Reading Along the Way

LEARNING CHRIST CONSCIOUSNESS

WAYNE DYER – Wayne Dyer literally teaches people to think as Jesus did. Dyer was not religious, but viewed Jesus as a self actualized man. Dyer’s writing speaks to the soul and through sharing his personal journey with his readers, he shows them how and why he has learned to be completely self-reliant. I could go on endlessly and write an entire novel on this man’s journey to self-mastery. But I could never write it as well as he does. I’ll share with you one of Dyer’s most famous quotes. “Change the way you look at things, and the things you look at change.” But he had so many great quotes, that I’m adding this link. Take a look. 20 Wayne Dyer Quotes – Matt Mayberry

Wayne has written about 40 books, and that doesn’t include his children’s books. If you want somewhere to start, I would suggest these. But once you start reading his work, my guess is you’ll just keep going. Nothing you would read by this man would be a waste of time. Each book is a rare gem:

• Your Erroneous Zones
• Pulling Your Own Strings
• You’ll See It When you Believe It

• The Power of Intention
• There’s a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem
  
• Excuses Begone!
  

ANTHONY DE MELLOW – De Mellow was an Indian Jesuit priest and psychotherapist. He was known as a mystical theologian. His writing is simple, easy, and elegant. He integrates Western and Eastern philosophies, including Buddhism and Hinduism, in order to unlock keys to reaching serenity and higher consciousness. Reading his writing is like an aromatherapy session. I know that sounds strange, but his words almost immediately put you at peace. He has more books, but I am recommending what I think is his best:

• Awareness
  

• Learning Christ Consciousness
  

LEARNING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE EGO AND THE SOUL

ECKHART TOLLE – In an easy to understand, straightforward style, Tolle explains the importance of being in the present, rather than living in the past or the future. He shows us that by being in a state of stillness, we can witness our inner selves without ego, judgement or expectation, and ultimately transform and find freedom. The peace and clarity you gain will surpass the chaos of the outside world. If you only read one of Tolle’s books, read “The Power of Now”. But these are all amazing:

• The Power of Now
• A New Earth

• Stillness Speaks
  
• Living a Life of Inner Peace

SANDRA INGERMAN – Ingerman is a world class teacher of Shamanism. Shamans are healers who focus on the spiritual cause of illness. She taps into the Spirit world to show us what is happening in the human world – reflected as our physical and emotional symptoms. Shamanism teaches us that when we suffer a traumatic event, a wounded fragment of our soul will actually travel to another dimension to seek shelter. Similarly, we can give up parts of our soul in order to heal someone else – often to win their love or acceptance. These are two examples of Soul Loss. The good news is that you can retrieve that lost part of your soul. If this type of healing resonates with you, even just a little, follow your gut and read Ingerman’s books:

• Soul Retrieval
• Awakening to the Spirit World
• Walking in Light

• Walking Through Darkness
• How to Heal Toxic Thoughts

LEARNING HOW TO HARNESS YOUR POWER

BUCK BRANNAMAN  – Buck is THE original horse whisperer. He is also one of my heroes. I believe any truly effective healer has transformed his own pain into light and love. That’s exactly what Brannaman did. Buck and his brother Smokie grew up as sons to Ace, an abusive alcoholic father. He and his brother were child rope trick stars. In between their rope-tricking and endless chores on their farm, they were busy dodging alcohol-induced beatings and whippings from their dad. Once the local sheriff learned of the abuse, the boys were taken away from their father’s care. It was at his foster home where Buck nourished his connection with horses. Now he runs clinics all over the U.S. – clinics which serve to heal both horse and rider. Horses are born healers. So is Buck a born healer. If you’re interested to know more, read on:

• The Faraway Horses

• Believe

THE SECRET (film) – written by Rhonda Byrne and directed by Drew Heriot. The film is an Australian-American spirituality documentary. It consists of a series of interviews with Masters of the Law of Attraction. We have the power, which is “the secret” to manifest the life of our dreams. It’s very easy (in theory). In practice it takes work. Here is the Law of Attraction – Positive thoughts and actions produce positive outcomes. Negative thoughts and actions produce negative outcomes. Thoughts are also made up of energy. Choose to send positive thoughts to the universe and watch your entire life transform – sometimes overnight. You have the power inside of you to create the life you want. This film nudges you to get started on this path to fulfillment.

DISCOVERING THE HERO AND ANTI-HERO THAT LIVES INSIDE US

HERMANN HESSE – This Swiss-German poet and novelist digs into personal layers which reflect sides of ourselves we often do not want to look at, much less face head on. He starts to explore Eastern philosophies as his characters struggle to reach self-awareness and authenticity. Hesse’s stories depict a raw, visceral, and messy way to arrive at higher consciousness. But this is often how we do arrive. Every ascended Master – Buddha, Jesus, St. Francis, Mother Mary – all suffered the most agonizing of pains before they awakened. I have not read all of Hesse’s books, but there are 3 iconic masterpieces which he is known for, and should not be missed. I’ve added one more to the list *:

• Steppenwolf
• Siddhartha

• Demian
• *Narcissus and Goldmund

JOSEPH CAMPBELL – Joseph Campbell’s writing was the inspirational spark behind the movie Star Wars. Campbell was known for believing in a monomyth which is the theory that behind every great myth is a variation of one great underlying story. During an interview he said that it is important for children to have “heroes” in their life. These heroes are easy to identify with and provide children an ethical and moral framework by which to live their life. Campbell warns that the heroes that have been ever present for children are quickly fading away. The danger arises when children are forced to come up with new heroes. Without knowledge of our classic tried and tested heroes and what they stood for, these newly fabricated heroes will not necessarily stand up as dependable models. Campbell’s works have faced much controversy, but then again just about every writer who breaks new ground faces this obstacle. For me, that’s one of the best reasons to read his works:

• The Hero with a Thousand Faces
• The Power of Myth

• The Hero’s Journey
• Transformations of Myth Through Time

DIVINE FEMININE AND THE GODDESS WITHIN

LYNN ANDREWS – All her books are about female ancient wisdom and empowerment. Her books talk to us through the life paths of female warriors and how they overcome their obstacles. She takes us into other realms, yet you can instantly relate because she talks to that part of every woman who just “knows”. She talks to our most primal intuitive selves. Lynn talks to the heart of the ancient crone, that Goddess which resides in each one of us, who has fallen and risen like the Phoenix. Choose by book title, in any order you want. Here are only 4 of her 22 best-selling books.

• Medicine Woman
• Jaguar Woman

• Crystal Woman
• Windhorse Woman

CLARISSA PINKOLA ESTES – Estes wrote one of my all time favorite books which is called “Women Who Run With the Wolves.” I mean, with a title like that, do you really need a recommendation? This book is a compilation of fairy and folklore tales which illuminate the ancient feminine wisdom and strength which has lain dormant in women for so long. You’ll instantly relate to one or more stories in this book, and re-discover the Wild Woman inside. The fire of this woman is often necessary to ignite our way forward. Personally, I relate most to the story of the “Skeleton Woman”. For me, it’s so amazing to read a tale, reflect, and be able to say, “Wow – that’s me. Now I understand.”

• Women Who Run With the Wolves

LEARNING TO LIVE FROM THE SOUL

SANAYA ROMAN – She was one of the first spiritual writers I read. Of all the writers I discuss, the magic of this one is that you read her books once, twice, even 20 times, and depending on where you are on your spiritual journey, whatever you need to know at that point of time, will be revealed. It’s like reading a brand new book each time. Her words and light flow through her writing so smoothly, that you just absorb the message. Reading her books is like receiving an energy healing session. Sanaya has more books, but I recommend these:

• Opening to Channel
• Spiritual Growth
• Personal Power Through Awareness
  

• Living with Joy
• Soul Love (the one I have read about 12 times… so far)
  

GARY ZUKAV – Zukav spells out in very plain English how to align our personality with our soul. When we do this, we automatically stop trying to control situations, relationships, outcomes, etc… which only leads to stress and anxiety. Our souls do not seek “control”. They seek harmony, grace, sharing, and peace. Zukav writes about a new stage of evolution in which we should begin to explore our inner world instead of our physical world in order to gain authentic power – a power based on love that can transform the world. I have always been an idealist. If this strikes a chord with the idealist in you, I highly recommend Zukav’s works:

• The Seat of the Soul
• The Heart of the Soul

• The Mind of the Soul

DISCOVERING OUR TRUE SELVES THROUGH ARCHETYPES

MARY HUGH SCOTT  -Her book is called “The Passion of Being Woman.” If you want to understand the connection between man and woman through the power of myth, pick up this book. You will transform into Psyche and can gain a fuller understanding of why your Eros is treating you the way he does. This allows us to also see ourselves as Goddesses rather than like victimized girls. Her book takes you through the rites of passage we go through in a relationship. When we realize the Gods and Goddesses also had these issues, it somehow resonates with, and empowers us.

• The Passion of Being Woman

ROBERT A. JOHNSON  – Jungian philosophy explores the relationship between our conscious and unconscious minds. The societal masks we wear represent our shadow side or our repressed selves. These are the sides of us we do not show others, but they live inside all of us – jealousy, vengeance, rage, guilt, judgement, to name a few. Johnson will show you aspects of your relationships as they are played out by famous archetypes. An archetype is a personality type passed down from history, which sits in our collective unconscious. To dissect an archetype is to study ourselves. These works, very short, like children’s books, read like rich, juicy, fairy tales. These are some of his best ones:

• He
• She
• We
• Inner Work

• Ecstasy
• Femininity Lost and Regained
• Owning Your Own Shadow

I AM THAT I AM CONSCIOUSNESS

JOSEPH MURPHY – When we allow our subconscious mind to do what it wants to do, it can cause havoc in our lives. Scientific evidence has proven over and over that there is a direct correlation between our thoughts and our quality of living. Positive thoughts = positive life. Murphy offers techniques to harness the power of your subconscious mind. Here’s a quote from his book that spells it out very clearly – “As you sow in your subconscious mind, so shall you reap in your body and environment.” Murphy has many books, but if you read any of his works, read the first book listed here. The second on the list is also fantastic. Read, practice, and watch yourself transform:

• The Power of your Subconscious Mind

• The Cosmic Power Within You

JAMES TWYMAN – An Anglican/Episcopal priest and Franciscan friar, Twyman is also known as the Peace Troubadour. He has traveled to war-ridden countries to conduct world synchronized meditations and peace prayer ceremonies. He has even put the prayers from 12 major world religions to music. I own these CDs as well. They are truly other-worldly. His teachings fall under the category of non-dualistic spirituality. He has authored 22 books, but I am recommending one very important one called “The Moses Code”. This book is all about manifesting miracles using the five simple words which God proclaimed to Moses in the Bible, which are: “I Am That I Am”. He breaks down this phrase word by word, revealing its holy power. If this mystery intrigues you, then you should definitely pick up the book. I’ve added another of of his books to my short list:

• The Moses Code

• Emissary of Light

RELYING ON THE LAWS OF NATURE TO RISE ABOVE THE CHAOS IN THE WORLD

RICHARD BACH – This pilot and writer somehow touches the feathers on an angel’s wing while telling the story. There is something so exquisite and pure about how he uses events in his own life and weaves in the metaphor of “flight” to transcend our physical and mental self imposed limits. His writing evokes luminous magic.  The ephemeral spark hits home and leaves you wanting more.  I have not read all of his books, but these works are top on my list:

• Jonathan Livingston Seagull
• One
• Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah

• Life with My Guardian Angel
• The Bridge Across Forever – A True Love Story
• Running from Safety – An Adventure of the Spirit

LEMURIA – This recommendation is not necessary about a specific book as it is about Lemuria itself.  From a historical standpoint, Lemuria was a pre-Atlantis society located on a continent in the Pacific, which sank. Many theorize that today’s Hawaiian islands are the remains of that once-upon-a-time sunken continent. But there are other kinds of books about Lemuria. These books allude to the fact that Lemurian society was so advanced, with a state of such higher consciousness, that they actually arrived from the future. They lived in what is called psychic unity, where they followed the laws of Nature and a Higher Knowledge to run their lives. So imagine the concept of a civilization 10,000 years ago that is more advanced than our human state of evolution in 2024 (when this website was developed) If this blows your mind as much as it blew mine, here are two books about Lemuria that I loved:

• The Lemurian Way by Lauren O. Thyme

• The Women of Lemuria by Monica Muranyi and Amber Wolf
  

TOUCHING DIFFERENT DIMENSIONS IN ORDER TO LEARN LIFE LESSONS

PAOLO COELHO  – The beauty of his writing is that it hits home at certain crossroads in your life. Paolo writes about mystical destiny and taps into Spirit every time. He weaves love, loss, and tragedy into an enigmatic poem. The most beautiful part is that he makes you realize that whatever experience it is, it is part of a bigger universal picture and was always meant to be. Accepting this reality is in and of itself healing. Paolo has written 31 books. Here are 4 of my favorites:

• The Alchemist – probably his most famous
• Brida

• By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept
• The Pilgrimage

CARLOS CASTANEDA – If you are searching for ways to mold energy in order to empower yourself, this is your man. Carlos portrays paradigm reality shifts. The lessons arrive via Peyote induced journeys and adventures, and they are delivered by Castaneda’s own Shaman and benefactor, Don Juan. We rise and fall with Carlos, but if we heed the education, we absolutely learn – and in other dimensions as well! I suggest reading his books chronologically from his first to his 12th. These are:

• The Teachings of Don Juan (1968)
• A Separate Reality (1971)

• Journey to Ixtlan (1972
• Tales of Power (1974)

and 8 more books ending with “The Active Side of Infinity” (1999)

THE FREEDOM AND ETERNAL JOY OF SIMPLY BEING

JOHN O’DONOHUE – He is an Irish poet, theologian, and philosopher. It’s so hard to put this writer’s poetry into words. His poetry washes over you like the mist of the first morning dew. His books have been referenced as Celtic spirituality. Instead of trying to explain the elegance of his writing, I’ll share one of his quotes from Anam Cara, his most famous work: “May you realize that the shape of your soul is unique, that you have a special destiny here, that behind the façade of your life there is something beautiful, good, and eternal happening. May you learn to see yourself with the same delight, pride, and expectation with which God sees you in every moment.” If this quote touches your heart, then I encourage you to read at least these few works:

• Anam Cara
• To Bless the Space Between Us

• Beauty – The Invisible Embrace

The Secret of Roan Inish (Film 1994) – written and directed by John Salyes. If you’re in touch with your wild woman, then you will probably relate to a mythical creature called a selkie, Probably related to sirens and mermaids, selkies can shift from seal to human form. Legend says that a human can marry a selkie, and that selkie can live on land like a human forever and ever, unless she finds her seal skin coat, and then the sea will pull her back. If you’ve ever felt that mystical pull of the sea or the ocean, you will relate.

SELF DISCOVERY THROUGH MAGIC

J.K. ROWLING – I guess you’ve at least heard the name by now – the genius writer behind the Harry Potter series – whose books are part mystery, adventure, thriller, and romance. It took me a long time to get to the Potter series, but once I started reading the books, I was hooked. Rowling has managed to weave archetypes, myths, psychoanalysis, science fiction, folklore, legends, and fantasy to create an alternate universe. In this Universe, we are able to join the characters in their quests as they either dodge, embrace, or battle the dark side. If you enjoy learning and trying out new magic spells, meeting giant winged and horned creatures, and receiving an education in Witchcraft and Wizardry, do not miss Rowling’s masterpiece. It is a stroke of genius like no other:

• Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

ANTOINE DE SAINT EXUPERY – Author of the iconic masterpiece, “The Little Prince”. When you’ve reached the point in your life when you believe you come from your very own far away planet, then you need to read this book. And the reason why you need to read the book is so that you can understand that you must take that precious unique planet more seriously than you do – because there’s nothing like seeing through the eyes of a child – allow yourself that luxury. Become a child again and see the magic of life. That’s what this book does – allow you to touch the magic – if you dare to go there. I suggest – Go there.

• The Little Prince

LOVE AND MYSTICISM THROUGH POETRY

RUMI POEMS – Rumi was a 13th Century poet, Islamic scholar, and Sufi mystic. He writes about that one all encompassing elusive subject called Love. His words transcend. I believe the best way to inspire someone to read poetry is to just share one of the artist’s greatest works. If you like it, you can just search for any poetry books by Rumi.

The minute I heard my first love story,
I started looking for you, not knowing
how blind that was.
Lovers don’t finally meet somewhere.
They’re in each other all along ~ Rumi

KHALIL GIBRAN – He was a Lebanese American poet and writer. He has written many books and poems, but is most well known for his magnificent work called, “The Prophet”. The book is about a prophet, Almustafa, and the words of wisdom he shares as he leaves the city of Orphalese. The prophet’s words explore themes such as our life’s journey, self-awareness, Eternity, Love, Gratitude for Being, and a greater and higher Unity. When we realize that we are all One, we automatically gain compassion for our global brothers and sisters. In the Arabic world, “The Prophet” is a classic and known as a wisdom text. It’s very high on my list:

• The Prophet

THE POWER OF TRUE LOVE

Dangerous Beauty (film) – based on the non-fiction book “The Honest Courtesan” by Margaret Rosenthal and directed by Marshall Hershkovitz

Have you ever had an all consuming love – a love so strong that no matter what happens in the outside world, the two hearts involved are connected beyond space and time? Inevitably, the stronger the passion, the more society will reject it – What we cannot control, we often attack, judge, and try to destroy. You read this book when you need a little reminder that yes – Love conquers all.

I Am Dragon  (film) – written by Aleksey Arsenev and Marina and Sergey Dyachenko and directed by Indar Dzhendubaev

Speaking from experience, sometimes we make decisions on love based on society norms, based on what your mother did before you, and what her mother did before her, and so on and so on. And we become lost in this endless cycle, and we repeat ancestral patterns over and over, even the destructive patterns – for lifetimes. This happens until we find the courage to break that pattern. If we can break it, then we have been blessed beyond words… see what can happen when we follow our heart and soul. Encounter the Dragon in this Russian fairy tale, fantasy, adventure film It will open a whole new world for you.

RULES AND GUIDELINES TO ARRIVE TO HIGHER STATES OF CONSCIOUSNESS

JOE VITALE – Joe Vitale has written more books, but the one I am referring to is called, “Zero Limits”. This book is about a revolutionary method of spiritual healing based on 4 simple phrases which are: “I love you. I am sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you.” These 4 phrases are the components of a Hawaiian practice of forgiveness and reconciliation called Ho’oponopono. This translates to “make things right” in English. Read about how Dr. Ihaleakala Hew Len, a spiritual expert, used this meditation to heal an entire ward of criminally insane patients in Hawaii. Once you have finished reading about it in Zero Limits, you might want to read a few books about Ho’oponopono, and then go on to use this powerful poem in your own life. It works.

• Zero Limits

DON MIGUEL RUIZ – Every so often, along your journey, you need some guidelines. You need to know a few simple laws that you can fall back on in daily life so that you keep moving forward in spiritual integrity. I think Ruiz’s best book for this is “The Four Agreements” which lays out a code of conduct based on Toltec teachings. These are the four agreements, and this not a spoiler for the book: 1. Be Impeccable with Your Word 2. Don’t Take Anything Personally 3. Don’t Make Assumptions 4. Always Do Your Best. Ruiz has some others, but I believe these are his best:

• The Four Agreements
• The Fifth Agreement
• The Mastery of Love

• The Voice of Knowledge
  
• Toltec Wisdom
  
• The Five Levels of Attachment