My favorite books to inspire authentic transformation

Rick Ruben is a genius at his work, but this book speaks to the genius in all of us.

We are all artists, and we are all creating our lives. He reminds us every day to embrace what we already have by not wanting more. The pages flew out at me as I had to earmark most of them. His poetic words inspired me to live my life more authentically and with greater pleasure to spread the word to all.

Just this quote alone: “Art is choosing to do something skillfully, caring about the details, bringing all of yourself to make the finest work you can. It is beyond ego, vanity, self-glorification, and need for approval.”

This is the message for all mindfulness practices, and it totally resonates with me. Rick certainly treks life with grace as I explore in my book. 

This book is an exercise in how to lead a more meaningful life in the way you gather. It has totally changed the way I host people in my home and how I contribute to a get together anywhere.

Just asking guests to perform a task is an attempt to get them in the mood to socialize on a deeper level. It reinforces my ceremonial talking stick ceremony that I perform when I travel with a group by asking them to bring something from home that represents what they are manifesting in life. It’s a powerful tool.

Priya outlines all the ways you can empower your social/business gatherings with simple ideas. I’ve already used her sharing techniques and it has shifted everything for the better. Gathering well isn’t a chill activity. You must make an effort to ask for Grace. Try it. 

I was gifted this book recently and it is the gift that keeps on giving.

I am an avid walker and the way the author interspersed poignant life stories with his own on walking was lovingly poetic. This quote “the walker is king, and the earth is his domain” is the one that defines the entire message of the book. I’ve been on many pilgrimages in life and witnessed many a transformation but none like the ones these philosophers uncover.

It was a joy to read the profound messages in staying present while walking as exercise. Grab a friend and enjoy walking together as you put one foot in front of the other and have meaningful conversation. 

The is a bestseller for a reason. It's a story of friendship, but more importantly it’s a love story as the characters weave their lives together through lots of hardship. The message appeals to me in a big way because I’m all about connections and how we connect in a meaningful way.

In this book, connections are made through a disability and their shared artistic ability. It’s the genuine authentic way in which they navigate through life together that you will appreciate, and that will move you toward a more compassionate and implement it into your own life.

We all have fears (a disability), big and small, and it’s the way we interact with them that makes us stronger humans. Again, a mindfulness practice in reading between the lines here in this beautifully written book. 

Brené is a master at being vulnerable, and she teaches us to connect with our vulnerability in order to live an authentic life.

There’s nothing like sharing your most vulnerable moments with others to uncover that everyone has them. Peeling away layers helps us get to the core of who we are. She is living proof that practicing what you preach reaps far-reaching benefits. Early on in my career, I was searching for purpose, and I found it in being vulnerable and sharing my vulnerability with others, only to discover that it sets you free.

Brene will convince you that daring greatly is not about winning or losing but about courage. I love taking people out of their comfort zones on travelling to exotic and out-of-this-world places that make you feel your insignificance. It takes courage to take this creative path without psychedelics, but that’s a whole other conversation.