Those seeking spiritual and emotional growth often look for help in the pages of personal development books. However, with so many self-help books available, how is one to choose? Unfortunately, many are full of generic, unenlightening advice. Finding a unique, truly helpful book can be a challenge. The following five self-help books are highly unique and provide a substantial amount of original ideas for spiritual growth and personal development.
Hardcore Zen: Punk Rock, Monster Movies and the Truth about Reality by Brad Werner
Zen Buddhist Master Brad Werner plays guitar in a punk rock band and loves making monster movies. Needless to say, he’s not a typical spiritual guru. That’s what makes his perspective—and this book—so unique. Werner challenges the traditional, formal views of spirituality and Buddhism, and he provides a more realistic, down-to-earth perspective from a regular guy who has been living it for decades. Werner provides simple and effective explanations for abstract spiritual concepts. This book will both enlighten and entertain those who are interested in gaining a better understanding of the Zen Buddhist philosophy.
Emotional Alchemy: How the Mind Can Heal the Heart by Tara Bennett-Goldman
According to legend, Alchemists attempted to magically transform lead into gold. In this book, the author uses alchemy as a metaphor to illustrate how emotions can be “magically” transformed using the practice of mindfulness. This book combines concepts of psychology and spirituality to help the reader uncover deeply ingrained behavioral and emotional patterns and transform them through a practice of honest self-reflection. Those looking to overcome emotional negativity will find this book inspiring and full of unusual insights.
A New Earth: Awakening Your Life’s Purpose by Eckhart Tolle
This book explores the human ego and how it has created a dysfunctional society. The author, a well-known new age and self-help guru, argues that the next step in human evolution is under way and involves a dramatic shift in the global human consciousness. Throughout the pages of this book, the reader is encouraged to break free of the restrictive chains of the ego and experience the true essence of life. Readers will find the lessons here uplifting and eye-opening, though at times a little abstract. Those seeking to engage in a profound self-analysis and shift traditional thought patterns will benefit greatly from this book.
The Secret by Rhonda Byrne
This book became an instant self-help classic when it gained immense popularity several years ago. Its pages define The Law of Attraction, a controversial concept that states that whatever is going on in the mind will be attracted into life. Therefore, think thoughts of abundance and wealth – and let no contradictory thoughts in – and reality will follow. Likewise, thinking about negative things will only produce more negativity. The Secret suggests that the intentions in the mind send instructions to the Universe which responds by providing. Those looking to explore the power of the mind and how positive thinking impacts reality will enjoy the simple lessons of The Secret.
Finding Your North Star: Claiming the Life You Were Meant to Live by Martha Beck
The “North Star” referred to in the title is similar to the North Star seamen have historically used to guide them through the seas. As a fixed point shining overhead, it acts as a reliable compass in the dark night sky. The North Star for each individual is also a fixed point, an internal compass of sorts that points towards a “right life” or personal destiny. The idea is that everyone has a path for happiness that exists. But circumstances, and social conditioning, slowly bury the path and leave people wandering the open seas of life alone. This book is all about re-connecting with the self in order to get back on the right path in life. Those who are feeling lost, whether spiritually, mentally or emotionally, will find powerful lessons here to guide them home.
Sources:
Finding Your Own North Star: Claiming the Life You Were Meant to Live by Martha Beck. Three Rivers Press, New York, NY 2003. ISBN 0-8129-3218-8
A New Earth: Awakening Your Life's Purpose by Eckhart Tolle; First Plume Printing, 2006. ISBN 0-452-28758-8
Emotional Alchemy: How the Mind Can Heal the Heart by Tara Bennett-Goleman. Three Rivers Press, 2001. ISBN: 0-609-80903-2
Hardcore Zen: Punk Rock, Monster Movies and the Truth About Reality by Brad Werner. Wisdom Publications: Somerville, MA 2003. ISBN 0-86171-380-X
The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. Beyond Words Publishing, 2006. ISBN: 1-58270-170-9
Christine Scivicque - Chrissy has been a passionate student of personal development for over 15 years. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration ...
