Recommendations from Jean & Rob
It’s always helps to have some book recommendation. Whether you want to dive deep into spiritual practice or simply embrace reading for pleasure.
This list is for you.
Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself
Kristen Neff
Eventually, we need to figure out how be gentle with ourselves. Too often negative self talk, the inner critic get in the way of us loving deeply and allowing ourselves to be loved. Self Compassion is not selfish, it teaches us that our suffering and difficulties are shared, we are not alone. We love this book because it is based on extensive research, but super easy to read by an very down to earth author.
The Priory of the Orange Tree
Samantha Shannon
A beautifully written fantasy novel with an empowered female protagonist. Some have named it a feminist retelling of the story of Saint George and the Dragon and it avoids the boring sexist tropes found in most fantasy novels. A great book to read with a cup of chai, but give yourself a good hour to get started on it as it takes a little while to get into. But then, it is hard to put down!
Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence
Esther Perel
Relationships are the final frontier of spiritual practice (we wrote about it here). It is one thing to sit alone on a meditation cushion for months or years, another to spend each day navigate the beauty, the triggers and the trauma of relationships. If you feel like you have lost a little spark within yourself, or are ready to deepen your relationship with yourself and life this book is for you. We love this book because it reminded us to stay true to the path we are on both individually and as a couple.
Shinrin-Yoku: The Art and Science of Forrest Bathing
Dr Qunig-Li
When you live in the city it is easy to forget the power to nature to heal. This book is a beautiful practical guide to how trees can help you heal. Rob led a Shinrin-Yoku practice on our last retreat (there is another Dwellingup retreat in 2022!) which was thoroughly enjoyed. Read this book then head out to the beach or some of our beautiful forest – like John Forrest National park near us!
Sky Without Stars (System Divine Trilogy)
Jessica Brody & Joanne Rendell
This book is basically Les Misérables in space. We think it is better than the actual Les Mis, or one of us does because the other does NOT read fantasy. There is no political subtext, no learning, just pure enjoyment with great characters.
Trusting the Gold: Learning to Nurture your Inner Light
Tara Brach
Psychologist and meditation teacher Tara Brach PhD is someone whose words you can take refuge in. This book is a reminder you are going to be ok, you can trust yourself and wake up from the trance of unworthiness. If you are new to Tara Brach’s work you will love this beautiful book with simple yet empowering teachings. If you know her work well this is a beautiful light bed time reading.
Widening Circles: A Memoir
Joanna Macy
Joanna Macy is a lifelong Buddhist eco-philosopher and activist whose life has been one long adventure. Studying in Nepal, starting a commune, social activism, writing books and training she writes and teaches about the intersection of deep ecology, spiritual practice and Buddhism. Her group exercises used to truly see each other as part of the greater web are used at the end of many of our training. We loved learning more of her story and journey.
Kindred
Octavia Butler
I stumbled across the work of Octavia Butler at New Edition book store in Fremantle. She is an African American author that interweaves science fiction and fantasy with deeper conversations about politics, race and mythology. Kindred is a time travel novel that explores relationships, race. It is both disturbing, brilliant and hard to put down.
If Women Rose Rooted: The Power of the Celtic Woman
Sharon Blackie
This is Sharon’s personal memoir of finding meaning and belonging in a post corporate life. Inspired by Celtic mythology she undergoes an inner and outer journey to reclaim her connection to the earth and feminine spirituality. It is a heroine’s journey towards discovering an authenticity which is connected to nature.
A Path with Heart: A guide Through the Perils and Promises of Spiritual Life
Jack Kornfield
It seems we return to this book every five years or so. Every time we read it, there is a different layer to uncover depending on our stage of life. Jack Kornfield is an American Buddhist Meditation teacher with a PhD in Clinical Psychologist. He helped popularise Buddhism in the west on his return from living as a monk in Thailand. This book is a guide to living the path in the midst of everyday life. It is a must read for everyone seeking to integrate their meditation and yoga practice with day to day living.
Happy Reading!
If talks and lectures are more your thing don’t forget we have a beautiful video library of talks meditations & practices. Online members also have access to all our live streamed classes from only $22 a week, no lock in contracts. More information here.
Warmly,
Jean & Rob
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