The following is an evolving annotated resource list of books, magazines, and CDs that have been helpful in my own journey.  This list is, of course, far from complete; I include here selections simply as they occur to me.   While your reactions will likely differ from mine, I find that hearing another’s view often helps me get a feel for a particular resource.  I hope the same is true for you.

I recently accepted that some greater organization was necessary for this page to be user-friendly.  I have divided it into somewhat arbitrary sections which, as of now, are General Spiritual Resources, Meditation Resources, and Just for Fun items. I recently added a category of Recommendations from Readers, to make available suggestions from you all, so if you have resources that have been particularly helpful in your own search, please send them on. 

This list will be updated periodically. New additions will be at the top of each category, so returning folks won’t have to re-read them all.  A selection that fits in two categories will be listed in both.   

Enjoy!

Loanne Marie

General Spiritual Resources:

1. ★Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese Buddhist monk, has a writing style that is simple, clear, and very sweet. His ability to apply classic Buddhist concepts to every day life, while keeping theology to a minimum, is a delight as is his concept of Engaged Buddhism. I have recently read Peace Is Every Step; The Miracle of Mindfulness; Being Peace; Essential Writings; and No Death, No Fear and recommend them all, although Peace Is Every Step is my current favorite. The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching is excellent, though significantly more theoretical than his others, and so, best for those folks who really want to delve more deeply. Anger is a wonderful exploration of bringing spirituality into intimate relationships and contains an excellent chapter (#2) on how to work with difficult emotions; western readers, however, might find a flavor of co-dependency in portions of the book.
   

2. ★Carolyn Myss is a prolific writer on various spiritual topics, who also has put out numerous CDs on these issues.  Some of the ones I know are Sacred Contracts, Why People Don’t Heal and How They Can, Anatomy of the Spirit, Three Levels of Power, and Spiritual Madness.  She has a style and certainty that doesn’t always fit for me, but I’ve gained something from each CD I’ve listened to, and I recommend them all.
   

3. ★The Tao Te Ching, by Lao Tsu, sets down the basic tenets of Taoism.  There are numerous translations of this ancient text; mine is by Gia-Fu Feng and Jane English and seems a relatively traditional rendering.  But I’m no expert.  Do your own research and find one that fits for you.
   

4. ★Thomas Moore has written many books on finding Spirit in the details of our lives.  The three I have read are Care of the Soul, a Guide for Cultivating Depth and Sacredness in Everyday Life; The Re-enchantment of Everyday Life; and Soul Mates, Honoring the Mysteries of Love and Relationship.  I would assume, however, that any of his books would be a delight to read.  Moore has background as both a spiritual seeker and psychotherapist, and his insights have been most helpful to me as I seek to live a more soulful life.
   

5. ★Sally Kempton wrote The Heart of Meditation: Pathways to a Deeper Experience and is a regular contributor to Yoga Journal.  I recommend her articles in the Journal without hesitation; she is articulate, psychologically and spiritually savvy, and it’s clear she has actually done the work she advocates.  I give my impressions of her book under Meditation Resources below.
   

6. ★Yoga Journal is a steal, with a new yearly subscription only $11 last time I looked!  This magazine attempts to do the nearly impossible--appeal to new and advanced yoga students in one publication--but I think it does it rather well, with articles on anatomy, detailed instructions for both beginning and advanced poses (Oh, my golly, how do they do those things?!), and inspiring articles on the spiritual life.  Admittedly, there are ads for ridiculously expensive clothing and retreats, and the occasional article I wouldn’t include, but as with anything else, it’s wise to take what works and leave the rest.  And there’s a lot here that works quite well.
   

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Meditation Resources:

1. ★When Things Fall Apart, Heart Advice for Difficult Times by Pema Chodron.  Pema has written many books on Buddhism and meditation, and I imagine all of them are delights.  This one assists us in going into fear rather than away from it and is highly recommended.  If you are new to meditation, though, please know that Choedron is a practitioner of mindfulness meditation, which is only one of several approaches.
   

2. ★Buddhism Without Beliefs by Stephen Batchelor will appeal to those folks out there who would like to pursue meditation without the distraction of theology (although I did find some beliefs sneaking in).
   

3. ★The Heart of Meditation: Pathways to a Deeper Experience by Sally Kempton, was extremely helpful in giving my meditation wings.  However, be aware that Kempton writes from the guru-based Siddha Yoga tradition, which some might find disturbing.  If it is to you, try doing some internal translating to a conceptual framework that works better (such as imagining intuition or God as your guru).  This book is a gem.
   

4. ★The Relaxation Response by Herbert Benson was one of the earliest books in mind-body medicine, sharing research on the positive effects of meditation.  I read it years ago, but think it would be helpful in demystifying the meditation process for those new to it.  I hope they’ve reissued an updated version that includes additional research.
   

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Just for Fun:

1. ★Zoom by Istvan Banyai is a delightful book without words that demonstrates the importance of the perspectives we hold.  A fun and mind-opening gift for any age.
   

2. ★Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman’s Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia by Elizabeth Gilbert is an engaging memoir of a woman’s quest for emotional healing and spiritual vitality.  I loved it!
   

3. ★Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer-Bradley, is an old favorite, telling the Arthurian legend from the perspective of priestesses of the Goddess-worshiping religion.  A fun exploration--though I seem to remember it was a bit slow-going at first--that may make you long to live on Avalon yourself!  This prolific writer also wrote numerous books of science fiction in her Darkover series; though I’m not generally a fan of science fiction, these books are the exception.
   

4. ★Longing for Darkness: Tara and the Black Madonna, by China Galland is another engaging memoir of an American-born Buddhist going in search of expressions of the holy in female form.
   

5. ★David Whyte is a poet who captures a vivid spirituality in a few well-chosen words.  He has numerous books and CDs.  If you choose the books, remember, poetry is meant to be read aloud.
   

6. ★Anne Lamott is a born-again Christian with a delightful, irreverent leftist sensibility.  She’s written many books, and I’ve read several though can only now remember Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith.  I don’t know about you, but I need to hear from born-agains who remember Christ’s message of peace, social justice, and love.  Ahhh....
   

Recommendations from Readers:

1. ★Dennis suggests Spirituality and Health Magazine, and the books No Ordinary Moments by Dan Millman, New Earth: Awakening to your Life's Purpose by Eckhart Tolle, Sky Above, Earth Below by John Milton, and Native Wisdom by Ed McGaa, the Eagle Man. He describes them this way: ”Most of these encompass the themes of awareness/ presence, healing with/from nature and the Divine/Great Spirit/Source in everything.” What’s not to love!
   

Happy reading!  And remember, check back frequently as this page is a work in progress.  And send me your own suggestions, using the email link above.

Loanne Marie