Personal Development Book List
Self-Discovery Book List for Reiki Self-Care đâ¨
New to Reiki and wondering where to start? Youâre not alone! A client recently asked me this very question, and I thought Iâd share a few of my personal self-discovery books that have deeply resonated with me on my Reiki journey. These authors have challenged my perspectives, opened my mind to new possibilities, and helped me grow in countless ways.
Some of these books have transformed my thinking, while others have made me more discerning. Interestingly, itâs often the messages I disagree with that make me ponder the most and spur my growth. I keep most of these books on my nightstand, ready to revisit whenever I need inspiration or a quote for a client and friend. Feel free to add your #mustreads to my list in the comments below. Letâs journey together and support each other on this path of self-discovery and healing! đ
Here are my top picks:
This book of fiction is brimming with life lessons and true gems sprinkled throughout its pages. While not all of us can embark on a soul-searching expedition through the desert, we can live through the eyes of Brazilian author Paulo Coelho and draw lifelines for our souls.
Incorporating Reiki into your reading practice can deepen your connection to the profound messages in The Alchemist. As you journey with the protagonist, let the energy of Reiki guide you to uncover your own personal legends and inner truths.
This book truly deserves a top spot. As a Reiki Master, I resonate deeply with Viktor Emil Franklâs belief that we are all motivated to achieve a âlife of meaning.â A Holocaust survivor, Frankl offers profound lessons on surviving lifeâs hardships with grace. His insights on suffering and adaptation are essential for living a strong, fulfilling life.
Incorporating Reiki into your reading practice can enhance your understanding of Franklâs teachings, helping you to integrate his wisdom into your own journey of self-discovery and healing.
Motivational guru Gabby Bernstein was quoted as saying this was her most important book because of what we are experiencing in the world today. And, I couldnât agree more. The level of judgment is at an all-time high right now. Bernstein writes that when we feel out of control, we blame others for our discomfort and act out. Judgment holds us back from peace. I had the fortune of journaling with Gabby when the book launched and had many an AHA moment. Do yourself a favour and order the accompanying Detox journal and do the work â itâll provide you an opportunity to open doors you didnât even know were shut.
Shamanic teacher and healer Miguel Ruiz asserts lives âbecome filled with grace, peace and unconditional love,â when you follow the essential steps on the path to personal freedom with four agreements. Chopra called this book his âroadmap to enlightenment.â This book has grounded me to decode self limiting beliefs to experience happiness. Take time when you read, take notes and ponder your wonder.
Eckhardt teaches us how to use our mind and live in the moment to facilitate success and manifest our heartâs desire. The bookâs message is very simple although his writing style is not. But, take in the pages slowly and reread every word to come away with a better understanding of mindfulness and how to approach it for a healthier state of being. Oprah has called this book the most important she has ever chosen for her book club because it explains how to free yourself from the tyranny of the past and live more fully in the present with joy and calm. Meg Ryan is quoted as saying she keeps a copy of the book wherever she goes to read her highlighted pages time and time again. The only moment we really have is this one right now and that is some powerful stuff!!! Â
I know my friends laugh when I say this book is one of my top ten self-help books, and I think itâs because they canât get past the swearing and straightforward talk of Jen Sincero. Iâll provide a disclaimer: Sincero isnât the most empathetic individual and can be pretty harsh in driving home her self-love message.
However, her exercises throw a positive spin on life when you find yourself in a confidence slump and are worth revisiting again and again. The journey of Reiki is a journey to confidence, and Sincero supports us in stopping the self-doubt and believing in the magic within ourselves.
Incorporating Reiki into your practice while reading You Are a BADASS can amplify the bookâs impact, helping you align your energy with Sinceroâs empowering message.
When my girlfriend showed up on Halloween night dressed as a cheetah, I was absolutely in awe. I had given her Glennon Doyleâs book after her divorce, when she was curled up on my couch in the fetal position feeling lost. Seeing her now, strutting to my door with the power and grace of a cheetah, was nothing short of extraordinary.
Glennon Doyle introduces us to the cheetah in her transformative book, Untamed. This is a must-read for anyone looking to unleash their inner strength and authenticity. Doyleâs journey from denial to self-awareness empowers us to stop striving to meet othersâ expectations and start trusting our own inner voice. Itâs one of the most powerful stories of self-discovery and empowerment Iâve ever read.
I can easily imagine a mother reading this book to her pre-teen children, instilling in them the courage to follow their hearts. I would love to see Untamed included in the Toronto District School Boardâs reading requirements for Health and Wellness. Itâs a powerful reminder to live boldly and with the stealth of a cheetah! đâ¨
I used to have Rising Strong in my top ten, but since BrenĂŠ Brown released Daring Greatly, it has taken the top spot. However, I highly recommend reading both. BrenĂŠ, a no-nonsense orator, brilliantly highlights the link between courage and vulnerability. Her YouTube talk on the subject has been viewed over 43 million times. If you havenât watched it yet, stop everything and watch it NOW!
In Daring Greatly, BrenĂŠ details how vulnerability is about âhaving the courage to show up when you canât control the outcome.â This message, combined with your Reiki recitation of Dr. Mikao Usuiâs five principles, makes for a powerful start to your day. Based on over a decade of research, she dispels the myth that vulnerability is a weakness. Instead, she shows that vulnerability is about displaying our courage through our emotionsâemotions of joy, empathy, and creativity that bring forth our purpose in life.
After reading this book, youâll find yourself daring more and overcoming your fears. Itâs a transformative read that will inspire you to embrace vulnerability and live more authentically.
9. The Five Second Rule by Mel Robbins
Mel Robbins is incredibly likeable, even if her words have trained me not to linger in bed once Iâm awake! Last summer, she shared on her podcast how her latest book wasnât picked up by the big box stores because she wasnât a bestselling author at the time. Five years ago, this book broke records and landed her on the New York Times Bestseller list. However, after taking some time away from the spotlight, the Costcos of the publishing world didnât give her the credit she deserved.
Mel is groundbreaking! Just think â1, 2, 3, 4, 5â and get it done. Itâs as simple as that. Thank you, Mel, for reminding us to start our clocks and get the job done. She will blast you through procrastination! We all get in a rut and need a starter like Mel to set the pace and move us forward when we need it most.
Incorporating Reiki into your daily routine can amplify the effectiveness of Melâs 5-second rule. By aligning your energy and intentions, you can overcome procrastination and achieve your goals with greater ease.
Iâm not going to sugarcoat itâthis is a heavy read. But as we learn in Reiki lifestyle, setting boundaries is tough work. Take your time with The Untethered Soul and donât hesitate to read and re-read it. Michael A. Singer will guide you through what might be limiting your freedom and binding your soul with self-imposed boundaries.
Your inner energy will be ignited, and youâll feel liberated by the end of this book. Singerâs wisdom, like âThat which is holding you down can become a powerful force in raising you up,â is profound and transformative. Persevere with this read, and youâll find it incredibly rewarding.
11. Devotions: The Selected Poems of Mary Oliver
Though Mary Oliver is no longer with us, her words are very much alive. Her poetry reaches through the pages, reminding us to embrace the world around us with open hearts. With a keen eye for nature, she opens our souls to its beauty. You might even feel your Third Eye vibrate while reading At Blackwater Pond.
Oliverâs poems dig deep within us, whispering, âWhat is that beautiful thing that just happened?â Itâs no wonder her books were chosen by Oprah for âbooks that help me through.â This collection spans five decades of the Pulitzer Prize-winning poetâs work, making it a delightful gift that will be cherished and revisited time and again.
Incorporating Reiki into your reading practice can enhance your connection to her words, allowing you to fully absorb the healing energy and wisdom they offer.