His support group used it as a resource that he found surprisingly insightful, with its short reflections and relatable quotes for every day of the year. Each page has a date, so your grief bursts have an accessible, focused place to go. It’s the perfect placeholder, for when you don’t know what to say.
Thoughts without a Thinker, Buddhist Psychiatrist
An accessible approach to thinking about meditation as a lifestyle. This perspective shift helped develop my observing mind, not as an idea, but a felt-sense of how to move towards transcendence.
Peace is Every Step, Ticht Nhat Hanh
Gentle instructions for everyday mindfulness in the most mundane tasks. Poetic, in an endearing, almost child-like way that makes it impossible not to soften and smile.
Good-Hearted Living, by Steve Wilson
And finally, I can’t start a Good-Hearted Living reading list without acknowledging my old laughter mentor, whose creative and courageous instruction made me the Mistress of Mirth I am today! His self-published, spiral bound, labor of love reads like training manual for living an inspired life, while his original artwork and visual aids speak the universal language of the inner-child spirit. It may be hard to get your hands on in the retail market, but if you want to check it, I’m happy to have you over for a read-through and a heart-connect!
