I always loved reading books as a kid. First I was hooked on The Magic Treehouse Books, then it was Harry Potter. Books (if the book is good) always have a way of reflecting back on ourselves something we need to see, a new perspective or way of life that wasn't clear before. For this reason, I believe reading is such a critical part of spiritual growth.
As far as influential spiritual books out there, the list could go on and on. Today I want to highlight 5 on that long list that have impacted me the most.
1. A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle
A New Earth is Eckhart Tolle's explanation of the pain body (or ego), and how we as humans overidentify with it and forget the truth of who we really are. It is only by becoming conscious of our pain body that we are able to detach from all we identify with, and step into the truth of our authentic self, which is God expressing itself in human form. (is you mind blown? Because mine was at the time).
This book helped me immensely while healing from my experiences with manic depression. In fact, it was the initial tool that gave me permission to let go of my illness, and begin to heal in the first place. I had suffered from chronic depression for years at this point, and this book fell into my lap at the time I truly needed it most.
Fundamentally it made me realize that I was not my illness. I did not need to define myself by my manic depression or make it a part of who I was. I could see it as an experience separate from myself that my pain body was choosing to have. Through detaching from it, I was able to let it go and begin the healing process.
This book has been the foundation for my spiritual journey and my current outlook on the human experience. It has allowed me to realize the impermeant nature of life, thereby taking life less seriously. When you are able to step outside yourself and realize the bigger picture, it is easier to live in a state of ease and grace.
2. The Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman
The Way of the Peaceful Warrior is part memoir, part philosophical fiction. It centers around the story of Dan during his college years, attending UC Berkeley. Dan, a professional gymnast on track to competing in the Olympics, meets an old man at a gas station one night who quickly becomes his spiritual mentor. The man, who he names Socrates, teaches him the subtle mysteries of the universe through mindfulness, meditation, and a gut busting sense of humor.
This book was my first experience with the philosophical fiction genre and to this day is my favorite book. The lessons within are so rich, it's tough to pick out one overall arching theme or lesson. Ultimately this book taught me how to live with more presence and how to manage my emotions in a way that revolutionized my day to day life.
Through mindfulness and deliberate action, we can manage how we choose to feel and show up on a moment to moment basis. By becoming more aware of ourselves and our surroundings, we realize that true inner peace and happiness don't from external factors, but from within. It is through this realization that we can live the peaceful warrior life.
3. The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield
The Celestine Prophecy is the story of a man who hears of a long lost manuscript containing insights into human evolution hidden somewhere in the Peruvian jungle. Led by his intrigue and intuition, he decides to travel to Peru in search of the manuscript and what it may mean. Along the way, a series of coincidences lead him from one insight to the next, which bring him into contact with a host of characters also searching for the manuscript. Throughout the journey he gains insight into his true purpose, and the purpose of all human life, which is to consciously evolve and create a new experience on earth.
Where to begin with this book...all I can think to say is: game changer. This book has so much insight to offer and completely enhanced my perspective on things like human interaction, relationships, the key to my life's purpose, and how coincidence and synchronicity has the potential to lead us to the answers we seek (so you know, nothing too important ;) )
This book illuminates that everything is energy; and how we choose to source this energy, and direct it towards others determines our level of spiritual evolution.
4. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
The Alchemist is the story of a young shepherd named Santiago in search of a great treasure he saw in his dreams. He believes finding this treasure is his destiny, which he calls his Personal Legend. This dream leads him to leave his flock of sheep in Spain behind and travel to the pyramids of Egypt, where he believes his treasure to be. Along the way, Santiago must face many obstacles that challenge his commitment to his dream. Through each obstacle Santiago reiterates the importance of following one's heart and is certain that if he remains true, his treasure will be his.
This book is so pleasurable to read. The story telling is vivid, poetic, and a true example of the hero's journey. The book brought into focus for me the importance of staying true to myself, and always holding my dreams in life close to my heart. It also stresses the importance of following your intuition, and trusting your conviction.
This book is a great reminder of the power of following your dreams. Through the idea of a Personal Legend, it offers the reader the idea that whoever you are, your dreams are special and it is only through the heart that one can easily attain them.
5. One by Richard Bach
One is the story of young couple (both pilots) making their way to a speaking conference via their small airplane. While en route, the landscape below them seemingly changes into an ocean like pattern that the couple must learn to navigate. Unsure of what is happening, or where they are, they decide to land the plan on the pattern below and are sent into a series of alternate realities throughout the book. The alternate realities begin as reflections of their past selves, then evolve into alternate times in history, and eventually alternate planets and universes. Throughout the journey, the two relate to a wide range of characters and find that they can see a part of themselves in each person they meet. As they travel to more alternate realities, the message that we are all one becomes more and more clear.
As you can tell by the summary, this book is a bit of a mind trip. The central message teaches that we all come from the same source, and so we are all connected to each other. We are all one soul expressing itself through different choices and experiences. The more we are able to embody this concept, the more capable we are of transporting ourselves throughout time and space, because separation no longer exists.
This book taught me to see myself in other people. They are me, just making different choices and having different experiences, as I mentioned above. It is a unique perspective that has changed the way I love and approach relationships. This book fosters within its readers a deep sense of empathy, love, and compassion.
Now that I have shared the top books that have changed my life, now it's time to share yours! Have you read any of these books? Comment below with a book that has had the biggest impact on you!