Spiritual books I wish I’d Read at the Start of My Life Transformation
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I embarked on my personal growth journey off my own back. I didn’t know there was a whole world of spiritual books and incredible authors out there to support and inspire my mission of self-improvement. To be honest, I probably would have shuddered at the word ‘spiritual’ back then and would have never ventured into the self-help aisle in any book shop.
Like so many who embark on a similar journey, I was at rock bottom. I was lost, unhappy and had no idea who I was or what I wanted. One thing was clear – things had to change.
And change they did.
I’m grateful for my commitment to transformation. My life looks completely different now – and to be honest so do I! I feel like I look younger now than I did 10 years ago. More significantly than any of that, my relationship with myself has been by far the biggest change.
Spiritual Books and Support
I’m at the fortunate position where I am able to invest in support and help from others who inspire me. Over the last few years, I’ve sought out the most incredible coaches, teachers, therapists and mentors to work and study with. This high-touch level of support is a huge catalyst for my continued commitment to my personal growth.
And I’ve always got a couple of spiritual books on the go as well.
While reading a book is of course not the same as working directly with the author, self-development and spiritual books are still an essential tool to learn and grow. You can learn so much from reading – and taking action on these learnings can (and will) change your life for the better.
With that said, and with no further ado, here are my top 5 spiritual books I wish I had read at the start of my life-changing journey. Reading them 10 years ago would have dramatically accelerated my growth and healing!
5 Spiritual Books To Begin Your Self-Growth Journey
Disclaimer One: These are all accessible books, i.e., written in no-BS language. They tend to be modern, to the point and very informative. They all contain exercises for you to do, so you can take action from them. I’ve omitted the more classical texts (e.g., the Yoga Sutras, Upanishads etc) because they can be impenetrable at first; they take time and effort to read and process. This in no way diminishes the importance of these books, but I advocate learning to walk before you lace up your marathon shoes!
Disclaimer Two: Reading is great, but if you WANT THINGS TO CHANGE YOU HAVE TO DO SOMETHING with the information you’ve gathered.
Perfectly Imperfect – Baron Baptiste
Written by Baron Baptiste, the founder of Baptiste Yoga which in all honesty I have not yet explored. Nonetheless, this book perfectly communicates the heart of yoga and why we practice. He eloquently summarises how and why yoga can change our lives, and perfectly encapsulates the inspiring essence of the practice. I know that my own experience, practice and teachings are very much in alignment with his words. If you want a book to provide purpose and inspiration to your yoga practice, this is the one.
You are a Badass – Jen Sincero
This is a wonderfully down-to-earth self-help book for people who “desperately want to change their lives but don’t want to get busted doing it”. Jen will teach you how to overcome your limiting beliefs, change your mindset around money, and create a life that you love. The author’s writing style is hilarious and spot on, and this book will see you manifesting frequent ‘aha’ moments while simultaneously peeing your pants with laughter.
Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself – Joe Dispenza
This book breaks down the science of spirituality. Joe accessibly introduces the reader to concepts like quantum physics, epigenetics (my PhD subject!) and neurobiology – and teaches you how to use these tools to change your mindset and your life. Powerfully written and inspiring AF, this book will help give you the insights into the ‘how’ without blinding you with science overdrive.
Unlimited Power – Tony Robbins
I couldn’t write a list of self-improvement and spiritual books without mentioning the giant that is TR! Where to start … Tony Robbins has been the leader of personal growth for the lasts 40(?) years, and for good reason. His message is crystal clear, his writing is direct and if you live according to this book’s teachings you WILL change your life in ways you never thought possible. Tony has a knack for helping you call yourself out on your own inner BS without spiralling into shame/judgement/inner critic takeover. Nothing changes if you don’t do something, and this book is guaranteed to get you off your butt.
The Universe Has Your Back – Gabrielle Bernstein
Gabby was one of the first spiritual authors I encountered – in fact, she was one of the lecturers on my coaching course! She is super famous for her teachings on manifestation and the law of attraction, and this book will give you the lowdown to how to start using these spiritual practices to radically improve your life.
Ethical Book Purchasing
I used Bookshop links for as many of these books as I could. They’re an incredible online store whose mission is to financially support local, independent bookshops. I love that they’ve been described as trying to “play Rebel Alliance to Amazon’s Empire”. That said, the first two links in this post were to Amazon because I couldn’t yet find the titles on Bookshop. I’ll update as soon as this changes, and you can find my list of Books to Start Your Spiritual Journey on Bookshop here:
Final Thoughts
These resources tend to appear in our lives – whether we read them in a list like this or otherwise – when we are ready for them. I know the spiritual books listed above came into my life when I needed them the most. If you are reading this today, let this be a sign.
Commit to doing something different, whether that is buying one of these books or taking some kind of action to radically improve your life, starting today. And if you are looking for a coach, yoga teacher or mentor, you can find out more about what I offer here.
What are your favourite personal growth or spiritual books? Share them below to help and inspire other readers.
Tali