Therapy Books
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma- by Bessel van der Kolk - This groundbreaking book explores the role of the body in processing trauma and offers insights into how various therapies, including somatic therapies, can help in healing.
In an Unspoken Voice: How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness- by Peter A. Levine - Levine, a pioneer in the field of trauma therapy, explains how trauma affects the body and provides exercises and techniques to help release it.
Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma by Peter A. Levine - This book explores how animals in the wild release trauma and how humans can learn from this to heal their own trauma.
Befriending Your Nervous System by Deb Dana - This book provides an accessible introduction to the Polyvagal Theory and offers simple practices and exercises to help readers regulate their nervous systems and reduce stress.
Nurturing Resilience - by Kathy L. Kain and Stephen J. Terrell is a valuable resource for understanding and working with trauma and resilience from a developmental somatic atatchment persptive.
The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook: A Proven Way to Accept Yourself, Build Inner Strength, and Thrive - by Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer - This workbook offers practical exercises and techniques for cultivating self-compassion and improving well-being.
Man's Search for Meaning - by Viktor Frankl is a profound book that explores the human search for meaning and resilience in the face of suffering.
When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times- by Pema Chödrön - Chödrön offers compassionate and practical guidance for facing life's difficulties and finding meaning in challenging circumstances.
A Grief Observed - by C.S. Lewis - Lewis reflects on his own experience of grief and loss, offering profound insights into the nature of suffering and the search for meaning.
The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living- by Dalai Lama XIV and Howard C. Cutler - The Dalai Lama shares his insights on finding happiness and meaning through compassion, mindfulness, and understanding
Yoga resources
Light on Yoga by B.K.S. Iyengar - This classic book by the founder of Iyengar Yoga provides detailed descriptions and illustrations of yoga poses (asanas) along with insights into yoga philosophy and practice.
Yoga: A Gem for Women By Geeta Iyengar - This book explores the practice of yoga from a woman's perspective, addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of yoga practice for women.
Yoga: A Path to Holistic Health by B.K.S Iyengar and Geeta Iyengar - This book offers a comprehensive guide to the practice of yoga, including asanas, pranayama (breathing exercises), and meditation.
The Roots of Yoga - By James Mallinson and Mark Singleton, this book is a collection of translations of key yoga texts, providing insights into the history and development of yoga.
Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā" - Translated By James Mallinson, this text is one of many classical hatha yoga texts.
Meditation resources
The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh - Thich Nhat Hanh provides simple and practical guidance on how to incorporate mindfulness into everyday life, which is helpful for beginners looking to integrate meditation into their daily routines.
Buddhism: One Teacher, Many Traditions by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Thubten Chodron - This book explores the commonalities and differences between various Buddhist traditions, including Tibetan Buddhism, making it a valuable resource for beginners seeking to understand the broader context of Tibetan Buddhism.
The Joy of Living: Unlocking the Secret and Science of Happiness by Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche - This book offers practical guidance on meditation and mindfulness practices, drawing on Tibetan Buddhist teachings.
Awakening the Buddha Within: Tibetan Wisdom for the Western World by Lama Surya Das - This book offers a blend of Tibetan Buddhist teachings and modern insights, making it accessible to beginners in the Western world.
Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life With the Heart of a Buddha - By Tara Brach - This book explores the concept of radical acceptance as a path to inner peace and freedom, drawing on Buddhist teachings and practices.
Confession of a Buddhist Atheist - By Stephen Batchelor - In this memoir, Batchelor reflects on his personal journey with Buddhism and his exploration of its teachings outside of a traditional religious framework.
Radical Compassion: Learning to Love Yourself and Your World With the Practice of R.A.I.N. - by Tara Brach- The book introduces the R.A.I.N. method (Recognize, Allow, Investigate, Nurture) as a way to cultivate compassion and self-acceptance.