9 Transformative Books That Changed My Life
Books are my preferred avenue of inspiration; they never fail to expand my consciousness and alter my perspective. I have been a voracious reader since childhood, and average about 80 books per year. The following is a list of my absolute favorites which made themselves known to me post spiritual awakening and have molded the course of my spiritual path. I recommend all of these (in no particular order) to anyone who wants to drastically transform their lives for the better.
1. Waking up in 5D by Maureen St. Germain– If you are an empath or lightworker navigating the different dimensions of consciousness, this is the book for you. St. Germain is a high-vibe spiritual teacher who competently explains how to raise your frequency and leave your 3D reality behind. She also touches on fascinating topics such as how to bend time to your will, access the akashic records, invoke your dragon guides and learn the language of the 5th dimension. I’m not going to lie, this one is pretty high on the “woo” spectrum, but her words ring true to me.
2. Urban Shaman by Serge Kahili King– Drawing from the traditions of Hawaiian shamanism, or Huna, Urban Shaman is a charming and accessible introduction to shamanism with a unique perspective. The author’s easy, conversational tone makes the reading experience feel like meeting your best friend for brunch to talk about self care and spirituality. Kahili King teaches his well-honed techniques and methods in such away that anyone can implement them right away. And yet, they are nothing short of utterly transformational.
3. Healing with Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford– I am a strong believer that food is medicine. Our deep connection to the Earth is undeniable and she provides us with everything we need. Pitchford’s impressive tome details the amazing healing properties of nearly every fruit and vegetable. I may be an energy healer, but I am also an Earth sign and love supplementing my practice with nature’s bounty. For example, did you know that apples can protect the lungs from cigarette smoking, ameliorate indigestion and cleanse toxic metals and radiation residue from the body? Nearly every ailment is listed in the index at the back of the book with references to the corresponding remedies. Whether you want to lose weight, increase your longevity + vitality, or purge parasites from your system, there is something here for everyone.
4. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle– This is the book that accompanied me through my reiki master attunement and will always have a special place in my heart. I credit it with helping me to overcome my fear of flying and since then I have faced my fears and embarked on many transatlantic flights. The Power of Now is the type of book that I find myself picking up time and time again so I can revisit Tolle’s profound lessons and wisdom. My favorite quote that will forever remain with me is, “Accept every moment as if you had chosen it.” I recommend this to anyone who is looking to liberate themselves from the hypnotic monkey mind and cultivate inner peace.
5. Inner Work by Robert Johnson– If you’ve ever wanted to plumb the depths of your unconscious mind, dream analysis is one of the most viable methods of doing so. “People often asked Dr. Jung, ‘Will we make it?’ Referring to the cataclysm of our time. He always replied, ‘If enough people do their inner work.’” Johnson shares effective and practical methods you can use to remember, record, examine and transmute your dreams in order to make the unconscious conscious. But be forewarned, this path is not for the faint of heart.
6. Buddhism for Busy People by David Michie– You don’t need to identify as Buddhist in order to get something out of Michie’s inspirational work. I discovered this book early on in the midst of my spiritual awakening and it opened my eyes to the radical manner in which meditation can expand and alter consciousness. Michie’s thought-provoking ideas and personal approach are inspiring and relatable regardless of your personal brand of spirituality. The philosophy he shares is uplifting and universally applicable. Take what resonates and leave the rest.
7. Awakening to the Spirit World by Sandra Ingerman– Whether you have yet to dip your feet into the world(s) of shamanism or you’re already a seasoned practitioner, Awakening to the Spirit World has something for everyone. A gifted writer and well-respected healer, Ingerman explores what it means to be a shaman, journeying as an empowering practice, our innate ability to co-create our reality, how to conduct blessings and rituals, and much more. If you’re seeking something heart-opening that will encourage you to own your power, I highly recommend this one.
8. Eastern Body, Western Mind by Anodea Judith– This is the intriguing territory where energy healing and psychology intersect. Judith is an accomplished therapist who calls upon her vast knowledge to examine the chakra system through a psychological lens. If you are curious about the effects that past trauma may have on the energy body and how blockages and imbalances can develop, Eastern Body Western Mind is an incredibly illuminating resource. Judith’s astute insights continue to echo within my consciousness and I greatly admire her unique and resonant analysis.
9. Your Secret Self by Tracy Marks– I’ve been looking for a book like this my entire life and when I finally stumbled upon it, my mind was blown. Your Secret Self is a captivating hybrid of astrology and psychology that discusses the realm of your birth chart known as the 12th house. The 12th house is the sphere of life associated with the hidden self, karma, the unconscious, solitude and spirituality. Any planets that reside there indicate which latent energies dwell within your unconscious. Even if you do not prescribe to astrology, the planets can be viewed as symbolic archetypes that exist within the psyche. Marks describes how you can go about casting a light on your shadow and integrating the disconnected fragments of the true self to achieve wholeness. If you are serious about shadow work and aware of the intensity of such a path, then this is the one for you. No other book has made me question the very fabric of my life to such a degree… I am still reeling.
I want to know, which books have influenced your spiritual journey? Have you read any of the ones on this list? I am an avid reader and love receiving recommendations!
