The Power Of Now- Eckhart Tolle

Named by New York Times as "the most popular spiritual author in the United States" Tolle has definitely opened up my mind to a different level of consciousness and has put words to so many things I felt but had no language for. I love his funny German voice (I say that affectionately) and I often listen to his audiobooks before bed as I find them to be very soothing.

A return to love- Marianne Williamson

While she wouldn’t be my vote for the democratic nominee for the 2020 US election, this is a fantastic book by Marianne Williamson that literally changed my life. I first picked it up when I was in a really dark period of my life, and this book taught me to how to let go of my ego and choose love over fear once and for all. As one person on Amazon writes, “Whether you are an atheist, agnostic, religious or spiritual, the theme in this book is applicable to whatever you believe or don't believe. It clearly and succinctly explains the benefits of extending love, which resides within us all , and the overwhelming results we individually receive when we do so.”

10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works- Dan Harris

If you’re an ambitious, Type-A kinda person who often find yourself rolling your eyes at the idea of self-help and spirituality, this book is for you. After having a nationally televised panic attack on Good Morning America, the author Dan Harris embarks on an unexpected path towards self-discovery and meditation. This book is great for people who are new to meditation, skeptical about meditation, and just anyone who wants one man’s very real and pragmatic story about the road to a more peaceful, happier life.

The Pocket Pema Chodron- Pema Chodron

I love this woman so much I named my cat Pema. Even though this is a tiny pocket book, it’s packed full of insight and wisdom. It’s one of those books that you can flip to any page and read at random for some quick inspiration. I often read it in the morning before meditation or before I walk out the door, and it fills me with insight and food for thought. As one person on Amazon writes, “I keep this gem in my pocket instead of my iPhone all workday long. I focus on one chapter a day and every time I'm feeling anxious and stressed I read it and instantly feel calm and centered.”

I am not a religious person, but I have come to love the act of prayer and I love asking the powers greater than me for guidance and love. I believe it’s our right (and a joy) to communicate with the universe as much as possible and Tosha Silver shows us just how to do that. Sometimes we may not have the words, and Silver does an amazing job of putting together beautiful prayers for every situation. She’s taught me to ask for things I didnt even know I wanted to ask for! Prayer has become a regular part of life that brings me so much peace, joy and connection and I am so grateful for this sacred practice.

WomanCode: Perfect Your Cycle, Amplify Your Fertility, Supercharge Your Sex Drive, and Become a Power Source- Alisa Vitti

Did you know that PMS isn’t normal? Common, yes, but it’s not supposed to be that way. If you get really bad periods, this is a good starter book to learn about your cycle and hormones. I was on the pill for 10+ years and while the pill has it’s benefits (aka not getting pregs!), there are also a ton of negatives. After I got off the pill, my hormones went crazy, my skin was a disaster and my moods were all over the place. This book helped me understand what was going on in my body every month, and after following some of the suggestions, within a few months my periods were 10x better. It’s crazy to me that they don’t teach this stuff in school, and it’s so important that we educate ourselves. Knowledge really is power.

Awareness: The Perils and Opportunities of Reality- Anthony DeMello

It’s kind of hard to explain this book, but in short, the author summarizes spirituality as “waking up.” In explaining how we do this, DeMello is blunt, and if you dig this style of writing (like I do), you’ll find it hilarious and refreshing, too. It’s a book about finding true freedom, which comes from being aware of your ego and dis-identifying from it. It’s a book about spirituality, about waking up from this dream, but in a totally practical and straight forward way. If you’re on the spiritual path or have had some experience with meditation, this book will speak to you.

Salt- Nayyirah Waheed

This book of poems is raw, comforting and everything in between. Similar to the more popular Milk & Honey (which I also love), this book can be read in one sitting, or you can slowly digest one poem at a time, letting each one marinate your soul. Simply stunning.

Inward- Yung Pueblo

Another book of short poems from a long-time meditator Yung Pueblo. I originally found is work on Instagram, and loved it so much I wanted to be able to have a tangible copy to flip through (away from my phone). These poems are simple but inspiring, full of depth and leave me feeling calm and thoughtful every time.

The Mystic Path to Cosmic Power- Vernon Howard

Don’t let the title of this book fool you. It was written in the 1960’s, when language like this didn’t garner so many eye rolls. It doesn’t take away from the fact that Howard was a great spiritual teacher of his time. I cannot say enough wonderful things about this book. My version is totally busted up, dog-eared and highlighted, as there is gold and wisdom on every page. I would say this is for the more “advanced” and serious spiritual seeker, so if you’re looking for something that goes a little deeper, here it is.

Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner's Guide: 33 Healing Herbs to Know, Grow, and Use

My first herbal remedy book from when I was studying herbalism in Brooklyn, New York. This book is great for beginners, but can also probably be found on the shelf of every professional herbalist. Rosemary Gladstar is one of the modern pioneers of the craft, and there are so many fun and accessible recipes in this book from tinctures and decoctions to face creams and masks! If you’re interested in learning, this is a great place to start!

The Power of Vulnerability: Teachings of Authenticity, Connection, and Courage- Brene Brown

This is only available in audio format from Audible because it’s more of a long conversation that was recorded live over the course of two days. It’s a combination of the themes from Brown’s most notable works, and as always, she’s down-to-earth, funny, raw and easy to understand. If you want to learn to be more confident, authentic, and empowered, this book will show you how in a totally relatable and entertaining way.

Comedy Sex God- Pete Holmes

I love this book! It combines so many of my favorite things. Pete Holmes is a comedian and also a wonderful story teller, so his auto-biography is down right hilarious. Holmes is able to explain spirituality in a way I have never heard anyone do before. He’s got a very interesting perspective and is able to explain complicated things in a easy to understand way. Great for anyone who’s ever had to deal with religious guilt who longed for more meaning outside of traditional religion.