Our brain is designed to continue learning – it keeps us youthful – and our soul growing and expanding in awareness and wisdom. The following reads are some of my favourite ways to achieve just that! Many are oldies and goodies, and I’m sure you’ll gain as much from them as I do.
I aim to get through one audio book a week. Generally, instead of playing music in my car (unless I have my teenager with me who insists on playing her music), I choose to drive around in ‘car university’ and take that time to absorb new information. On long road trips Eric and I often listen to relationship books together. When I drive to each retreat I lead, I always listen to Return to Love by Marianne Williamson. This always gets me in the zone to hold space for groups of women.
Committing to your personal development takes nothing but the conscious decision to do so. I love listening to podcasts and educational You Tube clips while I’m cooking dinner; it’s a great way to multitask in a meaningful way. Several times a week, I also soak in the bath while watching a documentary or some of my favourite spiritual teachers in action. Ninety-nine percent of my ‘background noise’ or ‘entertainment time’ is non-fiction.
With such a finite amount of time on this planet, we have a choice in how we spend our time. Instead of blobbing on the couch binge-watching the latest series (I occasionally do that too when my brain needs a break!) I am always looking to use my time wisely by developing my intelligence and growth. At the moment, I am up-skilling myself in business, so am indulging in podcasts, online courses and audio books around next-levelling my business and its impact in the world.
Whatever your biggest life challenge is right now, I recommend starting to absorb information from the experts and immersing yourself in it. And, regardless of the weakest area in your present life, that’s a great place to seek out ways to improve and expand in that area, too. These are often areas we don’t value as much as others, so it’s good to look at what you haven’t mastered yet and learn about it. Money is a big concern for a lot of people. When I was disempowered with money, I read countless books on changing my relationship with it, and learning about how to invest wisely to secure my financial future.
Here are my top ten books I’ve selected to inspire you:
- The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
This is my most read book. First published in 2005, I have read it every year since I first obtained it in 2007. It is the quintessential book of learning on how to live completely in the moment and comprehensive teaching about the human ego. The teachings in this book prepared me for the loss of our home in the 2008 property crash and my ex-husband’s bankruptcy, which enabled me to let go and walk this challenging part of my life with dignity and grace.
Click here to view: https://amzn.to/3o83t0X - Biology of Belief by Bruce Lipton
This is an essential tool for understanding the science behind how our belief systems impact every cell in our body. It covers epigenetics and demonstrates that we ‘are not our genes’ and that our own consciousness has the ultimate power to activate and deactivate genetic expression. This book will transform the way you look at your body and help you understand the power of thought.
Click here to view: https://amzn.to/3IKQ0Wh - Power versus Force by David Hawkins
First given to me by me my dear friend and colleague, neurologist Dr Matthew Phillips, this book explains the science of vibrational frequency and the power of the emotional frequency scale. It demonstrates the purpose and power of unconditional love and I believe that is our primary mission on this planet: to obtain the frequency of unconditional love. Dr Hawkins passed away a few years ago and his teachings around consciousness are some of the best in history.
Click here to view: https://amzn.to/3zes8Yf - Why Won’t You Apologise by Harriet Lerner
Humans make several communication mistakes that can rip families and friendships apart. This book has helped me both learn how to consciously apologise and also recognise why I couldn’t accept apologies from others. An example of conflict and apology is someone saying, “I’m sorry you feel that way”. This often evokes an emotional trigger in the receiver because they still feel unseen and as though their pain is not fully understood by the perpetrator. This book helps us realise that authentic apologies are about taking ownership and making someone feel truly heard, and it teaches us the skills to mend relationships and protect the ones we have.
Click here to view: https://amzn.to/3uVxTaJ - Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Joe Dispenza
Joe Dispenza is a ground-breaking forward-thinking author and teacher I have been following for decades. He covers quantum physics, neuroscience, brain chemistry, biology and genetics, to show you what is truly possible. He bridges the gap between science, neurological aspects and spirituality. In this book, he teaches the step-by-step process to change any aspect of yourself.
Click here to view: https://amzn.to/3ogQoSV - Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life by Dr Wayne Dyer
The Tao Te Ching is an ancient book of wisdom written by Lao Tzu. There have been dozens of interpretations of this book over the years, however Wayne Dyer’s book makes these teachings relevant and digestible. The Tao comprises 81 verses of spiritual philosophy that really teaches us how to live in peace. One famous quote is ‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step’. His are all pearls of wisdom that should be taught in school.
Click here to view: https://amzn.to/3IKPHe5 - Attached by Amir Levine and psychologist Rachel S. F. Heller
This is a foundational book based on adult attachment theory, which I believe everyone should read. It helps humans understand themselves and others, which can instantly create deeper connections with the most intimate people in your life. As you learn about your own attachment style in love and relationships (secure, anxious or avoidant) and that of your partners, children and friends, you will quickly see between the lines of someone’s emotional patterns and needs.
Click here to view: https://amzn.to/3PwBgN5 - The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman
This short but essential read will help you understand the way you like to give and receive love, as well as recognise the love languages of those around you. It has been a tremendously helpful book throughout my adult life that’s enabled me to speak in the love languages that are important to my partner, children and friends. When we feel frustrated that our partner isn’t showing us as much love as we desire, this book enables us to see that they are demonstrating love through their own love language and helps us bridge the gap in love communication styles, so both people feel appreciated.
Click here to view: https://amzn.to/3yRgf9f - The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
This little book is a crucial guide to communication. Don’t make assumptions, don’t take anything personally, be impeccable with your word – and always do your best. It has really helped me clarify communication before jumping to conclusions, to live in integrity with my word and to trust that while things may not be perfect, we can still do our best – and that that’s enough.
Click here to view: https://amzn.to/3yKL3rX - Boundaries by John Townsend & Henry Cloud
The title says it all! This is a great book for people who suffer from ‘the good girl complex’ and teaches the art of setting and communicating boundaries.
Click here to view: https://amzn.to/3PeNYjN
Bonus: Quit Like A Woman by Holly Whitaker
If you are struggling with excessive alcohol consumption or even just want to cut back, this book covers the science of what alcohol does to the body and how crazy our accepted drinking culture is. It will make you think twice about how we socialise.
Click here to view: https://amzn.to/3ATG0YT
By committing to reading (or listening to) a book either once a week or month, we begin to expand so much. And it enables us to have more interesting conversations! I love chatting with people about the books they’ve read as it teaches us a lot about that person, too.
Happy reading and/or listening!
Love
Deborah xxx
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