7 Books to Expand the Mind
With the holidays upon us, and a moment to pause, it’s the perfect time to cozy up with a book. And as we embark on a new year, what better text to read than the wisdom and inspiration of some of the world’s most trusted spiritual advisors. From Eckhart Tolle, Deepak Chopra, Marianne Williamson and more, check out seven of our favorite books sure to expand our minds and shift our perspectives.
1. A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose by Eckhart Tolle
If you've already read and loved Eckhart Tolle's The Power of Now, you'll definitely be a fan of A New Earth. For those looking to see the world through a different, more enlightened lens and achieve higher states of presence and awareness, look no further. His wisdom and philosophies explain how to better understand the world and let go of our ego in order to find true happiness. In Tolle’s words, “The primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation but your thoughts about it.”
2. The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra
This classic little nugget is one you'll cherish forever and want to share with friends. Chopra's life-changing perspectives on natural law teach us how to accept ourselves in our current state, for only there can we achieve harmony. He claims that “Whatever relationships you have attracted in your life at this moment, are precisely the ones you need in your life at this moment. There is a hidden meaning behind all events, and this hidden meaning is serving your own evolution.” His seven simple yet powerful principles can be applied to every aspect of our lives, from relationships to career to health, and aid us creating a life of fulfillment and joy.
3. The Book of Awakening: Having the Life You Want by Being Present in the Life You Have by Mark Nepo
Author Mark Nepo is a poet, philosopher and cancer-survivor whose day-to-day spiritual guide helps us be more present and reclaim feelings of being alive and liberated. His journey of the soul inspires us to love the life we live, even in the midst of hardship. "Often we find it easier to think our way around things rather than to feel our way through them,” he says. His beautifully-expressed words provide an understanding of pain, wonder and love. Definitely a must-read!
4. The Seeker's Guide: Making Your Life a Spiritual Adventure by Elizebeth Lesser
In 1977, author Elizabeth Lesser cofounded the Omega Institute, which is now the largest adult-education center on wellness and spirituality. She has since worked with an array of renounced religious and psychological figures – from Zen masters, rabbis, Christian monks, psychologists, scientists and activists like Maya Angelou – and combined their teachings with healing traditions, culminating in a broad understanding of a person's unique quest for spirituality. Lesser shows us how to set out on a spiritual journey of our own, no matter what our beliefs, by giving directions for our mind, heart, and body.
5. A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of Course in Miracles by Marianne Williamson
In the words of Marianne Williamson, “In the absence of love, we began slowly but surely to fall apart.” In her best-selling spiritual guide, she shows us that living in fear can hide our inner light, but when we embrace love and spirituality, it becomes possible to achieve inner peace. It is through the power of love that we can find the most meaning and guidance on our journey.
6. The Seat of the Soul by Gary Zukav
When we're unsure if we're acting out of fear or love, we turn to Gary Zurkov's book, In the Seat for the Soul. His words have the power to change the way we see the world, communicate with others, as well as provide a better understanding of our actions and ambitions. He defines a new phase of humanity, one in which our culture is currently entering, defined by an ability to finally understand our true powers. He dismisses old notions of power as expressed through manipulation and control (fear) and celebrates a new idea of power consisting of harmony, cooperation and reverence of life (love). One of our favorite excerpts – “For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. You receive from the world what you give to the world.”
7. The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Micahel A. Singer
And saving one of our favorites for last – What would our lives look like if we could stop holding ourselves back from our fullest potential? How can we achieve inner peace? With Michal Singer's The Untethered Soul, he suggests that through meditation and mindfulness, we can transform our personal relationships with ourselves and others. Holding on to painful memories can prevent us from achieving happiness. However, if we allow ourselves to move through them, and accept our experiences and actions, we can live more freely. “Do not let anything that happens in life be important enough that you’re willing to close your heart over it,” says Singer.
