Over the last couple of years I have come across several books that have become my special companions. They depicted personal journeys or encounters of their authors, yet so similar to my own path or experience at the time of reading. I have almost become suspicious the universe is trying to directly or indirectly offer a solution or comfort I was in search of within its pages…or is it when we relate to stories in a book or a movie and share the character’s fate that we feel everything suddenly seems so much more obvious, easier and positive? Is it the wisdom of the words that help us find the truth, learn to let go and open ourselves to new opportunities? Or is it just another way of personal meditation bringing our busy minds to peace with the ability to listen to ourselves and see things clearly by loosing ourselves in the story?
Paulo Coelho: The Alchemist
A fable about following your dreams, offering hope and finding peace of your mind and heart.
Michaela: I read this book when I was struggling to make a decision to move from Prague to London two years ago. Now in London and couldn’t be happier!
Paulo Coelho: The Witch of Portobello
A story that will transform the way you think about love, passion, joy and sacrifice.
M: I was reading this book at the beginning of my new relationship – it opened my eyes and heart!
Paulo Coelho: The Zahir
A novel of obsession, nature of love and the power of destiny.
M: Just finished reading this book last July and helped me find the balance between what my mind wants and what my heart feels. A constant battle, isn’t it?
Herman Hesse: Siddhartha
A story of Siddhartha, a Brahmin on a quest for self-discovery through suffering trials of temptation of luxury, wealth and sensuality and adventures.
M: It reminded me of a difficulty and beauty living on the edge of a material and spiritual worlds and my decision to swap a superficial media career for a true purpose of teaching yoga.
Elizabeth Gilbert: Eat, Pray, Love
One woman’s search for everything – pleasure in Italy, devotion in India and a balance between wordly enjoyment and divine transcendence in Bali.
M: This book brought so much joy, fun and light to my life…so relaxing!
Don Miguel Ruiz: The Four Agreements
A practical guide and wisdom to personal freedom as passed on by Toltec generations.
Don Miguel Ruiz: The Mastery of Love
A practical guide to the art of relationship through the Toltec perspective on love.
M: I was in search of a personal guidance after a very turbulent year and found both of these books to help me remove the baggage of the past and opening a brighter future.
Lucy Edge: Yoga School Dropout
An emotional journey, a divine comedy on the Western obsession with life’s deeper meaning, a yogic experiment and a love letter from India.
M: This book helped with my research of where to study yoga in India, plus I was ready for some major changes in my life so a massive encouragement too.
Dr. T. Lobsang Rampa: The Third Eye
A story of one man’s spiritual journey on the road of self-awareness.
M: I read this book when travelling across India and Nepal and it was truly magical experiencing some of the rituals he describes in a real life. I also love reading excerpts from his books to my yoga students, especially the one where he uses a cat to explain about a proper conscious relaxation!
Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained
An inspiring, precise translation of the ancient Chinese wisdom classic with commentary that brings the text to life for you (by Derek Lin).
M: When I need an inspiration or a quick fix when my mind starts playing tricks on me – daily!
Hopefully this will encourage you to share your own “personal jewels” with others as we would love to hear what books and why helped you, inspired you, made you laugh or cry, etc - please visit Baoli on Facebook and join our discussion topic!
Tags: