So, you wanted some book recommendations

Here’s my attempt at a reading list. I read a ridiculous amount of stuff that wanders all over the place. Take this in the context as an attempt to answer the question I often get at the end of my presentations...

“Do you recommend any books?”

These books are relevant to what I do during my presentations and range from highly practical stuff to some deeper philosophical stuff. I don’t believe you can make any real life paradigm shifts without having both. There is no significance to their order.

Zen in the Art of Archeryby Eugen Herrigel (Author), Daisetz T. Suzuki (Introduction)

This book, more than any other, changed my life.

The Tao of Physics: An Exploration of the Parallels between Modern Physics and Eastern Mysticism Paperback by Fritjof Capra

The certainly isn’t for everyone but it probably should be. There are many ways to reach the same truth.

The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff (Author), E. H. Shepard (Illustrator)

Well I guess it goes without saying that you should probably read A.A. Milne’s original Pooh stories. Most of Life’s deepest truths can be found in stories. Hoff’s book does an amazing job of teasing out some of the things we may have missed in amongst the Heffalumps.

Embers: One Ojibway's Meditations by Richard Wagamese

Richard left us way too soon but he gave us so many gifts to ponder. This book is never very far from me.

Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu (Author), Stephen Mitchell (Translation)

This too was a very important book in my formative years. This is the most accessible and one of my favourite translations.

Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice by Shunryu Suzuki

"In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's there are few."

The exploration of that quote is something everyone should investigate. This is one of those absolutely seminal books.

Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life by Jon Kabat-Zinn

This is the book that was one of the major thrusts of this way of thinking to the West. It’s a terrific read and very understandable.

Stillness Speaks by Eckhart Tolle

I would highly recommend this as an audio book. It’s great to have in the car. It’s read by the author so it’s a bit like having the guy from the Ikea commercials tell you lots of deeply illuminating things.

Anything by Thich Nhat Hanh Seriously.

He has become my absolute go to when I need a firm grounding in reality. Just to help you focus a bit I would send you to any of his wonderful How To... Books or Peace is Every Step, Your True Home... honestly, it’s all golden.

The Happiness Advantage: The Seven Principles of Positive Psychology That Fuel Success and Performance at Work by Shawn Achor

I love Shawn... his humour, expertise and firm grounding in research. This is a book that transcends the work world.

The Happiness Track: How to Apply the Science of Happiness to Accelerate Your Success by Emma Seppälä

Like Shawn Achor, Emma Seppälä is an absolute leader in the burgeoning field of positive psychology. While staying grounded in the science she makes it all relatable and practical. Also, she has two umlauts in her name. I would like just one. How do I get one? Perhaps over the u..?

Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel Pink

This is an absolutely brilliant summary of all kinds of studies that delve into human motivation. You’ll be shocked at how it all makes sense but we mostly ignore all that and do it wrong.

The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz

This one comes off as a tad New Agey and I have no idea if this is indeed Toltec in its origins or just a marketing ruse to add some kind of “Ancient Indigenous Wisdom” thing to it all. I do know that it is all well stated and I totally agree. It’s a nice little reflective read.

Sailing Home: Using the Wisdom of Homer's Odyssey to Navigate Life's Perils and Pitfalls by Norman Fischer

I flat out love this book. It is another one that I often carry around and revisit frequently. So much deep wisdom centred around the idea that we all are just on our way home.

Well, that's all i can think of for now. I'll let you know if I make any additions. Thanks for checking it out and I hope you find it helpful. Happy reading!