The path to wellness [1] is all about the mind, body and soul. To be well means being mindful in the ways that we think, eat, act and feel [2]. While happiness, clarity and a life well lived cannot be bought, it can be taught . . . There are a few transformative books out there that can guide us to accessing these things for ourselves. For some, "self-help" is a dismissed genre but for others it enhances spirituality, opens the door for conversation on better relationships, improved mental health and rediscovering passion. So, we've put together a list of 7 reads that may just help get you there!
The Power of Now
Ekhart Tolle's The Power of Now [3] is a meditative approach to spiritual enlightenment — teaching the practice of living fully in the present and releasing from the mind to move past pain, stress and anxiety. Through ancient teachings and alternative, modern thought comes insight into presence, mindfulness, inner-peace and acceptance. It's a great prequel to A New Earth [4], where Tolle expands on these ideas to show how transcending our ego-based state of consciousness can lead to a fulfilling existence and better world.
The Book of Joy
What happens when Archbishop Desmond Tutu travels to the Dalai Lama's home in Dharamsala, India to celebrate His Holiness's eightieth birthday? You get The Book of Joy [5]. Written through the chronicling conversation of these two amazing leaders — it's a charming read on how to capture the true nature of joy and its eight pillars. There are intimate stories along with wisdom and science for an emotional and spiritual enhancement.
Big Magic
Big Magic [6] is a light read for every creative, artist or soul that's struggled with being able to pursue their calling. Known for her bestseller Eat Pray Love [7], Elizabeth Gilbert uses this book to capture how you can accomplish any creative feat. From overcoming fear, developing comfort with the unknown and other useful creative habits — Big Magic is an honest guide filled with encouragement that will leave each reader with a little something different.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck
Mark Manson calls The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck [8] "A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life" . . . A raw, refreshing and bluntly honest guide to staying grounded, it's a good dose of philosophical wisdom for those who typically pull away from positive self-help guides. Rather than being told to turn lemons into lemonade, you'll walk away having learned how to handle negativity, take responsibility for yourself and understand what truly matters in life. Just prepare for some profane humor and plenty of real-talk!
The Healing Self
The Healing Self [9] is a groundbreaking book on the importance of our immune system and achieving lifelong wellness. Deepak Chopra, an alternative health practitioner with a background in quantum healing and integrative medicine, and Rudolph Tanzi, a neuroscientist famed for co-discovering three of the first Alzheimer's disease genes, came together to craft this must-read, holistic and effective health plan for life.
The Power of Intention
The Power of Intention [10] is one to really take your time with . . . The late Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, author of 21 New York Times bestsellers with a doctorate in counseling psychology, filled this book with rich wisdom based on research of intention as a force in the universe. Meditative and insightful — The Power of Intention is a good read for anyone willing to tap into something a bit unconventional or for those into the interesting connection between metaphysics and well-being.
Braving The Wilderness
While some may have the impression that self-help is about changing who you are, Brené Brown offers clarity on how to embody your true self in Braving The Wilderness [11]. This uplifting read fuses together sociological research with personal storytelling to drive home the understanding that we belong to ourselves. It's about finding our way back to one another, being real, genuine and human and shows us what's within without sounding preachy.