Top 10 Transformational Reads
It’s funny how things seem to come in waves through some kind of collective consciousness. I have been asked by a few people recently what some of my top book recommendations are in the realm of yoga, healing, growth and transformation. In a world filled with great reads, I will share my top 10 transformational books that have helped me along my own journey.
I want to preface this by saying that not all these books are for everyone. Nor will they all resonate immediately. I have started books 20 years ago that didn’t strike a chord for me at the time, but that I picked up again and were exactly what I need to hear now. So, as with all things “wellness”, take what works for you and feel free to set the rest aside. Maybe next year, 5 years, or even 20 years from now, you’ll find this list and be re-inspired.
My Top 10 Transformational Reads
**These books are not ranked #1-10 as they all have meaning in their own ways, but are the top 10 overall for me as of today.
Women Who Run with the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype by Clarissa Pinkola Estés, Ph.D.
This is one that I picked up and put down years ago. I wasn’t ready for it. Then, about 5 years ago, I was traveling through Barcelona and Malta while navigating some deeply personal work and I packed this book. I didn’t put it down. I devoured her insights and stories and it truly helped me to realign with who I am. Women Who Run with the Wolves is a collection of 16 myths and stories from different cultures and throughout time retold by the author. Clarissa Pinkola Estés then analyzes and shares her insights on the symbolism and the power of the female archetypes in each story. I believe everyone should read this book at some point, men and women alike.
The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz
This is a classic, exploring the authors four agreements: "Be impeccable with your word", "Don’t take anything personally", "Don’t make assumptions", and "Always do your best." It is a relatively simple, short read that has a lasting effect on the way you perceive life. Once, you’ve read this one, be sure to read Don Miguel Ruiz’s subsequent books:
The Mastery of Love
The Voice of Knowledge
The Fifth Agreement.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
I’m pretty sure this is on every Top 10 reading list, and for good reason. It is another relatively “easy” read that has powerful, lasting effects. In Paulo Coelho’s novel, we follow a shepherd boy who travels the world learning to listen to his heart and follow the signs that appear as you live a life aligned with your dreams. I love recommending this to younger people, but it’s worth a read or re-read at any age!
The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield
Another novel, that at first, I thought was a little cheesy, if I’m being honest. But I kept reading any way, and I realized the profoundly important deeper meaning of the story. It is an exploration of spiritual and psychological ideas, with some highly valuable “insights” that will change the way you see and experience life. The Celestine Prophecy is followed by The Tenth Insight: Holding the Vision, The Secret of Shambhala: In Search of the Eleventh Insight, and The Twelfth Insight: The Hour of Decision.
Zen and the Art of Saving the Planet by Thich Naht Hanh
I first have to say, that I am a big fan of the late Thich Naht Hanh. I feel he had a way of teaching that makes sometimes confusing Buddhist principals easy to digest and put into practice. Zen and the Art of Saving the Planet teaches some of these fundamentals of Buddhism and mindfully weaves in how we can use them to “save the planet.” It all starts with you and this book provides real guidelines and practices to implement daily.
Real Happiness by Sharon Salzberg
Sharon Salzberg is one of my favorite meditation teachers. She helps make the concept of meditation accessible to everyone. Real Happiness is a 28-day guide to implementing a regular practice. It has helped me and countless others find or stay on the path of meditation.
The Artists Way by Julia Cameron
Another classic and for good reason. Whether you are an artists of one form or another, or not, this book helps us all to unlock our creative potential. Julia Cameron guides you through set principals that have been proven to help millions of people reconnect to their own sense of creativity. There are also accompanying journals and work books that I always find helpful. As someone who lives a lot in a lovely dream world ;) I appreciate having concrete action items to complete so I can see progress.
In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan
Okay, maybe not a guide to spiritual transformation, but if you are living an aligned and spiritually connected life, I think it is ignorant to not look at the way and what we are eating. Michal Pollan is an experiencial journalist and his books outline the truth of the food industry, our biology as humans, and what we can do to eat the best for ourselves and the planet. Michael Pollan has something like 9 books, with some editions redesigned for young readers, and I have read nearly all of them. I can’t recommend him enough to those curious about food and plants and their effect on our bodies, brains and the planet.
Blink by Malcolm Gladwell
The full title of this book is Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking. Malcolm Gladwell uses psychology and behavioral science research to better understand intuitive thinking or “mental processes that work rapidly and automatically from relatively little information.” It isn’t a deeply spiritual read, but I am also a bit of a nerd and I love learning more about the capacities of the human mind. When we set ourselves free and unlock our potential, the possibilities are limitless.
The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle
And one last classic to round out our list. Eckhart Tolle is a world renowned spiritual teacher and author who changed his own life through introspection and the awakening that “there is no self”. To be totally honest, his concepts sometimes require a reread. He lays things out simply, but it is hard for many of us to imagine a life without a connection to our profound sense of self and ego. Yet, when we exist fully in the present moment, the “now,” the pain introduced by the thinking mind starts to dissolve and we find a permeating sense of peace. Every time I see this book on my shelf, it is a powerful reminder.
Phew! That was hard for me! There are so many incredible books out there that have helped me align with my truest self over the years. Once you start reading and exploring, it is a never ending rabbit hole.
What are some of your favorite books that have helped you along the way?
Leave a comment or send an email. I am always happy to hear from you.
With love and gratitude,
Loren