There are many books that helped me discover a more spiritual outlook on life. On this page, I compiled some of my favourite titles to share with you. They are organized into categories for ease of browsing, with a brief summary on each
Picture Books
These pictures books are excellent for primary teachers who wish to introduce their students to mindfulness, gratitude and kindness. Parents and adults will also find these enjoyable and fun with the brightly coloured pictures.
"Mindful Monkey, Happy Panda" (2011) - by Lauren Alderfer and Kelly Lee MacLean This story is about the character Monkey who is constantly distracted and jumping from one place to another. He notices his friend panda is always calm and happy, and seeks advice from him on how to be more mindful. Panda shows Monkey how to enjoy what you're doing, by focusing on it and doing it well. |
"Ishi" (2014) - by Akiko Yabuki "Ishi" is a book about a friend in the form of a rock. We all have days where we are down, unhappy and feel pressured from our lives, and when this happens we can benefit from simple tips from a solid friend. These tips on happiness are great things to share from one friend to another! "Have you Filled a Bucket Today?" (2006) - by Carol McCloud
There are many simple, effective ways to show kindness, love and gratitude for others everyday. This book encourages positive behaviour from children and emphasizes that when you show kindness or "fill someone's bucket," you can also feel the warming effects. When you give happiness, you feel it too. |
Scholarly Books
These books were introduced to me in my Spirituality and Education course with Jack Miller. They are good for teachers new to holistic education, and wish to work on their own spiritual practice as well as transform their teaching.
"The Contemplative Practitioner" (2013) - by John. P. Miller Meditation is a wonderful way we can connect more deeply with ourselves and our environment. This book outlines ways we can integrate meditation into our everyday lives and the workplace, In order to teach others and share this insight, we must first become contemplative practitioners ourselves. "Education and the Soul" (2009) - by John P. Miller This book explores how the soul can be nourished in educational settings, and how we can transform our teaching towards a more holistic curriculum. It offers strategies on how we can develop our student's souls through our own, and through various learning environments in an educational setting. "The Secret Spiritual World of Children" (2003) - by Tobin Hart Children have a connection to the spiritual world which needs to be recognized and identified; they have much wisdom and knowledge to share. Tobin Hart explains how this connection is important to children's identity and growth, so adults need to help nurture this. This book includes stories from adults show look back on their childhood and reveals their inner spirituality. |
Other Books
These books are ones I have read for pure enjoyment. They are excellent for self reflection and a calming, soulful reading experience. They have been shared several times and delighted many!
"Quiet" (2013) - by Susan Cain In a world where extrovert personalities are favoured, we often do not acknowledge the power and skills introverts can offer. Through Cain's research, she explores the successes of introverts through many stories and cases, and how we should foster and value different personalities throughout the scale. "The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari" (1998) - by Robin S. Sharma A successful lawyer is "living the life" as they say, but finds his life empty from true happiness. His long working hours and pressure deprives him of family life, and after falling ill, he seeks a new vision by traveling to India. There, he finds solitude with the monks and becomes one himself, changing his way of life. "Awake and Dreaming" (1996) - by Kit Pearson Theo has a beautiful imagination, but with a neglectful mother, she longs for a loving family. One day, she mysteriously finds one but eventually they fade like a dream. When she meets them again, they have forgotten her. A good friend teaches her the power of her mind, and how she can take charge of her own life and keep the family as friends. |
Thank you for browsing through these great titles, and for visiting my website. I hope that something has resonated with you, and you are more intrigued than ever about living a soulful life!
Thank you for browsing through these great titles, and for visiting my website. I hope that something has resonated with you, and you are more intrigued than ever about living a soulful life!