Want inspiration? Seeking some reassurance? Searching for answers to life's deepest questions? Here are some books that pack all this knowledge power + more.
There are long reads, short and sweet reads, and all of them will leave you with profound nuggets (or mind-blowing chunks) of wisdom that can help you live this life to the fullest and will challenge, change or affirm your worldview.
Check out these magical books & get inspired to live out your dreams:
The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra
In this book, Deepak Chopra discusses the true laws for success which may not match exactly with how society has defined the path to success. Our current world order has taught us that grueling hard work, striving determination and intense ambition are the recipes for success. But many who walk that path know that such striving more often than not leaves a person feeling unbalanced or completely burnt out. Deepak’s 7 Laws suggest how working in co-creation with the universe lets success come to fruition without striving. In this little pocketbook, he relates these natural laws that govern all of creation and how by living in harmony with nature, all we dream for and seek presents itself easily and effortlessly.
Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda
Considered a classic of Spiritual Literature, this autobiography depicts the remarkable life of yogi, Paramahansa Yogananda. He recounts his life journey from childhood until close to his death that brought the East to West and allowed him to explore the deepest secrets of life. This work was written to bring together the brotherhood of man: unity based on the common perception of the “One Father.” Autobiography of a Yogi is a profound work to be read and re-read. 60 years after being published, it continues to be placed on metaphysical and inspirational bestseller lists and as prophesied, it has permeated the message of yoga all over the world. Walk with Paramahansa as he explores the world of saints and yogis, science and miracles, death and resurrection through the unique experiences of his life.
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
In The Four Agreements, Ruiz details the four key codes of conduct that can quickly transform our lives to an experience of freedom, true happiness and love, when we live by each one: 1) Be Impeccable with your Word; 2) Don’t take anything personally; 3) Don’t make assumptions; 4) Always do your best. In this small little book, there are stories filled with ancient Toltec wisdom that until recently had been veiled from the world, protected in secret for hundreds of years. But the world is ready now to hear this knowledge. We are experiencing a coming of age guided by wisdom long held and known.
The Mastery of Love by Don Miguel Ruiz
In the Toltec tradition, there are three fundamental masteries that guide us to our true nature which is happiness, freedom and love. Mastery of Love is the third mastery that comes as a result of the first two: Mastery of Awareness and Mastery of Transformation. In the Toltec tradition, everything in life is made of love and Love is life itself. The ultimate goal of these masteries is to reclaim our divinity and become one with God, the ultimate artist of Love. Ruiz powerfully discusses why the “domestication” and the “image of perfection” lead to self-rejection, how the war of control slowly destroys most relationships, why we hunt for love in others and how to capture the love inside us, and how to finally accept and forgive ourselves and others. Learn the path of love with Don Miguel Ruiz.
The Energy of Money by Dr. Maria Nemith
Combining a complete self-help and self-discovery regimen with proven methods of money management, The Energy of Money details twelve key principles to help people build a new relationship with money, achieve their personal goals and find financial wealth. Nemeth masterfully combines science and spirituality and provides practical exercises that help a person manifest prosperity and ultimately create a unique contribution to the world. This is for anyone who has limiting beliefs around money, fears around deprivation or scarcity, and blocks to receiving financial abundance. If you want to improve your relationship with your financial life, this is a must-read!
The Dark Side of the Light Chasers by Debbie Ford
In this enlightening guide, Debbie Ford provides illuminating stories and practical exercises to help a person reclaim their power, creativity, brilliance and dreams. She explains how our instinct is to hide our dark sides, the emotions and traits we fear most in ourselves. Instead of shunning the darkness, Ford explains how to reconcile with this part that exists within every human. She explains how merging light and dark actually leads to greater wholeness and true recognition of one’s brilliance as there are gifts in the darkness as much as the light. This is for anyone looking to understand the deep complexities of the human experience; for anyone looking to live life more fully. Ford shows you how to find greater understanding and fulfillment by listening to your heart, accepting, appreciating and embracing all of who you are.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Written by Brazilian author, Paulo Coehlo, The Alchemist follows the story of a young, Andalusian shepherd boy who goes on an adventure for a great treasure, a treasure dreams tell him he is destined to find. He faces many trials as he goes on this journey, but stays true to his path. The philosophy that underpins this piece is that "when you really want something to happen, the whole universe will conspire so that your wish comes true." It is a story that reminds us to listen to our hearts, follow our dreams, and see the signs the universe continually lays in our path to point us where we need to go. It is filled with inspiration to listen to the call, find and follow one’s destiny, trusting that the universe has your back.
The Life You Were Born to Live by Dan Millman
Dan Millman, author of Way of the Peaceful Warrior, offers a practical and seemingly magical guide towards finding your life’s purpose in The Life You Were Born to Live. Based on the concept of numerology, Millman shares the Life-Purpose System in a way that allows you to understand your personal life path, where you’re headed and the greatest obstacles you’ll work to overcome in order to get where you’re supposed to be. Millman explains how he remains an empiricist at heart, applying critical thinking and skepticism to magical thinking and untested notions. The book combines science and universal magic to understand the life path of an individual person. This is an insightful read that can provide clarity and affirmation for your life experience. Especially if you are currently experiencing any life obstacles, this one will likely support you with many reassuring ah-ha moments.
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Untamed is another one loaded with insightful, inspiring wisdom on living life fully. It definitely contains quotes you’ll want to record and review to inspire your everyday. Glennon Doyle recounts her life of long trying to be someone she was not, abandoning herself to please everyone else. In Untamed, she encourages women to quit pleasing and start living, to quit being “good” so we can be free. This memoir is described as a “galvanizing wake-up call” that shows women that in order to show up fully for all the people we love, we must live fully for ourselves first. We must trust ourselves, maintain our boundaries, honor our anger, pain and heartbreak, ultimately unleashing the wild woman, constantly returning to our inner knowing, instincts and living life bravely.
Okay, so I am thoroughly inspired just after writing these brief synopses for each book! I want to ingest all of them right now! Some I’ve read, some I want to re-read and some are recent recommendations from my own teachers. I’m finishing up The Life You Were Born to Live and then I’m diving into The Mastery of Love!
I love the power of storytelling: how sharing a story can deeply shape and inspire another person’s life. Hope the stories in these books inspire you!
Which one will you read first?!