The Holiday Reading List

A home without books is like a body without a soul – Cicero

Self-mastery, self-improvement, self-awakening. I am a sucker for books that tout any of these things. One of my lovely clients reached out a few days ago and asked for gift-guide/holiday-reading-list to keep her inspired.  I was elated as lately, when I think of the things I want to buy, talk about, and think about all day it's books!  And beeswax candles, handmade ceramics, and veggie tacos. But I digress...

When it comes to books, they need to be special. They need to draw me in, ignite something in me that makes me hungry for more and hungry to share. The best of books, in my opinion, also provoke and challenge my beliefs and the way I see the world.

Often my meditation class themes are inspired by a new book. Many of my wellness consulting clients email me to ask, "what ARE you reading these days?" You see, I am always reading. Often 10-20 books at a time. And today, I have done my very best to compile a list of quite a few goodies. I hope these will give you ideas for gifts this season (for others or for your beautiful self) but may they also keep you inspired as we step into 2017.

The Essentials: Start Here

The Alchemist | A magnificent and magical journey. I read this every year or so and each time I do I find something so profound, relevant and beautiful it brings me to tears. I am not exaggerating!

The Slight Edge | The argument is made that you are always succeeding or failing at the game of life. It's a bit dramatic, and yet, has some powerful resonance about habit, and how we are in fact, what we repeatedly do. A great one to motivate for 2017.

The Power of Now | One of the most important books I've read. How to release the frets of the past and fears of the future and just accept that now is the only actual thing we have.

Anam Cara | This book means "soul friend" and that is exactly what it is. Lessons and reflections from an exquisite Irish poet that captivates with his words -- both in poem and prose form. Such a beautiful book.

How to Communicate Like a Buddhist | A guide to actually listen and speak with intention and mindfulness. I had the pleasure of having tea with the author recently and she really lives her work. This book is fantastic for seeing the world differently and learning to befriend yourself and even the most uncomfortable of situations.

The Soul of Money | This book was a hand-me-down from a friend. It is actually one of the best things I've read this year. Change the way you think about and engage with money and giving in this gem.

Move Your Stuff, Change Your Life | A beginners guide to feng shui. This is the guide I used to plan and design the entire interior of our little house.

What I'm Reading Right Now

A Year With Rumi | On my best days I finish my meditation and read a few poems before checking my phone, and sliding into my day. What a powerful way to begin with this mystic Persian powerhouse.

Rise Sister Rise | I am SLOOOOWLY savoring this beauty of a book. Every woman in your life needs to read this book. Not only is it full of wisdom to reconnect with body, mind, and spirit, but it's full of (actually) awesome excercises, quotes and poems to help you do just that.

Spiritual Cross-Training | A Rabbi's experience "cross training" with meditation, buddhism, yoga, singing, and many things in between. As I was raised with a Catholic mother and Jewish father, and have cultivated an interest in Buddhism, I am right at home with his journey through multiple faiths to find true connection to Spirit.

My Life on the Road | In Gloria Steinem's new book prejudices of America's flyover states are diminished and destroyed as this wonderful woman shares her stories and experiences of journeying through 'real' America. So timely, so beautiful.

One-on-One 101 | Full disclosure: my Cousin Robert wrote this book. But he is amazing. he created a program as a math teacher called "Yay, Math!" and is one of the most inspiring and captivating teachers and people I know. As I work with many clients one-on-one, this book is proving to be fantastically helpful, but I encourage anyone working to deepen relationships as a boss, parent, coach, or teacher to use this as a guide.

Woman Code | Take control of your endocrine system, your hormones and your life through this empowering book. Enough wondering, "Why am I breaking out? Why do I feel like crap? Why is my energy all over the place?" The author (a renowned health coach who lives in NYC) breaks down for you how and why your body is going through different things – 4 phases of each month and how to eat and live better for balance and vibrancy.

What's on My Christmukkuh List...

When God was a Woman | I don't think I need to explain this. Can't wait to begin!

The Teachings of Yogi Bhajan | It's no secret Kundalini yoga is a new (major) piece of my life. Yogi Bhajan is the person who brought these teachings to the west in the 1970's. He was absolutely a feminist and his teachings are evergreen and ever-powerful.

Invincible Living | Guru Jagat is the Kundalini Yoga teacher I currently train with. Though her studio is in Venice, I stream many of her classes via Ra Ma TV daily. She is hilarious, genuine, motivational, and real. Everything I love in a teacher. He also knows her sh*t. Her book releases in January but you better believe I've pre-ordered a number of these beauties for friends, family, and clients.

Tools of Titans | Tim Ferris is kind of a crazy person and yet, he fascinates me so much. He's always looking for life 'hacks' of sorts and I enjoy his interview style from his podcast. Though he is a bit all over the place...In tools of titans, he's aimed to capture what are the habits of the immensely successful people of this world. I love that this info is for the taking. Wake up, and let's do the thing!

Loyalty to Your Soul | This book is all about spiritual psychology and the idea of a spirituality that brings people together instead of tearing them apart. It comes highly recommended from my Uncle - and he said it's lead to a great personal awakening in his life.

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Wellness Sessions with Joanna