Mindfulness has exploded in popularity over the last couple of decades, aided by Fortune 500 companies, celebrities, and authors lauding its everyday benefits. You can’t just throw somebody into a book on mindfulness and expect them to not be turned off by it. The way you pique somebody’s interest is through small nudges. Ease them into it. When they’re ready, suggest a book and see what happens.
10% Happier by Dan Harris
Dan Harris tells the tale of his life and how meditation has helped him live a more compassionate and fulfilled life. Dan is the perfect example of a typical, non-spiritual guy who realizes that meditation doesn’t always have to drastically transform one’s life – it can simply make one’s current one happier.
Waking Up by Sam Harris
The book “Mindfulness” by Sam Harris explains that our concept of the “self” is false and keeps us stuck in a dream-like state of discontent and misdirected thinking. By practising meditation, we can “wake up” from this state and live life rather than sputtering along on autopilot. The book is a must-read for many who have never practised mindfulness before.
The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer
The Untethered Soul is a book that teaches people how to get out of their heads, transcend their ego, and manage their anxiety. Your thoughts are only the outputs of a constantly busy intellect; they do not define you. The book was important in starting my own journey of self-discovery and mindfulness.
Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn
Mindfulness is all about becoming aware of your surroundings and living in peace and harmony with yourself. Jon Kabat-Zinn delivers chapter-by-chapter views into the numerous elements of mindfulness in this book. It’s a method of letting go, remaining nonjudgmental, loving, and accepting the current moment.
The Headspace Guide to Meditation and Mindfulness: How Mindfulness Can Change Your Life in Ten Minutes a Day by Andy Puddicombe
Andy Puddicombe, the founder of Headspace, is a former Buddhist monk with extensive experience teaching the discipline. He began his contemplative journey in the same way that the rest of us did: as an ordinary, busy guy dealing with everyday concerns and stress. The Headspace app altered my life, and we’re sure it has impacted many other people’s lives..
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz is a guide to living life fully and remaining conscious. Don does a fantastic job of bringing ancient Toltec wisdom into the current world. No one can deny that his views present a formidable code of conduct. You should be aware that this is a book that you will want to take with you at all times.
Mindfulness: An Eight-Week Plan for Finding Peace in a Frantic World by Mark Williams and Danny Penman
To get there, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy is a step-by-step method. The approach devised by Mark Williams and Danny Penman includes a series of basic but effective activities that you can begin practising right now. It’s safe to say that this stuff works because science is a cornerstone of their techniques. This book was a pleasant surprise and came highly recommended for anyone looking for a helping hand on their journey.
