Inspirations for the Body, Mind & Soul

I started writing an article for this month, but am inspired to share some of my favourite books with you instead. I’m imagining these books being added to your Christmas list or bought and read as you snuggle up under a blanket on a cold winter’s day. Some of these are recent books that I’ve read, some that I read awhile ago that I would reread over and over again; in no particular order. I would also recommend any book by these authors. Enjoy!

Embers by Michael Wagamese https://www.douglas-mcintyre.com/book/embers

This book came highly recommended and I understand why. Each page is rich with wisdom about life. It is written with a “meditation” on each page; personal reflections by one of Canada’s foremost First Nations authors. The old woman sounds like the Cailleach to me.

Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman https://www.neilgaiman.com/works/Books/Norse+Mythology/

How well do you know the stories of the Norse Gods? How did Thor get his hammer? What about Odin? And what trouble is Loki up to now? This book is written with each chapter being a myth so it is easy to read and stop and start. I’ve been drawn to learn more about these Gods and Gaiman’s book is very accessible.

You Are The Universe by Deepak Chopra and Menas Kafatos https://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Universe-Discovering-Matters/dp/0307889165

This book is not an easy read, but it is mind-blowing. It’s a great mix of science bridging to the spiritual world. All of us live in a participatory universe. “What these two great minds offer is a bold, new understanding of who we are and how we can transform the world for the better while reaching our greatest potential.”

The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer https://untetheredsoul.com/

Full of ways to develop your relationship with self this book helps you be free of limitations to find peace and freedom.

Yearning for the Wind by Tom Cowan https://www.amazon.ca/Yearning-Wind-Celtic-Reflections-Nature/dp/1577314115

This book is about the mystical pathways between the worlds and connects soul and nature. It is beautifully written, but must admit it took me awhile to read it since I would get altered with each turn of the page.

Anam Cara by John O’Donohue https://www.amazon.ca/Anam-Cara-Book-Celtic-Wisdom/dp/006092943X https://browseinside.harpercollins.ca/index.aspx?isbn13=9780060929435

Anam Cara is Gaelic for "soul friend.” This book of Celtic Wisdom touches on all themes of life and love and friendship through Irish stories. Such profound insights are in this book. “Anam Cara is a rare synthesis of philosophy, poetry and spirituality. This work will have a powerful and life-transforming experience for those who read it.”

The Mist-Filled Path by Frank MacEowen https://www.amazon.ca/Mist-Filled-Path-Celtic-Wanderers-Seekers/dp/1577312112/ref=pd_sim_14_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=FT54H4D5BAV631WAGT2J

Another teacher of Celtic spirituality explores traditions and myths and explains how we can use them today to reach our potential.

Animal Speak by Ted Andrews https://www.amazon.ca/Animal-Speak-Spiritual-Magical-Creatures/dp/0875420281

“Animal Speak provides techniques for recognizing and interpreting the signs and omens of nature. Meet and work with animals as totems and spirit guides by learning the language of their behaviors within the physical world.”

E-Squared by Pam Grout https://pamgrout.com/books-r-me-my-career-as-an-author/e-squared/

Includes 9 energy experiments that help prove your thoughts create your reality.

  Awakening to the Spirit World: The Shamanic Path of Direct Revelation by Sandra Ingerman & Hank Wesselman https://www.amazon.ca/Awakening-Spirit-World-Shamanic-Revelation/dp/1591797500/ref=pd_sim_14_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=FT54H4D5BAV631WAGT2J

To include a book by Sandra Ingerman I will include this book about shamanic spirituality .

The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks https://www.amazon.ca/Big-Leap-Conquer-Hidden-Level/dp/0061735361

Conquer your hidden fear and take your life to the next level. This book encourages everyone to step past their boundaries to really live their life.

For a bit of fiction:

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho https://www.harpercollins.ca/9780062315007/the-alchemist

“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” Powerful life lessons that help you improve your thoughts and your life. This book is all about living your dream and listening to the teachings along the way.

The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel  + sequels by Michael Scott https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Alchemyst:_The_Secrets_of_the_Immortal_Nicholas_Flamel

These books are full of mythology, even more so than The Harry Potter series. They are easy reading teen fiction, but there are deep life themes if you are willing to look into these perspectives.

The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto by Mitch Albom https://www.harpercollins.ca/9780062294418/the-magic-strings-of-frankie-presto

Mitch Albom had me with Tuesdays with Morrie. His latest book has a larger life lesson that resonates with cosmic connections as Frankie travels through music history.

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_the_Light_We_Cannot_See

A beautiful novel that is historical fiction.

Forests of the Heart by Charles de Lint https://www.sfsite.com/charlesdelint/forests-desc01.htm

This Canadian author writes mythic fiction in which supernatural worlds overlap with contemporary society.

Of course, there are so many more great books out there and these are just a few. Happy Reading!