Life is a spiritual journey and my companions are the 12 best spiritual books that have helped me on my sacred voyage.
I’ve known from when I was a small child there was something mystical about this world. I remembered past lives and saw snippets of the future in this life. Born without the veil of forgetting my soul’s journey, since then I’ve felt the pull towards esoteric knowledge.
How I discovered the 12 best spiritual books
Hundreds of books later, I’m beginning to understand the golden thread that runs through each one, which meshes together the tapestry of life. It’s been a journey to be sure, yet one that has been utterly fascinating and revealing. But such travels are never complete, there’s always more to learn. And that’s how I discovered my 12 best spiritual books.
Luckily, we're all surrounded by enlightened teachers, who generously share their knowledge of ancient wisdom with the modern world. No longer do we have to unearth dusty tomes of treasure in a backstreet bookstore, because such spiritual learning is now simply a download away. How lucky are we?
I want to share what I consider to be the 12 best spiritual books with you. These are my personal favourites, which have become trusted friends that I refer to in those moments when I wonder why I’m here, and what I’m meant to do with this lifetime.
These books challenge my preconceptions of who and what I am, yet they do so with pure grace. So, here goes:
The 12 best spiritual books list:
The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment – Eckarte Tolle: This book shows the importance of living in the present moment and that there is only Now. Eckarte Tolle reminds us that ‘Most humans are never fully present in the now because of the belief that the next moment must be more important than this one. But then you miss your whole life, which is never not now. And that’s a realization for some people: to realize that your life is only ever now.’ He teaches how living in the past or future is the source of suffering; and that living in the now is the true source of your inner peace.
The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success: A Practical Guide to the Fulfillment of Your Dreams – Deepak Chopra: A few years ago, I put a post on Twitter to ask what’s the best way to deal with anxiety. I was amazed to receive ‘Just breathe,’ from Deepak Chopra, who had taken the time to reply to my tweet during a long flight. Whenever I recall reading his reply, I smile. The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success is a reminder that success isn’t simply the result of an ambitious mindset, nose-to-the-grindstone or smart goals. Instead success comes when we learn to understand our true selves and live in harmony with spiritual law. At the end of each chapter there are steps outlined to incorporate into your daily life to bring you closer to the life you desire.
The Four Agreements: Practical Guide to Personal Freedom (Toltec Wisdom Book) – Don Miguel Ruiz: A New York Times bestseller for over 8 years, translated into 40 languages worldwide, this book is based on ancient Toltec sagacity and outlines the source of the self-limiting beliefs that keep us from fulfilling our true potential. Don Miguel Ruiz teaches how to quickly transform our minds and empower ourselves through a set of spiritual principles. This in turn gives the courage and freedom to forge our way forward to a new life.
A Course in Miracles – Dr Helen Schuman: If ever there was a book to challenge you to think about why you think the way you do, then this small but profound book is it. It enables you to dare to confront your own ego’s bullshit and opens your eyes to a new world of seeing the world. Changes happen within you that you never thought possible, as you see through the ‘smoke and mirrors’ of the illusions of your own mind.
Conversations with God – Book 1: An Uncommon Dialogue – Neale Donald Walsch: This book was written when the author had experienced a low point in his life. He decided to write a rant in the form of a ‘letter to God’ and was amazed to receive answers to the questions he raised. To my mind it’s a reminder that we all have the spark of the divine within us, which speaks to us through our subconscious mind. When you ask yourself a question in the right way, you’ll be astounded to discover the wisdom – and previously faulty thinking – within you. Beautifully written, this book takes you on a journey that provides insight into the problems all humans face.
The Alchemist: A Fable About Following Your Dream – Paulo Coeho: A series of enlightening parables is woven with storytelling magic in this extraordinary story. A young shepherd boy, Santiago, decides to leave the hills of Andalucia on an adventure of travel to distant lands. Throughout his journey, he meets people who sow the seeds of life-changing realizations, eternal truths scattered along the path to self-discovery. Of course, this book is really about you and the life-changing discoveries you will make as you move towards the dreams held in your heart. It opens you up to notice, and act upon, the omens that quietly reveal themselves; and shows how the universe supports you with every step you take on your own personal quest.
The Astonishing Power of Emotions: Let Your Feelings Be Your Guide – Esther & Jerry Hicks (The Teachings of Abraham): This book was a wake-up call to my consciousness. For the first time I realized that emotions were not simply bouncing around from moment-to-moment within me. Instead feelings and emotions are simply feedback from the higher self, alerting us to notice if we need to change our thoughts and actions. The analogy of an internal sat-nav system that tells us if we’re on course or need to make a quick U-turn to get back on track is useful. Instead of believing emotions are simply experienced in response to what is happening in our lives, this incredible book teaches that we can tune into and gain knowledge of how our emotions are trying to direct us towards a better life.
Inner Engineering: A Yogi’s Guide to Joy– Sadhguru: I first discovered Sadhguru on YouTube and now listen to him most days. A guru who is down-to-earth and intuitively imparts perception with sparkling humour to his audience. This man talks complete and divine sense, to enable you to release yourself from your own fears through the inner engineering of your own being, allowing you to move freely past your fears.
Sacred Contracts: Awakening Your Divine Potential – Caroline Myss: If you’ve ever wondered why you’re on this planet – you’re about to discover the answer. Caroline Myss is a medical intuitive who analyses how not understanding your life purpose is the cause of metaphysical disease. This reveals itself through anxiety, depression, fatigue and physical dis-ease. This book enables you to discover who you fundamentally are, through the explanation of archetypes and understanding yourself through your relationship with others. A great ‘how-to’ book to work out the sacred contract your soul made.
Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life – Dr Wayne W Dyer: A series of 81 essays based the ageless wisdom of Lao Tzu, written some 2,500 years ago, within the Tao Te Ching book. Each short chapter outlines how these ancient teachings are still relevant to the modern world. Read one essay and meditate on its meaning to your own life. As you do so, you’ll peel away misunderstandings about yourself and life. A fantastic book to improve your mental focus and ability to remain still within yourself within a busy world.
Loving What Is: Four Questions That Can Change Your Life – Byron Katie: After a decade of sinking into the pits of depression, anger and despair at what her life had become, Byron Katie woke one morning feeling total joy, with the knowledge that her misery had gone. She developed what she refers to as ‘The Work,’ a series of four simple questions that lead you to see through the fog of your thinking, by questioning and re-examining the stories that you tell yourself about who you are and your life. Although considered a ‘self-help’ book by many, I believe that any teacher who can help you to dissolve the ego’s false beliefs, is a valuable guide for your spiritual journey. Illuminating and poignant, these questions will lead you to your higher ground.
Mantras in Motion: Manifesting What You Want Through Mindful Movement – Erin Stutland: If you prefer spirituality served up with a large dollop of practical application, this book offers a tri-fold basis for creating change. Merging physical movement with mental application and spiritual energy, Erin Stutland shows how merging these with positive mantras enable you to manifest what you require and desire. With meditations, visualizations, journaling and movement combined, you are guided through a 14 day plan towards the materialization of your dream.
I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about my 12 best spiritual books. I’m also an author and my latest book Tap Yourself Happy: How to Use Aromatherapy and Energy Psychology to Become Happier is now available on Kindle.
Why not get bang up-to-date and treat yourself to a Kindle? It’s the perfect companion to read the 12 best spiritual books! Just think – all your books in one place – perfect for holidays, travelling and reading in bed.
If you’ve enjoyed learning about my 12 best spiritual books, take a look at my blog on my favourite 10 best self help books: 10 Best Self-Help Books (ruthybaker.com)
Did you like this blog? You know, sharing is caring, right? So please share this blog with your friends!
Do you have a secret desire to write a book? Then everything you need to know about writing a book is right here - click on the link: 40 Days To A Finished Book!
Want to create big change in your life and have yourself some freedom from the daily 9 to 5 grind? Click on the link: Learn how to step into your best life by gaining the skills that you need!
To be updated with my latest blogs, books and courses – please fill in the contact form - Click on the Menu and then click Contact - I’ll be thrilled to hear from you!
© Ruthy Baker 2020
Comments