More of My Favorite Books

I really love all of these books.  All of them are guides to the ultimate goal — happiness — and  have helped me in my psychotherapy practice and personal development, which happily blend together.  All quotes are from the book covers.

Calm and Compassionate Children,
A Handbook
Susan Usha Dermond

Dermond is a teacher and founder of The Living Wisdom School in Oregon, a non-profit with a sister school in Washington.  The schools emphasize “…non-sectarian spiritual principles and practical skills for living.”   The book will help parents and children learn practical ways to live in and communicate from calm and compassionate states.

How to Meditate, A guide to Self-Discovery
Lawrence LeShan

This straightforward primer introduces the reader to a variety of ways to meditate.  It is a slim little paperback treasure for everyone, especially beginning meditators.

Taming the Tiger Within, Meditations on Transforming Difficult Emotions
Tich Nhat Hanh

“Acclaimed scholar, peace activist, and Buddhist master revered by people of all faiths, Tich Nhat Hanh has inspired millions worldwide with his insight into the human heart.” The Dalai Lama says of this book “He shows us the connection between personal inner peace and peace on earth”.  Each page contains a paragraph or even just a sentence that encourages and inspires us to understand and manage difficult emotions.

The Art of Happiness, A Handbook for Living
His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Howard Cutler, MD

Howard Cutler asks the Dalai Lama major life questions that you and I might ask.  The Dalai Lama’s eloquent and logical answers embody compassion, wisdom and humor.

The Wise Heart, A Guide to the Universal Teachings of Buddhist Psychology
Jack Kornfield

“Kornfield is an internationally renowned meditation teacher and one of the leaders in introducing Buddhist practice and psychology to the West….  The Wise Heart is the fruit of his life’s work.”  He is the co-founder of East and West Coast spiritual centers, the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA, and Spirit Rock in Northern California. It is a treat to attend one of his workshops and hear stories about people from every walk of life transforming their lives. Kornfeld embodies the nobility of spirit, which he sees in everyone. This is a book to keep nearby and open to any page at any time to soothe your soul, as is the following:

When Things Fall Apart, Heart Advice for
Difficult Times
Pema Chodron

Even if things are not falling apart, each 2-3 page chapter can be read in a few minutes before going to sleep and leave you feeling better and more insightful.

Hope you enjoy!  Come back and share your comments here, if you’re so inclined.  Also, check out my previous post: A Few of My Favorite Books