Yes we had this question recently I think also. For me it is my spiritual readings at Mass each week and “living faith” a quarterly daily catholic devotion booklet given out at my church. Lately, I am not finding a lot of time for reading books. I enjoy reading everyone’s reflections on a daily basis.
Over the years so many books, too many to name. So many authors over the years have been helpful. Some are well known. Other are not. I guess it all depends on where one is in their spiritual journey at the time the book is read.
One book that I keep rereading over and over and get fresh inspiration from every time is “Peace Pilgrim: Her Life and Work in Her Own Words”. Her practice and lifestyle were very unique to her (walking across the USA for 28 years with no possessions except the clothes on her back, a comb, toothbrush, pen, and slips of paper bearing her message of peace, eating only when offered food, sleeping out in the open unless offered a place to sleep). But when she describes the inner mindset and process that brought her to this place where she was able to have such a positive influence for so many years (and with the influence continuing after her death) it inspires me in my own spiritual practice. Here is just one example of the many jewels in the book which have inspired me in my daily life and spiritual practice (from p. 11)
“You begin to do your part in the Life Pattern by doing all of the good things you feel motivated toward, even though they are just little good things at first. You give these priority in your life over all the superficial things that customarily clutter human lives.
Every morning I thought of God and thought of things I might do that day to be of service to God’s children. I looked at every situation I came into to see if there was anything I could do there to be of service. I did as many good things as I could each day, not forgetting the importance of a pleasant word and a cheery smile. I prayed about things that seemed too big for me to handle – and right prayer motivates to right action.”
P.S. I just thought of another book that is extremely helpful whenever I go through difficult times as a caregiver. It is called “The Caregiver’s Tao Te Ching”, by William and Nancy Martin.. It is a series of short translations from the Tao Te Ching followed by commentary: each section is just 1-2 pages long so even when I am busy I can take 2 minutes to sit down and read a page and it changes my perspective. Here is an example of the what can be found there (p 35)
“Life feels crooked
when we want it to be straight,
and empty
when we want it to be full.
We sometimes get what we desire.
We sometimes lose
that which is most precious to us.
The future cannot be predicted,
and therefore it frightens us.
Taking refuge in what is,
we find relief from all our struggle.
No longer demanding something different,
we find a simple peace within.
Not trying to control events,
we preserve our energy.
We are no longer in opposition to life
so our strength is fully available
and our spirit is capable of all that is needed.
Beautiful! Yes, I could do well to read that excerpt every morning!!!!! thank you, Elizabeth. I read Peace Pilgrim as a young woman several decades ago – kept it on my “altar”…. eventually felt I should “clean up” and passed it on to a local thrift store. Now, I see myself as the same age as Peace Pilgrim – that picture of her on the cover of that book, walking walking – I may never have her dedication and spiritual energy — but that was no reason to discard the book. I hope someone else found it and is loving that copy today — thank you for reminding me of the perspectives I held as a young woman, thinking about being an old one!!!! I will try to use my steps today to remember Peace Pilgrim and her lessons and to evaluate how I walk thru my world today. Thank you again – can’t wait to read today’s other reflections now!!! carol.
Carol Ann– The copy of the book that I own is a used copy, with underlines and notes from another person– who knows, it could have been your copy! (I want to put a heart in here, but I don’t think I can do emojis on the computer : ) )
And yes, that picture on the front is lovely. In fact, I was drawn to Peace Pilgrim because I watched a spiritual movie that was otherwise mediocre, but there was one clip where they showed a picture of Peace Pilgrim walking, and I was so struck by the joyful, peaceful look on her face that I looked up information about her online and ended up getting her book.
Many over the years, particularly those about Buddhism and yoga. I’ll mention Joanna Macy’s writings since she hasn’t been named yet by others.
I found Radical Dharma: Talking Race, Love, and Liberation by angel Kyodo Williams, Lama Rod Owens, and Jasmine Syedullah during the early epidemic and appreciated how it brought Buddhist and anti-racism perspectives to bear on the injustices of the world, especially after the murders of George Floyd and others were publicized.
Rev. angel has a regular longer sitting practice and a shorter video with a question for inquiry that she emails out weekly. For those interested, here’s her site https://revangel.com/.
A sample inquiry:
What have you been praying will be taken care of by someone or something else? Feel into what it would be like to stop that praying, and notice what arises. What would be required of you if you did stop praying? What would it offer you?
Take 3-10 minutes, using any medium that works for you – a journal, drawing supplies, movement – to reflect on this inquiry.
So many books, podcasts, online retreats, lectures have inspired me over the years.
Hard to only mention a few!
Louise Hay, You Can Heal Your Life.
Don Miguel Ruiz, The Four Agreements.
Pema Chodron, When Things Fall Apart.
Mary Davis, Every.Day.Spirit. My daily go to.
Rosemerry Whatola Trommer’s, Daily Poems & Poetry Books.
Mary Oliver, Poetry books.
And so many more…..🙏🏻✨❤️
We read many of the same things. I’m a daily visitor to Rosemerry’s site and have several of her books along with Mary Oliver, Pema Chodron, and The Four Agreements.
As othera have commented I believe this was a recent question…and then as well as now…I cannot identify one or two books. I think that most books I read shape my spiritual practice in one way or another….even the books I read for enjoyment – they usually give me “food for thought” and reflection. Mostly my prayer life and going to weekly Catholic Mass shapes who I am spiritually. Daily I come to this site…something I always look forward to. I read the responses of all here and I always, always gain some insight…for that I am grateful. I read “The Concord Pastor” (Father Austin Fleming) daily on his website and I subscribe to “Hallow” for daily prayers and inspiration. I have gone on several pilgrimages and found them very uplifting…but I think my days of that are over–for many reasons. As always; even though this question was recent- it gave me new thoughts and answers! Thank you all on Grateful Living!!
At the moment I am dipping in and out of Stillness Speaks by Eckhart Tolle. It’s not a book to read from cover to cover but one to literally dip in and out of, reading just a paragraph at a time and contemplating or meditating on it.
Usually people mention his book The Power of Now. Thanks for mentioning a different one. My library has it and I’m putting it on my list for future reading.
I would say the Bible is the very foundational book that I’d never understood it all. The more I read it, the more I am aware that my view is narrow.
The second ones are children’s books. They keep my belief in the more simplicity, the happier I am.
Thanks for sharing your favorite books and sites, everyone! Stay warm!
I LOVED reading children books to my children when they were young. I enjoyed going to the library weekly and picking out seasonal books – yes, Halloweeen was my favorite so I especially looked forward to those displayed ones on the table, lol.
NGOC, I have found that when I look at the Bible as a book of faith sharing instead of history that is helpful to understanding that it has a metaphorical element.
I think that children’s books,
dear Ngoc,
offer insight and wisdom to adults as well…
consider ‘The Little Prince’,
by Antoine De Saint-Exupery
with love…♥
OH! I LOVE this! children’s books!!!…. hopefully, with an absolutely engrossed little child sitting on your lap, leaning against your back arm, because it’s the best way to allow all their attention to be drawn totally to that page and its story. Thank you for this… can’t wait to read to the three year old soon. THAT will also be another blessed day!!!!! carol
Thank you for mentioning children’s books, Ngoc. I probably remember books I read as a child more than many of those I read as an adult. I’ve been a voracious reader since I learned to read around age 4 (Mom was a teacher and started us early). They definitely influenced me.
My Ngoc, I’m with you on children’s books. We align on simplicity. Occasionally, I still enjoy the adult books, because I find enjoyment in variety and exploration of the unknown.
As Loc said, it seems we I’d this question recently. And as most everyone has said, there are too many books to list, so I’ll add another to what I wrote previously. David Whyte’s poetry seems to always be the right read in the moment, for a short read. His short collection, “Essentials” calls me back over and over. And it fits in my satchel.😉
I don’t think books have shaped my spiritual practices as much as programs that I have taken and actual experiences.
Originally my parents and the Catholic Church shaped my spirituality.
In my early twenties I started doing yoga and did have a book of the various yoga asanas that got me started.
I followed a yogi and attended his retreats for about ten years. During this time I also went to Mass and found inspiration in the Bible.
Over the years I have attended many retreats and more recently online retreats.
At this time my spirituality is based mainly on gratefulness.
My main spiritual practice at this time is coming to this site and answering the question of the day. It has been helpful to me to reflect upon and answer each question. I have especially enjoyed, been inspired by, and learned from the responses that all of you share. I feel I have come to know each of you a little more each day and feel very supported and grateful for each of you.
I need to get back to a book I was reading through one entry at a time. It’s Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga, by Rolf Gates and Katrina Kenison. It shares Rolf’s personal story (not in big biographical chunks) and steps through the yoga sutras in a way that’s been helpful to me to understand them more deeply.
I remember a question similar to this one not too long ago. My 2 books are “11 Rings, the Soul of Success” by Phil Jackson and “Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind” by Shunryu Suzuki.
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The Bible definitely. Other spiritual readings as well, but the Bible is the key.
Yes we had this question recently I think also. For me it is my spiritual readings at Mass each week and “living faith” a quarterly daily catholic devotion booklet given out at my church. Lately, I am not finding a lot of time for reading books. I enjoy reading everyone’s reflections on a daily basis.
Over the years so many books, too many to name. So many authors over the years have been helpful. Some are well known. Other are not. I guess it all depends on where one is in their spiritual journey at the time the book is read.
When the student is ready, the teacher appears. This has been true in my life also, Carol.
One book that I keep rereading over and over and get fresh inspiration from every time is “Peace Pilgrim: Her Life and Work in Her Own Words”. Her practice and lifestyle were very unique to her (walking across the USA for 28 years with no possessions except the clothes on her back, a comb, toothbrush, pen, and slips of paper bearing her message of peace, eating only when offered food, sleeping out in the open unless offered a place to sleep). But when she describes the inner mindset and process that brought her to this place where she was able to have such a positive influence for so many years (and with the influence continuing after her death) it inspires me in my own spiritual practice. Here is just one example of the many jewels in the book which have inspired me in my daily life and spiritual practice (from p. 11)
“You begin to do your part in the Life Pattern by doing all of the good things you feel motivated toward, even though they are just little good things at first. You give these priority in your life over all the superficial things that customarily clutter human lives.
Every morning I thought of God and thought of things I might do that day to be of service to God’s children. I looked at every situation I came into to see if there was anything I could do there to be of service. I did as many good things as I could each day, not forgetting the importance of a pleasant word and a cheery smile. I prayed about things that seemed too big for me to handle – and right prayer motivates to right action.”
P.S. I just thought of another book that is extremely helpful whenever I go through difficult times as a caregiver. It is called “The Caregiver’s Tao Te Ching”, by William and Nancy Martin.. It is a series of short translations from the Tao Te Ching followed by commentary: each section is just 1-2 pages long so even when I am busy I can take 2 minutes to sit down and read a page and it changes my perspective. Here is an example of the what can be found there (p 35)
“Life feels crooked
when we want it to be straight,
and empty
when we want it to be full.
We sometimes get what we desire.
We sometimes lose
that which is most precious to us.
The future cannot be predicted,
and therefore it frightens us.
Taking refuge in what is,
we find relief from all our struggle.
No longer demanding something different,
we find a simple peace within.
Not trying to control events,
we preserve our energy.
We are no longer in opposition to life
so our strength is fully available
and our spirit is capable of all that is needed.
Beautiful and very helpful.
Thank you Elizabeth!
Thank you, Elizabeth. Very inspiring words.
Thank you, Elizabeth.
Elizabeth, Thanks for taking the time to type all of this. Your messages are so inspiring and helpful.
Beautiful! Yes, I could do well to read that excerpt every morning!!!!! thank you, Elizabeth. I read Peace Pilgrim as a young woman several decades ago – kept it on my “altar”…. eventually felt I should “clean up” and passed it on to a local thrift store. Now, I see myself as the same age as Peace Pilgrim – that picture of her on the cover of that book, walking walking – I may never have her dedication and spiritual energy — but that was no reason to discard the book. I hope someone else found it and is loving that copy today — thank you for reminding me of the perspectives I held as a young woman, thinking about being an old one!!!! I will try to use my steps today to remember Peace Pilgrim and her lessons and to evaluate how I walk thru my world today. Thank you again – can’t wait to read today’s other reflections now!!! carol.
Carol Ann– The copy of the book that I own is a used copy, with underlines and notes from another person– who knows, it could have been your copy! (I want to put a heart in here, but I don’t think I can do emojis on the computer : ) )
And yes, that picture on the front is lovely. In fact, I was drawn to Peace Pilgrim because I watched a spiritual movie that was otherwise mediocre, but there was one clip where they showed a picture of Peace Pilgrim walking, and I was so struck by the joyful, peaceful look on her face that I looked up information about her online and ended up getting her book.
Many over the years, particularly those about Buddhism and yoga. I’ll mention Joanna Macy’s writings since she hasn’t been named yet by others.
I found Radical Dharma: Talking Race, Love, and Liberation by angel Kyodo Williams, Lama Rod Owens, and Jasmine Syedullah during the early epidemic and appreciated how it brought Buddhist and anti-racism perspectives to bear on the injustices of the world, especially after the murders of George Floyd and others were publicized.
Rev. angel has a regular longer sitting practice and a shorter video with a question for inquiry that she emails out weekly. For those interested, here’s her site https://revangel.com/.
A sample inquiry:
What have you been praying will be taken care of by someone or something else? Feel into what it would be like to stop that praying, and notice what arises. What would be required of you if you did stop praying? What would it offer you?
Take 3-10 minutes, using any medium that works for you – a journal, drawing supplies, movement – to reflect on this inquiry.
We just had a question about a book two weeks ago. Everyone go to https://grateful.org/what-is-your-question/ and suggest some new questions to help the team.
Thank you for providing the link Barb:)
Thank you for this,
dear Barb . . .
I did. ♥
So many books, podcasts, online retreats, lectures have inspired me over the years.
Hard to only mention a few!
Louise Hay, You Can Heal Your Life.
Don Miguel Ruiz, The Four Agreements.
Pema Chodron, When Things Fall Apart.
Mary Davis, Every.Day.Spirit. My daily go to.
Rosemerry Whatola Trommer’s, Daily Poems & Poetry Books.
Mary Oliver, Poetry books.
And so many more…..🙏🏻✨❤️
We read many of the same things. I’m a daily visitor to Rosemerry’s site and have several of her books along with Mary Oliver, Pema Chodron, and The Four Agreements.
Melody Beatties books on codependency, The Path of Pray by Sophy Burham, The Mastery of Love by Don Miguel Ruiz
As othera have commented I believe this was a recent question…and then as well as now…I cannot identify one or two books. I think that most books I read shape my spiritual practice in one way or another….even the books I read for enjoyment – they usually give me “food for thought” and reflection. Mostly my prayer life and going to weekly Catholic Mass shapes who I am spiritually. Daily I come to this site…something I always look forward to. I read the responses of all here and I always, always gain some insight…for that I am grateful. I read “The Concord Pastor” (Father Austin Fleming) daily on his website and I subscribe to “Hallow” for daily prayers and inspiration. I have gone on several pilgrimages and found them very uplifting…but I think my days of that are over–for many reasons. As always; even though this question was recent- it gave me new thoughts and answers! Thank you all on Grateful Living!!
At the moment I am dipping in and out of Stillness Speaks by Eckhart Tolle. It’s not a book to read from cover to cover but one to literally dip in and out of, reading just a paragraph at a time and contemplating or meditating on it.
Usually people mention his book The Power of Now. Thanks for mentioning a different one. My library has it and I’m putting it on my list for future reading.
I would say the Bible is the very foundational book that I’d never understood it all. The more I read it, the more I am aware that my view is narrow.
The second ones are children’s books. They keep my belief in the more simplicity, the happier I am.
Thanks for sharing your favorite books and sites, everyone! Stay warm!
I LOVED reading children books to my children when they were young. I enjoyed going to the library weekly and picking out seasonal books – yes, Halloweeen was my favorite so I especially looked forward to those displayed ones on the table, lol.
NGOC, I have found that when I look at the Bible as a book of faith sharing instead of history that is helpful to understanding that it has a metaphorical element.
I think that children’s books,
dear Ngoc,
offer insight and wisdom to adults as well…
consider ‘The Little Prince’,
by Antoine De Saint-Exupery
with love…♥
OH! I LOVE this! children’s books!!!…. hopefully, with an absolutely engrossed little child sitting on your lap, leaning against your back arm, because it’s the best way to allow all their attention to be drawn totally to that page and its story. Thank you for this… can’t wait to read to the three year old soon. THAT will also be another blessed day!!!!! carol
Thank you for mentioning children’s books, Ngoc. I probably remember books I read as a child more than many of those I read as an adult. I’ve been a voracious reader since I learned to read around age 4 (Mom was a teacher and started us early). They definitely influenced me.
My Ngoc, I’m with you on children’s books. We align on simplicity. Occasionally, I still enjoy the adult books, because I find enjoyment in variety and exploration of the unknown.
As Loc said, it seems we I’d this question recently. And as most everyone has said, there are too many books to list, so I’ll add another to what I wrote previously. David Whyte’s poetry seems to always be the right read in the moment, for a short read. His short collection, “Essentials” calls me back over and over. And it fits in my satchel.😉
I don’t think books have shaped my spiritual practices as much as programs that I have taken and actual experiences.
Originally my parents and the Catholic Church shaped my spirituality.
In my early twenties I started doing yoga and did have a book of the various yoga asanas that got me started.
I followed a yogi and attended his retreats for about ten years. During this time I also went to Mass and found inspiration in the Bible.
Over the years I have attended many retreats and more recently online retreats.
At this time my spirituality is based mainly on gratefulness.
My main spiritual practice at this time is coming to this site and answering the question of the day. It has been helpful to me to reflect upon and answer each question. I have especially enjoyed, been inspired by, and learned from the responses that all of you share. I feel I have come to know each of you a little more each day and feel very supported and grateful for each of you.
I need to get back to a book I was reading through one entry at a time. It’s Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga, by Rolf Gates and Katrina Kenison. It shares Rolf’s personal story (not in big biographical chunks) and steps through the yoga sutras in a way that’s been helpful to me to understand them more deeply.
This sounds so interesting Barb!
I am looking into it.
It may be time to pull my yoga mat out.
My body calls out for gentle stretching.
You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
Sacred Journey of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman
and so many others!
I remember a question similar to this one not too long ago. My 2 books are “11 Rings, the Soul of Success” by Phil Jackson and “Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind” by Shunryu Suzuki.