I highly recommend reading or listening to these 5 books as we transition into a new year. I believe the messages from each of these authors will cultivate feelings of strength and empowerment, as well as calmness and peace. These are all feelings we can find on our mat and dig into deeper.
Each of these books will challenge your perspective and perhaps even challenge some limited beliefs you are holding onto. View this as being similar to practicing crow pose - it takes time and patience; sometimes it’s frustrating; you have good days and bad days. But there will be a moment when you choose to just go for it and you’ll take flight! It’ll be invigorating and the consistent practice will have been worth it.
1. The Desire Map by Danielle Laporte
I re-read this book every December and come up with my core desired feelings for the year ahead. It’s a fresh way to look at goal setting and resolutions. The book includes a workbook portion where you get to actively participate in the process. Many readers also love visiting this practice around their birthday.
2. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
You may have heard Shelley Gordon repeat these agreements in her classes. They are special and relatively well-known in the yoga community. Best of all it’s a quick read. Commit to reading a few pages a day before/after your yoga practice OR take an entire afternoon and enjoy it!
3. 24/6 by Tiffany Shlain
I shared this recommendation in a past month when we explored technology boundaries and our relationship to social media. The author is full of insight but also includes many relatable stories paired with tactful tips.
4. Super Attractor by Gabrielle Bernstein
If you’re curious about more spiritual, manifestation and meditative practices, this author is your gateway in. Gabby has been my mentor from afar for years. I am always inspired by her work and I find it challenges me in all the right ways. This book specifically focuses on manifesting a life beyond your wildest dreams!
5. Didn't See That Coming by Rachel Hollis
The subtitle of this book says it all: Putting Life Back Together When Your World Falls Apart. Normally this author is quite humorous when storytelling so while this book does include a small percentage of that lightness, she also acts as your friend leading the way through a challenging season. Whether 2020 feels like it really punched you in the gut or you are still processing other difficult seasons, you’ll want this book to hold your hand and empower you through.
Order a copy from your local bookstore or borrow a copy from a friend or the library. Audiobooks are also available if you'd rather listen. While I love to read a physical book, Helena prefers audiobooks. Do whatever suits you best!
I hope you find golden nuggets from these authors and use any tools they share that might resonate with you. You can watch my short IGTV with a little more insight here.