Books can be wonderful companions on the healing journey — offering insight, encouragement, and new perspectives. At the same time, every nervous system has its own story and pace. What resonates for one person may not for another, and that’s more than okay. These resources are here to support your curiosity and growth, and you’re invited to take what feels helpful and leave the rest
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
Therapy Books
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.
Yoga 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.