Getting rid of routines is not an easy task. Most people fail at their resolutions because they lack willpower. If you choose the right time and a good strategy, you can break a habit you want – or take advantage of it.
There are many books on mindfulness that can help you to find your way, but which ones are really good and helpful?
Recently, I gathered up my piles of books scattered in various corners and sorted them systematically into my shelf again.
In doing so, I noticed how many books revolve around the topic of mindfulness, and how often I use them in coaching sessions and also for myself personally, leaf through them and always like to come back to the stories and advice of the authors. That’s why they end up lying around everywhere …
The word mindfulness is now used in so many places, and only a few can really explain what is behind it. Even though the essence of mindfulness is so simple – to stay in the present more consciously and more often – living a mindful life is not that easy.
So I’ve put together a list of my 5 favourite books that deal with mindfulness in different ways. If you are interested in this topic, then you also might want to try a Mindfulness Challenge for one month. But before that, here is my selection.
1. The Mindfulness Solution: Everyday Practices for Everyday Problems by Ronald D. Siegel PsyD
In a world filled with the pursuit of trivia and monetary gain, Dr Siegel’s book stands out from the crowd. Based on Buddhist teachings, the author is a leader in the contemporary application of a logical and effective philosophy of life, the essence of which is to be aware and enjoy the moment, rather than reflecting on past events or anticipated future stresses.
Presented in a compelling, concise, methodical and easy-to-read manner, the lessons can be used to address chronic pain as well as identity and awareness crises. I recommend this book to beginners, coaches and all those who value insight.
2. Full Catastrophe Living by Jon Kabat-Zinn
If you have health problems and traditional medicine failed you then this book may be useful to you. Especially if you are curious about meditation and its health benefits. It has helped me in many ways and will continue to do so. It describes the 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction program that Kabat-Zinn teaches at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center and guides you through it.
It provides case studies of people suffering (sometimes horribly) from a variety of health problems. These range from stress to panic attacks to heart disease…
If you are frustrated (and are at the end of your journey, perhaps suffering) because of health or life problems, you may want to try different forms of meditation presented in this book, as well as some forms of yoga. This is alternative medicine at its best. However, it requires a lot of hard work.
3. The Art of Living: Vipassana Meditation by William Hart
Anyone who has ever attended a 10-day Vipassana retreat will recognise some of the stories from the evening lectures in this book. And those (like me) who have never done it, will definitely want to take a part in this 10-day retreat after finishing the book.
William Hart interweaves the theory of Vipassana meditation with entertaining stories that explain from different perspectives how this meditation practice works and what makes it so valuable.
Among them are many suggestions that you can integrate directly into your everyday life and that help you to realign your thoughts and prepare yourself for “the art of living”.
4. The Wisdom of Insecurity by Alan Watts
Alan Watts radically challenges common assumptions we have about life. In particular, he looks at the prevailing tendency to want to plan and control life.
Behind all this effort, in his view, is our anxious ego that feels threatened by the world. In this book, Watts instead shows the way to a deeper dimension of consciousness that enables us to face life openly and fearlessly. A profound book with many radical and exciting approaches.
5. The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh
This book by the renowned Vietnamese Buddhist monk, activist and poet Thich Nhat Hanh offers advice on how to live thoughtfully. Like most of Hanh’s other works, this one is short, with the preface and overview taking up almost as much space as the chapters themselves.
The seven chapters that make up the book explore mindfulness from different angles and approaches and have a loose outline. I recommend this book to meditators and those who want to become meditators, and to anyone who feels that life is slipping away from them because they are constantly stressed and their mind is spinning out of control.
Remember, changing habits takes strength, time and courage. But with the right timing, a good strategy and willpower, you can do it – and in the process, you learn a lot about yourself.
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All book recommendations listed on this page contain affiliate links. These are my personal recommendations for products or services. If you buy an item or accept an offer through these links, I will receive a small commission in return. There are no further costs for you. With your purchase, you support my free offers like my blog. Thank you for that!
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