Five Books You Need To Read
Reading is such an important way to unlock insights and understanding of ourselves, the human condition, and life itself. A good book can provide value beyond its pages, allowing us to look at our lives and the world around us with different eyes, and absorb a variety of human experience and different perspectives we may otherwise not be exposed to. I love books that empower us to learn and improve our lives in a way that feels compassionate and kind. These five book do exactly that, and if you’re ready to learn more about yourself and the world, I can’t recommend them enough. Prepare for lots of lightbulb, ‘aha!’ moments. So in no particular order, I give you the five books I think everyone should read!
The Body Keeps the Score, by Bessel van der Kolk
This book has become quite popular recently, and for good reason. It delves into the mind body connection, a concept that is gaining traction within the world of psychology, medicine, and the way we live our lives. Van de Kolk shares real-life stories and groundbreaking research that illuminate the profound impact of trauma on our bodies, minds, and spirits. It explains how our bodies hold the memories of past experiences, influencing our emotions, thoughts, and behaviours. With empathy and expertise, he delves into the ways trauma shapes our brains, and leaves lasting imprints on our lives.
From exploring the complexities of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to offering hope and innovative healing approaches, this book takes us on a journey towards understanding and recovery. It offers powerful strategies for healing, including mindfulness and innovative therapies. The Body Keeps The Score challenges our understanding of mental health, both on an individual and a societal level, and invites us to embrace a holistic approach to well-being. It reminds us that resilience and healing are within reach, and encourages us to embark on a journey of self-discovery and find new paths to reclaim our lives.
Women who run with the wolves, by Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes
This book was revolutionary. Published in 1989, it paved the way for embracing the untamed spirit within every woman, rather than hiding and denying it. Through the exploration of ancient myths, fairy tales, and profound insights, Dr. Estes unravels the power of feminine archetypes and invites us to reclaim our wild nature. The book weaves together enchanting stories, timeless wisdom, and psychological analysis to illuminate the path towards personal liberation and self-discovery. Dr. Estes reminds us that within our stories, we hold the keys to unlocking our own healing and transformation.
This book is the ultimate in female empowerment. With each page, we are invited to explore the depths of our own psyche, to reconnect with our ancestral wisdom, and to honour the unique path of our personal growth, with the book serving as a guiding light for women seeking to find their voices, embrace their inner power, and embark on a journey of discovery. It offers a roadmap for embracing our authenticity, reconnecting with our instincts, and tapping into the rich tapestry of feminine wisdom that resides within us.
The Myth of Normal, by Gabor Maté
Prepare for an exploration of what it truly means to be human in a world fixated on conformity. Maté challenges the societal notion of normality, offering a perspective that invites us to embrace our authentic selves. The Myth of Normal urges us to redefine our relationship with ourselves and others, fostering a culture of acceptance, empathy, and understanding. It empowers us to break free from the confines of societal expectations, unlocking the potential for genuine healing and being truly ourselves. And honestly, I think this is at the heart of living a fulfilling life - letting go of external expectations, and instead focusing on what lights us up, individually.
Maté writes about the power of embracing our vulnerabilities and celebrating our unique qualities. He highlights the inherent diversity of the human experience, encouraging us to recognise that our struggles do not define us but rather provide opportunities for growth and connection. This book is a wake-up call to break free from the constraints of societal conditioning and discover the truth of who we are beneath the layers of expectation. Dr. Maté's compassionate perspective and unwavering belief in the power of human resilience inspire us to heal, grow, and embrace our imperfections.
Every Memory Deserves Respect: EMDR, the proven trauma therapy with the power to heal, by Michael Baldwin and Deborah Korn
EMDR has also become quite popular in recent years, and it’s a type of therapy I use in my practice. For a modality that was only discovered in late 1980s, it’s amazing how quickly it’s become one of the most empirically validated psychological methods. I find it fascinating and I think this is one of the best books around about it.
Every Memory Deserves Respect takes us on a journey through the groundbreaking world of Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. It unveils the remarkable potential of EMDR as a trauma therapy, offering hope and healing to those feeling weighed down by their past experiences. Baldwin and Korn guide us through the principles and practices of EMDR, illuminating its transformative effects and dismantling misconceptions surrounding trauma therapy. They also demystify the process, providing readers with a clear understanding of what to expect and how EMDR can help them navigate the challenging terrain of trauma.This book celebrates the resilience of the human spirit while emphasising the importance of treating every memory with the respect it deserves. By providing a safe space for healing, EMDR enables individuals to navigate past experiences, release emotional burdens, and find renewed hope for the future. Baldwin and Korn's masterful storytelling and genuine compassion create an immersive reading experience that will resonate with both mental health professionals and individuals seeking healing. The book serves as an empowering reminder that, no matter the depth of our pain, there is always the potential for growth, transformation, and the restoration of well-being. It offers a beacon of hope for those on a journey of healing and reminds us all of the importance of honouring every memory along the path to wholeness.
Phosphorescence: On awe, wonder, and things that sustain you when the world goes dark, by Julia Baird
Julia Baird is an Australian journalist, broadcaster and author. In this book, she uses her unique style of poetic prose to explore the human experience and the power of embracing life's extraordinary moments. She invites us to rediscover the awe-inspiring wonders that surround us and ignite our spirits, even in the midst of darkness. Her words guide us through the depths of our own existence, encouraging us to seek wonder, find solace in small joys, and connect with the vast interconnectedness of the world. From the gentle dance of starlight to the mesmerising beauty of nature's rhythms, she encourages readers to open their eyes to the extraordinary in the ordinary and reconnect with the essence of life.
This book is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to find light in the darkest of times. Drawing from personal experiences, scientific research, and timeless wisdom, Baird artfully weaves together narratives of resilience, joy, and the power of embracing life's luminous moments, amidst the inevitable darker ones. 'Phosphorescence' offers a respite from the chaos and uncertainty of our times, reminding us to seek solace in the small miracles that surround us every day.
"Phosphorescence" is not just a book, but a celebration of the human spirit and a call to embrace the magic that surrounds us. Baird's lyrical prose and soul-stirring reflections will inspire you to embrace the awe and wonder that lies within and rediscover the magic of living a truly illuminated life.