Fortunately, some visionaries and teachers have shared their wisdom with us in written words. From their books, we can learn to cope with life's problems to some extent. Here is a list of 6 books that can be helpful for you:
1. Love for Imperfect Things
Author: Haemin Sunim
Translator: Deborah Smith
Illustrator: Lisk Feng
Buddhist monk Haemin Sunim talks about life's imperfections and helps the reader accept them with compassion. His kind words make you tolerant of yourself and those around you. When I was reading this book, I felt as if my inner self was being soothed by the wise and loving words of someone who understands me.
All the chapters in the book are accompanied by beautiful illustrations. The pictures, along with the writing, evoke a sense of peace. The book explores various aspects of human emotions. You can refer to any chapter of the book at any time. I keep this book as a companion to turn to it whenever I need it.
2. I Am Enough
Author: Marisa Peer
Marisa Peer is a renowned therapist, speaker, and author. Her extensive research has helped her identify a significant cause of mental health-related problems: the belief that we are not enough. She explores how this feeling of not being enough takes root in our minds, and she gives power-packed instructions on how to overcome it.
'I Am Enough' is a book that deals with human psychological problems from the root. The book is concise and contains essential information. After finishing this book, you emerge as another version of yourself. It gives you practical advice. The book can change the way you have been looking at yourself. I suggest you read this book more than once to gain more insight.
3. Life's Amazing Secrets
Author: Gaur Gopal Das
I specifically liked this book because it does not compel you to chase your ambitions and make money. Instead, it talks about the everyday life issues we all face. Life coach and monk Gaur Gopal Das has done a splendid job writing a book that helps you become a better person and achieve true happiness.
Important life lessons are revealed in the book during a conversation between the author and his friend Harry. There are no lofty spiritual ideas written under challenging words. Instead, the teachings are simple and easy to follow. You also get two worksheets at the end of the book, which is quite helpful for self-exploration.
4. Zen: The Art of Simple Living
Author: Shunmyo Masuno
Translator: Allison Markin Powell
Illustrators: Zanna and Harry Goldhawk
Shunmyo Masuno is a Zen priest and Zen garden designer. This book has given us 100 simple yet effective ways to bring peace and harmony to our lives. Each of these ways helps the reader to make subtle changes in daily habits. The cumulative effect of these small shifts in thoughts and patterns has a more significant positive impact on life.
While reading this book, I noticed little things that I had previously ignored in life. As a result, I began to look at things differently. The illustrations are simple, beautiful, and have a Zen quality. The lessons in this book are to be read many times and cherished throughout life.
5. Man's Search for Meaning
Author: Viktor E. Frankl
This book is quite different from the other books mentioned in this list. The substance of this book does not make you feel calm and cozy but imparts a lesson that you are never going to forget.
Viktor Frankl was in a Nazi concentration camp during World War II. The experiences from this concentration camp led him to conclude that the primary human need is not the search for pleasure. Instead, the search for meaning in life gives a human being a purpose. This sense of purpose helps us deal with suffering.
He later developed logotherapy, in which he helped his patients find a purpose in life so that they could handle and overcome their problems in a better way.
6. Start Where You Are
Author: Meera Lee Patel
This is not an actual book. But, as mentioned on the cover, it is a journal for self-exploration. Each page has a task for you to complete and write about, with beautiful illustrations. I found this journal quite helpful. It is like a guided meditation.
The lessons strengthen your belief in your dreams and yourself. You will get a clearer view of your own life and visions. I included this book in the list as it is highly interactive. It is a book where you will be writing the story of your own life.
Conclusion - As a reader, I have explored several books on personal development. Most of them tell you the same things repeatedly and help very little in practical matters of life. The 6 books mentioned above are different. They directly address real-life problems and act as guiding lights in the path of our lives. I hope you find them helpful.
Written by Ria Banerjee
Conclusion - As a reader, I have explored several books on personal development. Most of them tell you the same things repeatedly and help very little in practical matters of life. The 6 books mentioned above are different. They directly address real-life problems and act as guiding lights in the path of our lives. I hope you find them helpful.
Written by Ria Banerjee
At present we all are going through a terribly bad times - which is good enough to make many of us highly frustrated and depressed . All such books as suggested by you can definitely help us to remain calm and focused and also gather required strength to stay positive , wait for the better times to come .
ReplyDeleteGood job done . Will Look forward for more such reviews ...
Best wishes
Subir Ranjan Das