I am a firm believer in the healing potential of books. So much of our knowledge and wisdom as a species has been written down and passed on through the generations, to our great benefit as a society. The following are some books that I have found especially inspiring and informative. I highly recommend these books to anyone who is looking to explore their life, mentality, soul, and overall health more fully.

The power of now

Eckhart Tolle is one of my favorite thinkers, writers, and philosophers on the topics of spirituality and mental health. "The Power of Now" is just one of his books that I have found helpful in my own search for truth and meaning.

The four agreements

Simple and potent, Don Miguel Ruiz reminds us of ancient Toltec wisdom. The four agreements are a code of conduct that will make our lives better.

the seat of the soul

There are very good reasons this book was a #1 New York Times bestseller and has been endorsed by Oprah Winfrey and Maya Angelou (two women for whom I hold a lot of respect). It is both a meditation and study guide for the soul's place in humanity.

Heartwork: How to get what you really, really want

Dale Goldstein, LCSW, combined Eastern philosophy and Western psychotherapy to create Heartwork. Drawing on many ancient techniques, including inquiry, breath work, and meditation, Dale guides us into the heart of the matter.

how to use herbs, nutrients and yoga in mental health care

This is the best book I have found on integrating yoga, nutrients and herbs into mental health care. Clear and straightforward, this book is written by the leading Integrative Psychiatrists in the country, Richard Brown, MD, Patricia Gerbarg, MD, and Philip Muskin, MD. Also, check out my blog post featuring Dr. Brown and Dr. Gerbarg teaching coherent breathing.

THE EMPATH'S survival guide

Judith Orloff, MD, is a psychiatrist and empath, a highly sensitive person who picks up on other's emotional and physical energies, and feels them as if they were her own. This book is full of tips and tricks for empathic people wanting to keep their energy in balance and nurture themselves.