Self-help books for your transformational journey.
I'm often asked to suggest reading material for a person who wants to get going on their transformational journey.
I always feel a little reluctant to suggest books because, although they are often helpful, depending on the person, and the book, reading self-help books can perpetuate the issue, further distancing the mind from the heart, exasperate over-thinking and diagnostic/conclusive mindsets which stunt growth, ultimately making their "material" even less accessible to themselves.
This is because until we know better, we read books like these in order to find solutions to our problems (hence why they're called "self-help" books). The mind can't help but twist that information into some semblance of resolution for us once we're complete. Until, of course, "the problem" comes back.
That said, being informed is also really important. Understanding some core concepts of healing, trauma, growth, transmutation of energy...is actually really helpful for the process of building discernment for when you're eventually ready to seek out outside support. Some of these self-help books also teach you how to think, which can be enormously helpful, and help you get clarity about what you're looking for, which is super important so you know how to discern between the myriad of "personal development" offerings that are out there.
In short, there are books that support stripping away the layers rather than adding new ones on top of the existing ones.
If you're interested in growth, self-awareness, mindfulness, and living in alignment with yourself, I highly recommend you pick up these books:
The Guiding Principles for Life Beyond Victim Conscious by Lynne Forrest
The Body Keeps the Score by Dr Bessel van der Kolk.
A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Joe Dispenza
It is my humble opinion that these should be on every person's bookshelf.
And if you're also interested in improving you're relationships, I would add:
Uncompromising Intimacy by Alexandra Stockwell, MD
Secrets of a Passionate Marriage by David Schnarch, PhD
Getting the Love You Want by Harville Hendrix
And if you're a woman who wants to get more deeply in touch with herself (or a man who wants to learn how to be more deeply in touch with the heart of a liberated woman):
Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes
Each of these books offers something totally unique, for the mind, for the heart, for the body, for the soul, but where they are all the same is that they are all offering a subtle direction that will help you strip away unnecessary layers so that you can better hear yourself and not just memorize what the author has told you.
Do you have any must-read books on your list that have accomplished an existential stripping away in the way I've described? Share your suggestions in the comments so that those who are seeking can save the post and have a wealth of suggestions all in one place.
