The Wellness Bookshelf
As a wellness entrepreneur, I am constantly asked about what I read.
The titles listed below will always have a spot on my personal bookshelf (several of which are on my bedside table right now). These are the ones that I read over and over again, yet always find a new realization based on where I am in life at that time.
I hope you find something new to dive into that benefits your own journey!
In health and wellness,
Christine Glaser, C.A. (Owner and Maker of Treesnail Wellness)
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10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works—A True Story, by Dan Harris
If you're looking for a practical and relatable guide to this whole 'mindfulness and meditation thing', this is it.
"10% Happier" is a refreshing take on the often mystifying world of self-help and spiritual practices, as it chronicles the author's own journey towards a more mindful and fulfilled life.
Harris, a news anchor who had previously been skeptical of meditation, shares his own struggles with anxiety, self-doubt, and the inner voice that constantly nagged at him. Through his personal experiences and interactions with renowned mindfulness experts, Harris shows that mindfulness is not just for hippies and spiritual gurus, but for anyone who wants to reduce stress, improve focus, and lead a more fulfilling life.
What I love about this book is how honest and approachable Harris is as a writer. He doesn't pretend to have all the answers, and he shares his own missteps and doubts along the way. "10% Happier" is a relatable and down-to-earth guide for anyone who is interested in mindfulness but doesn't know where to start. Whether you're a busy professional, a stressed-out student, or just someone who wants to live a more mindful life, this one is worth your time.
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The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, by Charlie Mackesy
This is such a delightful and heartwarming book - it offers a fresh perspective on life and encourages readers to live in the present moment.
The book follows the journey of a boy who befriends a mole, a fox, and a horse, and together they explore life's important questions. The book is beautifully illustrated, with charming watercolor illustrations and whimsical ink sketches.
Mackesy's writing is simple yet profound, and the messages (which I am sure you will recognize) are relevant to anyone looking to lead a more fulfilling life. The book teaches us the importance of kindness, friendship, and being present in the moment. The book also encourages readers to be kind to themselves, to embrace their vulnerabilities, and to recognize the beauty in imperfection.
I read this to my daughter's before bed, and also send quick snippets to friends and family (there is always beautiful wisdom to share). A book that is lovely for any age and brings comfort and joy.
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The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment, by Eckhart Tolle
If you're looking for a book to help you find peace in the present moment, "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle is a must-read. This book is all about mindfulness and the importance of living in the present moment, which can be challenging in today's fast-paced world. Tolle's writing is easy to understand, and he provides practical guidance on how to quiet your mind and focus on the present moment, rather than worrying about the past or future.
Tolle's teachings are especially relevant to those interested in wellness, as he explains how our thoughts and emotions impact our physical and mental health. By living in the present moment and accepting what is, we can reduce stress, anxiety, and even physical pain.
This is truly an enlightening read that will leave you feeling more present, grounded, and in touch with your true self.
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In an Unspoken Voice: How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness
If you're interested in wellness and living a life of mindfulness, this one is a must-read. Levine explores the connection between trauma and the body, providing practical tools for releasing stored trauma and restoring peace to your life.
Levine's approach is based on the understanding that trauma is not just a mental experience but also a physical one. Traumatic events can become trapped in our bodies, leading to chronic pain, anxiety, and other physical symptoms. By tuning into our bodies and learning to release these stored traumas, we can unlock a new level of healing and vitality.
Throughout the book, Levine shares real-life stories of people who have transformed their lives by working with the body's innate healing capacity. He also provides practical exercises and techniques to try at home.
Whether you're dealing with past emotional trauma or recovering from physical trauma, such as a car accident or even Lyme Disease, be sure to check this one out.
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The Overstory: A Novel, by Richard Powers
If you're looking for a novel that will take you on a journey through nature, spirituality, and consciousness, then "The Overstory" is a great choice for you. This book tells the story of nine characters whose lives become entwined as they discover the wonder and power of trees. From a scientist studying the communication between trees to an artist who becomes an activist for their protection, this novel shows the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of being mindful of our impact on the natural world.
What I love the most (and why it's included in this list) is how it encourages us to slow down and take a closer look at the world. It is a reminder that we are all part of something greater than ourselves and that by being mindful of our actions, we can make a positive impact on the world.
This is a beautifully written novel that is perfect for anyone interested in wellness and living a life of mindfulness. This is the only work of fiction on my list, but it holds a true power to inspire individuals to live more consciously and with greater appreciation for the world around us.
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Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know about the People We Don't Know, by Malcolm Gladwell
If you're looking for a thought-provoking book on human interactions, put this title on your list. As someone who's interested in wellness and mindfulness, you'll appreciate Gladwell's exploration of the ways in which we misunderstand each other and the implications of those misunderstandings. Through a series of case studies, including the Sandra Bland case and the Jerry Sandusky scandal, Gladwell shows how our assumptions and biases can lead to tragic outcomes.
One of the key takeaways from the book is the importance of acknowledging the limits of our own understanding. Gladwell argues that we often rely too heavily on our own intuition and fail to recognize that we don't always know what we think we know. By approaching our interactions with others with greater humility and openness, we can avoid many of the pitfalls that lead to misunderstandings and conflicts.
Overall, "Talking to Strangers" is a fascinating and thought-provoking book that will challenge you to think more deeply about your interactions with others. Whether you're interested in mindfulness, wellness, or simply improving your relationships with the people around you, this book is well worth a read. Gladwell's insights are sure to spark new ideas and perspectives that will stay with you long after you finish reading.
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The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts, by Gary Chapman
If you're looking for a book that could change your life and relationships (not just romantic ones!), this book is an excellent place to start.
In "The 5 Love Languages", Chapman introduces the idea that there are five primary ways in which people give and receive love: words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch. He argues that everyone has a primary love language that speaks to them the most, and that by identifying and learning how to speak the love language of your partner, you can build a stronger, more fulfilling relationship.
It's not just about romantic relationships; understanding the love languages can help you better understand yourself and your needs, too. By identifying your own primary love language, you can learn to advocate for yourself and communicate more effectively with others about what you need in your relationships. This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in wellness and living a mindful life, as it emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence and empathy in building strong connections with others.
This is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their relationships, whether romantic or otherwise, and gain a deeper understanding of themselves and those around them.
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The 5 Love Languages of Children: The Secret to Loving Children Effectively, by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell
This book is great for parents and caregivers who are looking for ways to connect and build a stronger relationship with their children. It emphasizes the importance of understanding each child's unique love language and using it to effectively communicate love to them. The five love languages outlined in the book are words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service, gifts, and physical touch (same as in the adult version above).
The authors not only provide practical examples of how to speak each love language to children but also explain how a child's primary love language can change over time. They also discuss how a child's love language can be affected by their personality, upbringing, and environment. As someone interested in wellness and mindfulness, I appreciate how the book encourages parents and caregivers to be present and attentive to their child's emotional needs.
This is an insightful and valuable resource for anyone who wants to build a stronger and more loving relationship with the children in their lives. By learning and speaking their child's love language, parents can create a safe and nurturing environment that promotes positive emotional growth and development in their children.