5 Self Help Books For Supportive Guidance

I’m a big believer that spiritual type books find you when you’re ready and at a time when you’re open to receiving the messages within them. I’ve had books on my shelf for years that I haven’t been able to get more than 3 pages into, and then, a year later, I somehow devour them in days. While specific self help books may pique your interest, you’ll be more likely to dive into them when you can get the full scope of what they want to share with you. Some call it divine guidance, others call it good timing. I’ll let you decide which of those you believe.

Here are 5 self help books that have brought lessons, support, and spiritual guidance…

A BOOK FOR MANIFESTING

Ask and It Is Given: Learning to Manifest Your Desires by Esther and Jerry Hicks

A recent read and, as per the title, one allll about manifestation. Funny enough this book was never even on my radar when I read it. My sister had brought it along whilst we were on vacation together and I was bored looking for something to do when she lent it to me. I went through it so, so fast and could not get enough of the teachings. It truly changed my perspective around the possibility of manifesting with ease. It challenged my limiting beliefs around harnessing the ability to receive what you want, and the blocks surrounding my desires were articulated in a way I had never understood before. 

The book fascinatingly addresses the power of your thoughts and feelings. At the end, sharing 22 proven processes to change your ‘energetic mood’ and vibrational state.

When To Read: When you want to manifest, understand how your feelings/energetic state affect what you experience, and feel supported by something greater than yourself. 

To note: norms and current belief systems will be challenged while you read this, because we’re taught that our ‘dreams don’t work unless we do’. The opposite notion can be triggering, but with the right amount of openness, it will be a fun experience. One that will call on curiosity and non-judgment. 

Takeaway Quote:

“There is only a stream of wellbeing that flows. You can flow with it, or resist it. But it flows just the same.”

A BOOK FOR HARDSHIPS

When Life Falls Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times by Pema Chödrön 

My go-to read for loving kindness practices, meditation, and Buddhism as a whole. Pema is a phenomenal teacher and has such a beautiful way of delivering powerful lessons with a sense of lightness, relatability, and humor. You know those books that you can reread a million times? This one is like that. Every time you go back to it, you pick up something new. It is a supportive book to read when your life feels like it’s in shambles. It’s inquisitive and deeply philosophical in its nature. Setting you up with the fundamental Buddhist perspectives on life and death, and on the groundlessness in all situations. We never have as much control as we think. While that may seem scary, the idea is for it to activate a kind of letting go. Relaxing and softening with all that comes, navigating it with a lightheartedness and embracing not knowing as the constant. 

When To Read: When you want to soften and find ease in your current life experience. When you want to practice peace, non-attachment, compassion, mindfulness, and flow.

Takeaway Quote:

“Letting there be room for not knowing is the most important thing of all. When there’s a big disappointment, we don’t know if that’s the end of the story. It may just be the beginning of a great adventure. Life is like that. We don’t know anything. We call something bad; we call it good. But really we just don’t know.”

A BOOK FOR CLARITY

White Hot Truth: Clarity for Keeping it Real on Your Spiritual Path by Danielle Laporte

My guru, although she would argue through this book that there is no such thing. An incredible read and, like all things Danielle does, I’m obsessed. She could say anything and I would think it’s profound. This book is about the realest self help book you’ll ever meet. She strips it down, introducing the *radical* notion that maybe we don’t need all the ‘self help’ things that we think we do. Maybe it’s all wayyy more simple. 

When to Read: When you’re overwhelmed by all the ‘spiritual practices’ out there and are craving simplicity. When you need a good laugh - she’ll call you out in the most loving way.

Takeaway Quote:

Here’s the white-hot truth: if you go bankrupt, you’ll still be okay. If you lose the gig, the lover, the house, you’ll still be okay. If you sing off-key, get beat by the competition, have your heart shattered, get fired…it’s not going to kill you. Ask anyone who’s been through it.

A BOOK FOR REFLECTION

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Technically not a self help book, however one that I consider in the spiritual realm. This is a fictional tale of omens and destiny. Love and faith. Following personal legends and seizing opportunities that you don’t fully understand the moment you take them. It’s a quick, sweet read. One that will make your heart feel calm. And your cheeks smile. 

When to Read: When you’re craving hope, and a feel good story. One that makes you think about the trajectory, mystery, and wonders that have taken place in your own life. 

Takeaway Quote:

“The boy and his heart had become friends, and neither was capable now of betraying the other”

A BOOK FOR MEDITATION KNOWLEDGE

Secrets of Meditation: A practical guide to inner peace and personal transformation by Davidji 

I had the privilege of studying under Davidji and becoming a certified meditation teacher through his teachings and method. I still remember the first in person class with him… he walked up the stairs, where I was eagerly sitting in anticipation and there was just a quiet that instantly fell across the room. Secrets of Meditation was a book in my course curriculum that I go back to often for inspiration and guidance, both in my teaching and personal practice. Sanskrit phrases, working with your thoughts, and the power that meditation holds.

When to Read: When you’re looking to deepen your knowledge of meditation and connect to deep stillness.

Takeaway Quote:

“Fill what is empty; empty what is full”

Hope you love these books as much as I did.

love, jewels. xx

Have you read any of these ones? Do you have a book to add to the list? Share in the comment section below. I can’t wait to hear!