Newbie’s to the wellness and inner-work club, this is your time. Wellness and soul-maintenance are becoming increasingly important in our everyday lives. While we’re here for it, we’ll admit that things can get a little overwhelming. Suddenly we’re learning how to freshly navigate life/love/work/selfhood all at the same time and with a whole new set of skills. On a good algorithm day, social media pushes through content and break-down posts which makes wellness super accessible. Sometimes though, a post just isn’t enough, no matter how thorough it promises to be. The reality is, nothing can compete with the level of depth that a 300-400 page wellness book can serve you.
While there is almost always space for one more book on the damn-near collapsing bookshelf, there are some books you may want to ‘add to cart’ immediately. Thankfully, deepening your connection to yourself just got easier with these six top wellness reads.
Wellness comes in many different forms. We’re thinking spiritual, emotional, physical, mental wellness and even healing generational wounds. We have a varied selection of books to target all aspects of the wellness journey. Read on to find out exactly which books you should read to kickstart your wellness journey.
Related: Golde – A Black-Owned Wellness Brand You Need to Know About
‘Women Who Run With The Wolves’ by Clarissa Pinkola Estés
This is an OG book for those wanting to tap into their wildest instincts and inner strength. It’s giving: speak your truth, straighten your back, and unblock your throat chakra, all at once. Clarissa Pinkola Estés blends myths, fairytales, and anecdotes to bring to life the image of the Wild Woman. This book is written to make you fall in love with who you once were, and to nurture your pre-civilized self into being untamed once again. It’s a hefty read with 500+ pages and one for lovers of philosophical story times. We recommend this as a nighttime read to condition your brain with some magic before bed.
‘Ritual’ by Malidoma Patrice Somé
A fascinating read that encourages thanksgiving and a ritualized life as a way to find balance. Malidoma Patrice Somé walks readers through a myriad of ways to live a more empowered spiritual life, using stories and wisdoms from his native West African Dagara culture. Calling on examples of grief (which the writer suggests is not held with the same level of importance in Western countries) and living in alignment with community, the book invites individuals living in Western countries to incorporate more traditional and simple habits into their daily rituals. If you’re looking to develop new spiritual practices in your daily life, ‘Ritual’ is the ultimate wellness book to read.
‘Becoming Supernatural‘ by Dr. Joe Dispenza
Dr. Joe Dispenza doesn’t hold back with this bestselling guide on ‘Becoming Supernatural’. This self-help book is a must-read for those wanting to know the science behind a healthy mind, body, and spirit. The teachings aim to demystify some of the processes that keep us stuck in unhealthy cycles. You’ll never look at your physical or energetic body the same after you read even the first chapter. Expect to learn how to break neurological pathways, how to use the power of breath to heal yourself, and the secret science behind the pineal gland.
This is the type of book that works as a companion to life. It’s far too science-based to breeze through quickly plus it comes with activities to put into practice, so we recommend you read this slowly. You’ll better grasp and implement the teachings this way.
‘The Four Agreements‘ by Don Miguel Ruiz
An absolute staple, ‘The Four Agreements’ truly belongs on every bookshelf. Don Miguel Ruiz writes to illuminate how society has forgotten many of the basic principles of being. It reminds you to extend grace to yourself and others, to refuse the position as victim or villain and, most notably, how to commit to yourself, every day. As a sneak-peak, we’ll share what the Four Agreements are: Be Impeccable With Your Word, Don’t Take Anything Personally, Don’t Make Assumptions, Always Do Your Best. This is the type of book you slip into your bag and meditate on throughout the day.
‘How To Heal Toxic Thoughts‘ by Sandra Ingerman
‘How To Heal Toxic Thoughts’ will be hard to put down, we promise you. It comes across as a beginner’s book for spiritual wellness but could also be a great refresher for those who need a gentle nudge about breathing techniques and speaking to negative thoughts. It is often described as the first book on the reading list if you’re into crystals and manifestations as it puts everything into perspective. This is the kind of book you fly through and then lend to friends and buy copies for everyone else.
‘The Body Keeps the Score‘ by Bessel van der Kolk
Put simply, ‘The Body Keeps the Score’ is a hidden gem that will transform your understanding of the mind-body relationship. Trauma expert Bessel van der Kolk reveals how traumatic stress rearranges the brain’s wiring – particularly areas relating to pleasure, engagement, control, and trust. As many carry trauma in their bodies without having sufficient tools or language to express or unpack it, this book is a must-read. Work your way through healing or simply recognize the effects of physical/emotional trauma with a book that wants to help you break trauma cycles indefinitely.
Read your wellness books wherever you go
Your wellness journey is not a part-time kinda gig. Don’t let weighty books stop you from reading on the go! Your favorite books are likely available to read on a Kindle. This means you can continue your practice wherever you go. We recommend the Kindle Oasis as a lightweight, trusty companion while out and about. Happy reading!
Related: 10 Books To Upgrade Your Mindset And Life For The New Year
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