Book choices are so personal. From experience, I know what is a fascinating to one person, is boring to another. And yet, for me, some of the best books I’ve read (or listened to) came into my life via a recommendation. So, I hope my selection of these seven books will fascinate, tantalise, intrigue, educate and change the way you think—as much as these books did for me.
BREATH: The new science of a lost art—James Nestor
This beautifully written book includes James’ journey into finding better health through the art of breathing. James experimented on himself, occasionally to an extraordinary degree, to show how breathing impacts on our health. The book includes fascinating research on how our breathing has changed over the millennia, which has impacted sleep, snoring, and allergies. Get it HERE
ENTANGLED LIFE: How fungi makes our world, changes our minds and shapes our futures—Merlin Sheldrake
Merlin takes you by the hand and leads you into the unexpected, fascinating world of fungi. The book explains how trees communiate and share resources through their mycelium networks in what has become known as the wood-wide-web. And how one fungi, takes over the life of a particular ant, turning it into a zombie ant to give the fungi what it needs! Understanding the role of fungi transforms our view of our planet and life itself. Get it HERE.
THE UNTETHERED SOUL: The journey beyond yourself—Michael A. Singer
I’m three-quarters through the Audible version of this book. Michael has a soothing voice and a wonderful way of making complex spiritual concepts easy to understand. Early on, he asks of the reader:
The only requirement asked of you is the willingness to honestly look at yourself in the most natural, intuitive manner. Remember, if we are seeking the root of ”self,” what we are actually seeking is you.
Michael explores the question of human identity, shows how the development of consciousness can enable us all to dwell in the present moment, and how to achieve happiness. Get it HERE.
THE CREATIVE ACT: A way of being—Rick Rubin
On the surface, this book is about allowing natural creatively to come to the fore. But it is so much deeper than that. Rick delves into the essence of being an artist—which includes you, me and everyone—and how it impacts on human existence. Each short chapter provides reflections on what it takes to express ourselves creatively and emotionally. More than anything, I love Rick’s gentle encouragement and his poetic voice. Get it HERE.
PSYCHEDELICS: The revolutionary drugs that could change your life – a guide from the expert—Professor David Nutt
In the world of psychotherapy and emotional healing, there is a resurgent interest in the use of psychedelics. LSD, Magic Mushrooms (psilocybin), Cannabis and Ayahuasca—which, when used in tried and tested ways—can provide long-lasting relief from pain, depression, anxiety, PTSD and addiction.
Professor David Nutt, the leading expert on psychedelics research at Imperial College London, provides evidence-based information about these drugs and how they could dramatically help vast numbers of people improve their mental health. Get it HERE.
BLUE MACHINE: How the ocean shapes our world—by Helen Czerski
As a passionate sea swimmer, and lover of the sea, this book touched and inspired me. As well as covering the mechanics of how the oceans work, and the wonderous life it contains, Helen shares her story of connecting to and breathing in the ocean. She also includes stories of early sea explorers, the latest scientific research, and how a few prominent inventors accidentally made ozone-hole-sized mistakes. Get it HERE.
THE FIELD: The quest for the secret force of the universe—Lynne McTaggart
And now for something completely different! The Field is a fascinating, easy-to-read, scientific detective story which reveals how a vast cobweb of energy connects everything in the Universe—past and present—and is responsible for many of the most profound human mysteries. Get it HERE.
