“Don't be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.”
Roy T. Bennett
(American inspirational writer)
Here are my thoughts on some of the books that I found helpful to me over the years.
I hope you find them useful on your journey too...
"Infinite Self "
by Stuart Wilde
This is one of the first books I read on my journey of healing and self-discovery.
Based on Taoist philosophy. it is a wonderful step-by-step guide to living life to the full. It is written in Stuart Wilde's usual style which is both cheeky and charming.
For the longest time I fondly referred to this book as 'The Holy Book of Life' and went back to it time and time again.
I would highly recommend anyone on the path of self-discovery to have this book as a permanent part of their personal library.
"Quantum Healing"
by Dr Deepak Chopra
I listened to a lecture by Dr Chopra some time ago, which totally blew my mind! So, I decided to get this book.
Rooted in sound medical science, the book draws upon Vedic teachings, and discusses healing mechanisms only now being understood by modern science!
It is beautifully written with meticulous detail, yet concisely explained in simple terms.
A great book for anyone interested in healing, Ancient Wisdom and self-transformation.
"Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway"
by Susan Jeffers
This book is a very touching and empowering account of how the author overcomes terrible fears and insecurities, and heals herself of a life threatening illness.
For a while its title became my mantra, and I would repeat it incessantly to help myself get through a very traumatic period in my life.
It's written in a an honest and approachable style, making it very accessible.
Anyone going through difficult times would greatly benefit from reading it.
"Sacred World"
by Jeremy Hayward
I first read this book just shortly after my Father died. It was given to me by a cousin of mine in the hope it would give me some comfort... And that it surely did.
It's a beautifully written description of a 'code of living' as taught by the Shambala school of thought; like a journey that takes the reader from bewilderment to solace and beyond.
"Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself"
by Dr Joe Dispenza
After healing himself of horrific, life changing injuries, Dr Dispenza spent years researching self-healing.
This book is where fact meets fable and the result is miraculous!
It explains how our thoughts and emotions help to create our reality and how we can recreate it.
"Mind Power"
by John Kehoe
This book is one of the most definitive works on how to use the Law of Attraction to achieve one's goals.
It's well written and easy to understand. At the end of every chapter, the author gives suggestions on how to use the principles discussed in it.
A great book to have in anyone's personal collection of self-help books.
"How to Stop Worrying and Start Living"
by Dale Carnegie
This book is probably as relevant today as it was when it was first written in the late 1940's
And despite strong religious references, the principles used are universal, so apply to all, regardless of faith.
Based on extensive interviews taken by the author during self-development classes he ran, the book covers topics like fear, lack of confidence, worry and procrastination.
"The Six Pillars of Self Esteem"
by Nathanial Branden
This book is truly brilliant; probably one of the most useful self-help books ever written
The author covers every aspect of human nature, and what it is in us that creates negative emotions like lack of fulfilment, feelings of insecurity, unhappiness and so on, and how to overcome them.
If ever there were a book everyone should read - it is surely this one!
"The Strangest Secret"
by Earl Nightingale
I sort of stumbled upon this book by accident, and found it so intriguing that I decided to read it.
It's a quaint little book, very succinctly written, and can actually be read in one sitting.
It's like a summary of self-help principles, positive thinking and the Law of Attraction put together.
Definitely a very useful little book to keep at hand as a reference.
"I'm Okay, You're Okay"
by Thomas A. Harris M.D
This book was probably revolutionary when it first came out in the late 1960's.
It's about a branch of psychology called 'transactional analysis' - the understanding of interpersonal relationships, where all human interactions can be placed into three basic groups.
It explains how our every day interactions develop, and how we can take control of our reactions.
There are many books now on this topic, but this remains a classic - it's a must for anyone who has to deal with difficult relationships.
"The Power of Now"
by Eckhart Tolle
This is one of the greatest works within its genre of our day. Eckhart Tolle is truly an enlightened soul. A real modern day philosopher.
In the most humble and unassuming way, Mr Tolle draws the reader in on a journey of self-discovery and brings him / her face to face with his / her own self.
This book is about recognising our true self and overcoming our weaknesses - the ego - and thus freeing ourselves from the bonds of our emotional pains.
"The Art of Positive Thinking"
by George Green
This is possibly one of the most useful little books I have read for an age! It's positively a little gem!
It is about a topic termed 'Emotional Intelligence', which, to use the author's description, is: "...being aware of what is around us and the part we play in what is happening around us..."
It covers important topics like how to cope with stress, anxiety, OCD and what causes such conditions. Each chapter ends with a useful summary and tips on how to use the principles discussed.