Being a 21st-century business leader entails more than just managing the business; it involves managing yourself as well. As a leader, you're constantly absorbing information, weighing options, making decisions, engaging with your environment, taking action and evaluating your effectiveness. The Evolve Impact coaches have meticulously curated this collection of books to enhance your ability to lead your own life and broaden your influence, ultimately amplifying your impact on the world.

Cognition & DeCISION MAKING

A More Beautiful Question: The Power of Inquiry to Spark Breakthrough Ideas, Warren Berger

Warren Berger explores the transformative power of questioning in his groundbreaking book. Despite its simplicity, questioning deeply, imaginatively, “beautifully” can spark change in both business and daily life. Berger reveals that while children naturally ask numerous questions daily, this habit diminishes as they enter formal education. Unfortunately, our culture often discourages questioning in favor of rote answers.

Sources of Power, Gary Klein

In this modern classic, Klein explores how people truly make decisions, drawing on experience and employing a blend of intuition and analysis. Unlike studies in controlled settings, Klein takes a naturalistic approach, portraying individuals—from pilots to chess masters—faced with real-life challenges like time constraints and high stakes. Through compelling stories, he demonstrates how these experiences shape decision-making processes.

Thinking Fast and Slow, Daniel Kahneman

Daniel Kahneman, renowned psychologist and Nobel Prize winner, presents a groundbreaking exploration of the mind, detailing the two systems that govern our thinking. System 1 operates swiftly, intuitively and emotionally, while System 2 is slower, more deliberate and logical. Through examples ranging from corporate strategies to personal decision-making, Kahneman illustrates how these systems influence our judgments and choices. In Thinking, Fast and Slow, he engages readers in a dynamic discussion on leveraging the strengths of both systems and mitigating their inherent biases. This contemporary classic offers practical insights for navigating both professional and personal decisions.

LEADERSHIP, ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT & Culture

An Everyone Culture, Robert Kegan, lisa Lahey

Robert Kegan, Lisa Lahey and their collaborators have identified and studied Deliberately Developmental Organizations (DDOs), which operate on the principle that aligning with people's desire to grow fosters organizational prosperity. Unlike traditional approaches that relegate "people development" to occasional programs or coaching sessions, DDOs embed support for personal growth into daily operations, routines and conversations. An Everyone Culture explores three companies embodying this approach, detailing their design principles, practices and the underlying science. The book provides insights on how organizations can cultivate a developmental culture of their own.

Listen to a book overview here.

Be Excellent at Anything, Tony Schwartz

Our capacity is being outstripped by demand. The relentless pursuit of "more, bigger, faster" imposes subtle yet harmful tolls on our energy, concentration, innovation and enthusiasm. Leveraging vast experience across diverse organizations including Google, Ford, Sony, Ernst & Young, Shell, IBM, the Los Angeles Police Department and the Cleveland Clinic, Schwartz outlines a blueprint for a fresh approach to work—one that prioritizes support for both individuals and organizations alike.

Collective Genius, Linda, Hill, Greg Brandeau, Emily Truelove, Kent Lineback

While attracting creative talent, making strategic investments and breaking down organizational barriers can support innovation, sustained innovation requires a unique form of leadership. In Collective Genius, leadership expert Linda Hill, along with Greg Brandeau, Emily Truelove, and Kent Lineback, challenges the assumption that traditional leadership qualities automatically translate to effective innovation leadership. Drawing from compelling examples at companies like Volkswagen and Google, the authors reveal that successful innovation leadership entails creating a culture where the collective genius of individuals is unleashed and harnessed. Rather than imposing a vision, innovative leaders cultivate an environment where people are empowered to engage in creative problem-solving, fostering a continuous cycle of innovation.

Conscious Business, Fred Kofman

In Conscious Business, Fred Kofman emphasizes that organizational greatness stems from consciousness. It advocates for aligning passion and values with work to promote happiness among stakeholders. Key principles include unconditional responsibility, unflinching integrity, authentic communication, impeccable commitments and right leadership. Through these, a conscious business fosters personal fulfillment, mutual respect and organizational success.

Engaging Emergence: turning upheaval into opportunity, peggy Holman

In today's dynamic landscape, change is ubiquitous, often resembling controlled chaos. However, within this turbulence lies the potential for a higher order to emerge. Peggy Holman explores this transformative process, known as "emergence," in her insightful book. Through principles, practices and real-life anecdotes, she guides readers to navigate disruption with compassion, creativity and wisdom. From recognizing opportunities to fostering new partnerships, Holman illustrates how engaging with emergence can lead to profound growth and resilience. While challenging, this journey offers rich rewards, fostering breakthrough projects and transforming organizational culture.

Finding Our Way: Leadership for an uncertain time, Margaret Wheatley

Margaret Wheatley has long advocated for humanizing organizations and fostering effective, compassionate collaboration. Drawing from breakthroughs in chaos theory and quantum physics, she champions a shift towards responsive, self-organizing systems over rigid control mechanisms. Finding Our Way compiles Wheatley's diverse writings, showcasing her innovative ideas across leadership, management, education and societal commentary. Provocative and deeply insightful, Wheatley's work transcends boundaries, offering guidance for navigating diverse challenges in both organizational and societal realms.

Helping People Change, Richard Boyatzis, Melvin Smith, Ellen Van Oosten

Helping others is inherently valuable, especially in roles like leadership, management, healthcare, education or coaching. However, despite good intentions, our efforts to help can often fall short due to a fundamental flaw: the tendency to focus solely on fixing perceived problems or bridging gaps between where individuals are and where we believe they should be. Emotional intelligence expert Richard Boyatzis, along with colleagues Melvin Smith and Ellen Van Oosten from the Weatherhead School of Management, offer an alternative approach in their impactful book. They assert that true learning and change are best facilitated by aligning with an individual's positive self-image or cherished aspirations. Effective coaches understand that people derive motivation from their visions and dreams, fueling sustained efforts toward growth, even amid challenges. In contrast, problem-centered approaches tend to elicit defensive reactions and hinder openness to new ideas.

Managing transitions, Making the Most of Change, William Bridges, Susan Bridges

This guide to managing organizational change, with over 650,000 copies sold, has been updated to reflect the complexities of today’s fast-paced, globally connected workplaces. For 25 years, Managing Transitions has been a resource for managers navigating the psychological and situational aspects of change. The latest edition addresses contemporary challenges, including generational differences, inclusivity, remote work and cross-functional teams, making it important for adapting and thriving in an era where change is constant and pervasive.

REgenerative Leadership, The DNA of life-affirming 21st century, giles hutchins, laura storm

In their book, leadership and sustainability experts Giles Hutchins and Laura Storm offer a comprehensive framework for creating regenerative, life-affirming businesses. Drawing inspiration from diverse fields such as biomimicry, circular economy and next-stage leadership development, Regenerative Leadership provides practical tools, fascinating case studies and insights from pioneering thinkers. It advocates for a new paradigm in organizational design—one that aligns with the Logic of Life, fostering thriving cultures and prioritizing products and services that enhance society and the environment. As we witness a shift towards sustainable conscious business, this book guides leaders in navigating transformational times and cultivating organizations poised for success in the 21st century.

The 9 Types of Leadership: Mastering the Art of People in the 21st Century Workplace, beatrice Chestnut

In recent years, mindfulness and similar self-awareness practices have gained traction in the American workplace, aiming to enhance leadership qualities like self-awareness, social skills and emotional intelligence. However, despite the growing recognition of their importance, many struggle to navigate the path toward developing a conscious workforce. The 9 Types of Leadership offers a clear roadmap for enhancing self-awareness and social skillfulness. By meticulously detailing nine distinct personality types, this book equips business professionals with invaluable insights into human behavior, facilitating a deeper understanding of interpersonal dynamics and conflict resolution. Most importantly, it empowers leaders to cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves, enabling more effective leadership.

The Fifth Discipline: the art and practice of the learning organization, peter Senge

Senge explains why the “learning organization” matters, provides an unvarnished summary of his management principles and offers some basic tools for practicing it. This bestselling classic draws from fifteen years of practical experience implementing Peter Senge’s concepts. Senge underscores that a sustainable competitive edge lies in an organization’s ability to outpace rivals in learning. Through leadership anecdotes, Senge illustrates how the once-radical principles of the Fifth Discipline have become integral to managerial approaches and worldview. He outlines strategies for fostering learning organizations, where innovative thinking thrives, collective goals are pursued and individuals continuously learn to achieve desired outcomes. Mastering Senge’s disciplines enables individuals to reignite genuine learning, foster macrocreativity through teamwork, challenge limiting assumptions, develop holistic perspectives and harmonize work-life balance.

PSYCHOLOGY & LEARNING

Appreciative Inquiry: a positive revolution in change, david Cooperrider, Diana Whitney

Appreciative Inquiry (AI) presents a groundbreaking approach to change management, shifting the focus from fixing weaknesses to exploring strengths. Authored by the pioneers of the AI movement, this accessible guide provides a practical introduction to the method's transformative potential. Through real-world examples, it demonstrates how AI has significantly improved customer satisfaction, competitiveness, revenues, profits and employee engagement, while also addressing societal needs. Rich with compelling stories of its diverse applications and benefits, this authoritative resource is the definitive guide to AI. By harnessing human potential in a systematic manner, organizations, communities and individuals can enhance their effectiveness and achieve meaningful outcomes.

Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

Renowned psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's studies on "optimal experience" have revealed that genuine satisfaction arises from a state of mind known as flow. During flow, individuals often find themselves deeply immersed in activities, experiencing profound joy, creativity and a sense of total engagement with life. Csikszentmihalyi explores how we can actively control this positive state rather than leaving it to chance. Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience reveals how organizing the information we absorb can lead to genuine happiness and significantly enhance our lives' quality.

How you learn is how you live: Using Nine Ways of Learning to Transform Your Life, kay peterson, david kolb

How You Learn Is How You Live by Kay Peterson and David Kolb delves into the importance of lifelong learning for happiness, success and fulfillment. Through research-based insights, it helps readers identify their dominant learning styles and explains how understanding these styles can aid in various aspects of life, from remembering names to acquiring new professional skills. This book serves as a roadmap for unlocking the inherent power of learning within individuals.

Soul Without Shame, byron Brown

Whether we call it the inner critic, superego, or just plain nag, most of us have a "judge within" who's constantly on our case. A comprehensive guide to understanding how the inner critic works, this book offers practical, positive suggestions for breaking free of it. Using straightforward language and examples from everyday life, Byron Brown shows: Where the inner judge came from. How it operates. Why it trips us up. Why we believe we need it. How to develop awareness of it. How to disengage from it. The "soul qualities" we can develop to weaken its influence. Each chapter begins with an episode of the "Frank and Sue story", dramatically illustrating how the inner critic works; each chapter ends with a simple exercise designed to help the listener move along the path of self-discovery.

Strangers to Ourselves: Discovering the Adaptive Unconscious, Timothy Wilson, joe Barrett

In Strangers to Ourselves, Timothy D. Wilson explores the modern understanding of the unconscious mind, contrasting it with traditional psychoanalytic views. He reveals that the adaptive unconscious, as unveiled by empirical psychology, is a sophisticated mental realm that shapes our perceptions, goals and actions without our conscious awareness. Wilson argues that our self-perceptions are often at odds with this unconscious reality, and excessive introspection can be counterproductive. He suggests that observing our actions and considering others' perceptions of us offer more insightful glimpses into our true selves. Showing us an unconscious more powerful that Freud's, and even more pervasive in our daily life, Strangers to Ourselves marks a revolution in how we know ourselves.

The Courage to Be Disliked: The Japanese Phenomenon That Shows You How to Change Your Life and Achieve Real Happiness, Ichiro Kishimi, Fumitake Koga

Authors Kishimi and Koga help leaders access their potential and break free from the constraints of past traumas and societal norms to uncover genuine personal fulfillment. Drawing from the insights of renowned psychologist Alfred Adler, The Courage to Be Disliked simplifies the principles of self-forgiveness, self-care and mind decluttering in an accessible format. Presented as a series of dialogues between a philosopher and a young man, this transformative book illustrates that individuals hold the power to shape their own destiny, irrespective of past baggage and external pressures. Empowering and insightful, this book charts a course towards lasting happiness and authentic self-realization.

Theory U: leading from the future as it emerges, otto Scharmer

We're currently facing significant institutional failures, evident in ecological, social and spiritual divides. Otto Scharmer's groundbreaking book proposes a revolutionary approach to addressing these challenges through new consciousness and collective leadership. Scharmer's Theory U guides us to uncover our blind spot—the source of unconscious patterns that hinder progress. By embarking on the U process, we tap into our authentic Self, unlocking profound knowledge and inspiration. Through diverse stories, examples, exercises and practices, Theory U empowers leaders and organizations to co-create a future aligned with emerging possibilities.

NEUROSCIENCE

Mindsight, Daniel siegel

Dr. Dan Siegel stands among the pioneering leaders globally who integrate brain science into psychotherapy. Drawing from his clinical experiences, he illustrates how individuals can effectively focus their attention on their inner mental landscape, leading to tangible changes in brain structure and function. Through a blend of scientific insights and practical applications, Dr. Siegel has devised innovative methods benefiting numerous patients. This book enlightens readers about their inherent capacity to shape their lives.

The MindBody Code, mario Martinez

In The MindBody Code, Dr. Mario Martinez shares insights gleaned from extensive research across generations and cultures, uncovering effective methods for profound and enduring transformation. Through captivating case studies and hands-on instruction in biocognition, Dr. Martinez elucidates pathways to healing the archetypal wounds of shame, abandonment and betrayal. He also guides readers on breaking through limitations in prosperity, fostering “subcultures of wellness” and evolving one's perception of aging to enhance value and competence over time.

The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy: Engaging the Rhythm of Regulation, deb Dana, stephen Porges

This book offers business leaders clear insights into Polyvagal Theory, translating its organizing principles into easily understandable language. Through a unique autonomic mapping process and practical worksheets, it provides effective tools to track autonomic response patterns and enhance our experiences of connection. We are equipped with exercises designed to engage the regulating capacities of the ventral vagal system, empowering us to reshape our autonomic nervous systems. Incorporating a polyvagal perspective into our lives directly addresses the autonomic nervous system, aiding us in re-patterning our nervous systems, fostering regulation and establishing pathways for safety and connection. With structured chapters that build confidence in understanding Polyvagal Theory, introduce mapping worksheets and offer practices for re-patterning, along with autonomic meditations, this book serves as a practical guide to implementing polyvagal-informed approaches in work and life.

The Runaway Species, david Eagleman, anthony Brandt

The Runaway Species delves into the depths of human creativity, celebrating our capacity for innovation and offering insights into how embracing creativity can shape a brighter future. David Eagleman and Anthony Brandt explore the roots of human creativity, investigating its origins, mechanisms and potential applications in various aspects of life including education, business and governance. Through vivid storytelling and captivating imagery, they analyze numerous examples of human creativity, drawing connections and insights informed by neuroscience. This visually stunning volume highlights the common elements of creative endeavors, inspiring readers to cultivate and harness their own creative potential for a more innovative future.

Unwinding Anxiety, judson Brewer

In this timely book, Dr. Judson Brewer presents a clinically validated, step-by-step approach to overcoming the cycle of worry and fear that fuels anxiety and addictive behaviors. In today's increasingly anxious world, exacerbated by challenges like the pandemic and personal stressors, many feel overwhelmed and lacking control. Dr. Brewer offers accessible brain-based techniques and practical strategies to address anxiety directly, empowering readers to regain control and find relief from persistent worries and addictive tendencies.

Your Body is Your Brain: Leverage Your Somatic Intelligence to Find Purpose, Build Resilience, Deepen Relationships and Lead More Powerfully, amanda Blake

Winner of the Nautilus Books for a Better World in Social Science, this book shares captivating stories of individuals worldwide who have experienced life-altering transformations. From an anxious PhD student to a Microsoft executive, these narratives showcase the profound impact of aligning daily activities with deeper meaning and purpose. Through Amanda Blake's synthesis of research from numerous scientific fields, readers can learn to embody vital qualities such as confidence, relaxation and adaptability in high-pressure situations. By tapping into somatic intelligence, individuals can unlock hidden potentials in posture, gesture and sensation, leading to enhanced social and emotional intelligence, stronger relationships and more impactful leadership. This timely and engaging book offers practical skills to thrive personally and professionally in today's world.

RELATIONSHIPS & COMMUNICATION

Calling the Circle: the first and future culture, Christina baldwin

Christina Baldwin introduces a transformative practice reminiscent of ancient gatherings around campfires, offering a powerful tool for communication, mutual support and social change. In this practice, participants form circles, passing a talking piece to speak and listen from the heart. Baldwin provides detailed guidance for starting and facilitating circles, fostering honesty, equality and spiritual integrity. Through inspiring examples, such as women's spirituality groups and work project teams, Baldwin illustrates the profound impact of this simple yet profound approach to community building and conflict resolution.

Community: The Structure of Belonging, john Mcknight, peter Block

Our neighbors and communities play vital roles in maintaining our well-being, fostering employment opportunities, nurturing our children and supporting marginalized individuals. However, traditional institutions and professional services have limitations in providing assistance. The prevailing consumer society suggests that we lack self-sufficiency and must rely on external specialists and systems for our needs, transforming us into consumers and clients rather than engaged citizens and neighbors. John McKnight and Peter Block assert that genuine and lasting fulfillment can be found within our neighborhoods and communities. Their book explores grassroots, self-organizing initiatives that prioritize generosity and embrace the concept of hospitality, particularly towards strangers. By emphasizing the reconnection of our social fabric, especially at the neighborhood level, we can collectively create a future that benefits everyone.

Dialogue and the Art of Thinking Together, william Isaacs

Dialogue offers actionable insights into a crucial aspect of genuine collaboration: the ability to engage in open and productive communication. It highlights how issues between managers and employees, as well as among different departments within a company, often arise from a lack of effective dialogue.

Difficult Conversations, How to Discuss What Matters Most, douglas Stone, bruce Patton, Sheila Heen

Each day, we encounter challenging discussions, whether addressing an employee's performance issues, navigating disagreements with a spouse or negotiating with a client. Drawing from the expertise of the Harvard Negotiation Project, renowned for their work on Getting to Yes, Difficult Conversations offers a systematic method for approaching these tough dialogues with reduced anxiety and increased effectiveness. 

Human Dynamics, sandra Seagal, David Horne

Drawing from 17 years of extensive research involving over 40,000 individuals across 25 cultures, Human Dynamics offers a comprehensive developmental system adopted globally by Fortune 500 companies. This framework simplifies the complexities of human interaction, providing insights into how we process information, communicate, manage stress and evolve as individuals. Rooted in three universal principles—mental, emotional and physical—Human Dynamics unifies us across cultures and demographics. By embracing our commonalities and differences, we can leverage newfound understanding to enhance relationships, boost collective intelligence, improve communication, foster teamwork, encourage creativity and elevate organizational performance. Real-world examples from leading companies like Intel Corporation, Intermountain Healthcare System and London Life Insurance Company demonstrate the tangible benefits of applying Human Dynamics in business settings.

Nonviolent Communication, A Language of Life Marshal rosenberg

Are you seeking ways to enhance your relationships, bolster personal empowerment or simply communicate more effectively? Over centuries, our cultural norms have ingrained patterns of thinking and speaking that often perpetuate conflict, internal turmoil and even violence. Nonviolent Communication (NVC) provides practical skills coupled with a transformative mindset and language to peacefully pursue your desires. In his globally acclaimed work, Marshall Rosenberg offers insightful stories, practical exercises and role-plays that will fundamentally shift your communication approach. Explore how your language choices can enrich relationships, foster trust, prevent conflicts and heal wounds. NVC, revolutionary yet accessible, equips you with powerful tools to mitigate violence and cultivate peace in your life, one interaction at a time.

On Dialogue, David bohm

In today's world, the demand for enhanced listening and transparent communication has never been more urgent, especially as organizations, businesses and societies grapple with intricate challenges. Renowned scientist David Bohm proposed a more effective approach for humanity to uncover meaning and foster harmony. He advocated for creative dialogue—an exchange of assumptions and insights—as a pathway for individuals and society to gain deeper self-awareness, understand others and rediscover a sense of purpose.

Restoring the Kinship Worldview: Indigenous Voices Introduce 28 Precepts for Rebalancing Life on Planet Earth, Wahinkpe Topa, Darcia Narvaez

Restoring the Kinship Worldview, edited by Wahinkpe Topa (Four Arrows) and Darcia Narvaez, PhD, compiles essential wisdom from Indigenous leaders worldwide, offering a vital path toward a sustainable future. Featuring excerpts from voices like Mourning Dove, Robin Wall Kimmerer, Winona LaDuke and Xiuhtezcatl Martinez, each passage is accompanied by insightful analysis from the editors. The book highlights key Indigenous worldview principles, including egalitarian rule, trust in the universe, the significance of ceremony and prioritizing generosity over self-interest. It calls for a departure from the dominant Western paradigm, urging a shift towards honoring the sacredness of the earth, embracing the wisdom of the heart and prioritizing collective responsibility. Restoring the Kinship Worldview advocates for an interconnected vision rooted in Indigenous values, where all life forms are revered and rights are balanced with responsibilities. Offering a holistic orientation, the book serves as a remedy for our times and nourishment for our collective, guiding us towards an integrated, sustainable future.

The Change Handbook, Peggy holman, Steven Cady, tom Devane

The Change Handbook presents chapters authored by leading experts and originators of influential change methodologies, including Future Search, Real Time Strategic Change, Gemba Kaizen and Open Space Technology. Each chapter delves into the unique features of the methodology, outlining roles, responsibilities and providing illustrative stories and practical advice. Successful change efforts are highlighted through examples, offering readers insight into the diverse array of methods in use today. A comparative chart enables readers to assess which approach suits their needs best, while a comprehensive reference section facilitates further exploration and implementation of these powerful change methods.

The World is Made of Stories, david Loy

In this innovative and thought-provoking discourse, David Loy delves into the intriguing concept that the narratives we weave—about possibilities, ourselves, morality, existence and the universe—shape our reality. Through a captivating blend of quotes from various sources and concise micro-essays, Loy sparks engaging dialogue that challenges and enlightens readers. By recognizing that stories fundamentally construct our world, we gain a deeper understanding of the Buddhist notion of shunyata, or "generative emptiness," inherent in all phenomena. Resonating with the essence of Zen koans and intricate poetry, this book invites both casual reading and profound reflection.

You are What You Say, budd Rothstein

In You Are What You Say, Dr. Budd introduces the principles of a scientifically validated program that integrates ancient wisdom with modern understanding of human behavior, neurophysiology, language and spirituality. Among these principles is the belief that your words shape your reality—you are not just reflecting, but actively determining, your health and well-being through language. Dr. Budd elucidates how the body internalizes reactions, both consciously and unconsciously, through the power of language.

EMOTIONAL

Atlas of the Heart, Brené Brown

In Atlas of the Heart, Brown guides readers through a comprehensive exploration of eighty-seven emotions and experiences that shape the human condition. As she charts essential skills and provides a practical framework for fostering genuine connections, she equips readers with the language and resources to navigate a realm of fresh opportunities and renewed possibilities. Through this journey, she empowers individuals to share and honor their most courageous and vulnerable stories, fostering deeper connections with one another.

Emotional Intelligence, daniel Goleman

Daniel Goleman's groundbreaking work, Emotional Intelligence, reveals the critical role of emotional intelligence (EI) in shaping success, happiness and virtue—a realm where high IQ alone falls short. Goleman explores how our rational and emotional minds intertwine, influencing our life trajectories. Drawing from cutting-edge research, he highlights the key factors—such as self-awareness, self-discipline, and empathy—that define emotional intelligence, showing how it can determine outcomes even more than intellectual abilities. Unlike IQ, emotional intelligence is not fixed at birth but can be cultivated throughout life, offering immediate benefits to health, relationships and work.

The Language of Emotions, Karla MCLAREN

In The Language of Emotions, researcher Karla McLaren reveals that every emotion, even the challenging ones like shame, anger and anxiety, holds valuable insights. McLaren emphasizes that rather than suppressing or allowing emotions to spiral out of control, we need fundamental skills to honor and comprehend them. This comprehensive guide goes beyond mere identification and management of feelings, teaching us to attentively listen to each emotion's message, ponder its inquiries and integrate its wisdom into our lives. Drawing from over a decade of research and teaching, McLaren provides practical strategies for safely experiencing emotions, setting boundaries and harnessing the healing power of conscious expression. The book also explores empathy, trauma resolution and the unique significance of each emotion. With new insights on anxiety, loneliness, and more, McLaren demonstrates how mastering the language of emotions can enrich self-awareness, intuition and relationships, fostering personal growth and profound healing.

SOMATIC

30 Essential Yoga Poses, For Beginning Students and Their Teachers, Judith Hanson Lasater

Each yoga pose, or asana, is extensively covered in this book, with detailed descriptions, accompanying photos and charts, introductory steps, variations, benefits and recommended props. Teachers will find valuable guidance on adjusting poses for beginners and assisting students in achieving the full expression of each pose. Lasater also provides insights on cultivating introspection and exploration during pose practice. Sequences are illustrated with photographic charts for easy reference, along with a "Mantra for Daily Practice." Additionally, a glossary of anatomical terms and resources for further study are included to support practitioners' learning journey.

Bioenergetics, Alexander Lowen

Bioenergetics, a groundbreaking therapy, utilizes the body's language to address mental issues. Developed by Dr. Alexander Lowen, this approach offers liberation from emotional, physical and psychic distress. Dr. Lowen explains how understanding the body's energetic functioning can enhance everyday joy and pleasure. He highlights that chronic muscular tension, stemming from suppressed emotions, drains energy, but bioenergetic exercises can dissolve these tensions, enabling a fulfilling life. By analyzing common ailments like headaches and back pain, Dr. Lowen demonstrates how releasing muscular tension can alleviate them. Illustrated with bioenergetic exercises, this book promises freedom, confidence and pleasure for many.

Emotional Anatomy: The structure of experience, Stanley Keleman

Keleman's somatic therapy approach seamlessly extends from the correlation between attitude and form. Consequently, our emotional and mental states are closely intertwined with our muscular expressions. Our postures, movements and physicality reflect our emotional and cognitive experiences, essentially shaping our inner realities. Crucially, Keleman's work emphasizes that if we structure our realities, we possess the ability to disassemble and reconstruct our emotional muscular patterns. This lies at the core of Keleman's current therapeutic methodology.

Getting Our Bodies Back, Christine Caldwell

A seemingly innocuous habit like nail-biting or toe-tapping can serve as a gateway to addressing addictive tendencies at their core. These unconscious bodily movements serve as markers, revealing areas where our physical and psychological selves have become disconnected. By bringing these movements into conscious awareness and addressing them, we gain valuable insights into the origins of our psychological distress, guiding us towards the process of reuniting body and soul. Christine Caldwell, a trailblazer in somatic psychology, introduces a novel approach called the “Moving Cycle,” which she has successfully implemented in her own therapeutic practice. Through practical techniques, Caldwell illustrates how we can attune ourselves to our body's messages, confront addictive behaviors and embrace our inherent wisdom and grace.

Leadership Embodiment: How The Way We Sit and Stand Can Change The Way We Think And Speak, Wendy Palmer, janet Crawford

While many leadership guides focus solely on mental strategies, Leadership Embodiment highlights the crucial role of the body in effective leadership. Our physical presence significantly influences how we impact others, with body postures shaping emotional reactions and enhancing power, resilience and flexibility. This practical guide offers techniques rooted in Aikido principles, mindfulness and posture awareness to help leaders project a commanding presence, foster collaboration, receive feedback with openness and assert truths under pressure. These practices mitigate stress in leadership and daily life scenarios, making them beneficial for leaders across various roles. Wendy Palmer provides simple postural exercises to broaden perspective and build confidence, while Janet Crawford offers a biological explanation for their efficacy based on cutting-edge research in neuroscience and evolutionary biology.

The Anatomy of Change: A Way to Move Through Life's Transitions, Richard Strozzi-Heckler

In The Anatomy of Change, Richard Heckler explores how harnessing the body's inherent ability for feeling, intuition, and compassion can facilitate healing of both physical and emotional wounds. Drawing inspiration from Aikido and Lomi Body Work, Heckler illustrates how a series of practices can introduce fresh awareness and opportunities for choice into our everyday experiences.

The Body Is Not an Apology, Second Edition: The Power of Radical Self-Love, Sonya Renee Taylor

Humans possess a rich diversity of beliefs, morals and physical forms. Systems of oppression thrive on our struggles to accept differences and harm our relationship with our bodies. The Body Is Not an Apology advocates for embracing radical self-love as a remedy for the wounds inflicted by these oppressive systems. Renowned activist and poet Sonya Renee Taylor urges us to reconnect with the fundamental essence of our minds and bodies, celebrating our collective resilience. As we confront the ingrained shame about our bodies, we are empowered to inspire others and disrupt the structures perpetuating body shame and oppression. By embracing this truth globally, we open doors to the transformative power of radical self-love, paving the way for a more just, equitable and compassionate world for everyone.

The Body Keeps the Score, Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma, Bessel Van Der Kolk

Trauma is an undeniable aspect of human existence. Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, a distinguished authority on trauma, draws from over three decades of experience working with survivors to shed light on its profound impact. In The Body Keeps the Score, he elucidates how trauma fundamentally alters both body and brain, diminishing individuals' capacity for pleasure, engagement, self-regulation and trust. Van der Kolk explores cutting-edge treatments, ranging from neurofeedback to yoga, which leverage the brain's innate neuroplasticity to facilitate healing. Grounded in his own research and that of fellow experts, this seminal work underscores the profound influence of relationships in both inflicting and alleviating trauma, offering renewed optimism for recovery and reclaiming lives.

The Breathing Book: Good Health and Vitality Through Essential Breath Work, Donna Farhi

Donna Farhi, an internationally acclaimed yoga instructor, introduces a groundbreaking method to enhance your quality of life using your most readily available tool: your breath. In The Breathing Book, Farhi offers a straightforward and pragmatic approach to restoring proper breathing techniques, which can significantly enhance both physical and mental well-being. With over seventy-five photos and illustrations, this comprehensive guide provides an inspiring program that can be customized to suit individual needs. Whether you're seeking an energy boost or a simple, stress-relieving solution for everyday challenges, this book offers valuable insights and solutions.

The Myth of Normal, Gabor Maté

In The Myth of Normal, Dr. Gabor Maté delves into the origins of illness, societal factors contributing to disease, and pathways to health and healing. Drawing from over four decades of clinical practice, Maté critiques Western medicine's emphasis on individual pathologies, highlighting the overlooked influence of culture on health. He challenges the conventional notion of "normal" and warns against the harmful impact of stress, adversity and trauma, which he contends can foster illness.

The Practice of Embodying Emotions: A Guide for Improving Cognitive, Emotional, and Behavioral Outcomes, Raja Selvam

In the first book on Integral Somatic Psychology™ (ISP), clinical psychologist Dr. Raja Selvam introduces a fresh, complementary approach for enhancing emotional resilience using the body—especially emotions that are difficult or unpleasant. This innovative method focuses on bolstering the ability to manage emotions, particularly those that pose challenges or discomfort. The ISP model shows readers how to expand and regulate emotional experiences in the body to improve different healing and growth outcomes—cognitive, emotional, behavioral, physical, energetic, relational and spiritual.

The Tree of Knowledge: The Biological Roots of Human Understanding, Humberto R. Maturana, Francisco J. Varela

This book offers a rigorous exploration of the biological foundations of human consciousness, presenting compelling evidence for the intricate interplay between biology, social dynamics and language. It establishes coaching on the solid ground of fundamental biology and untangles various philosophical dilemmas, including skepticism. As you delve into its pages, it has the transformative power to reshape your perspective.

SPIRITUAL & integral

A Hidden Wholeness: The Journey Toward an Undivided Life, Parker palmer

In A Hidden Wholeness, Parker Palmer continues his compassionate exploration of the human spirit, echoing the wisdom found in his previous bestsellers, Let Your Life Speak and The Courage to Teach. He addresses our deep desire for integrity and unity amidst the divisive forces of the modern world. Palmer maps an inner journey that we navigate both alone and alongside others, offering insights into creating communities that align with the pace of our busy lives. He defines a "circle of trust" as a sacred space where souls are honored, illustrating how individuals in various contexts, from personal relationships to organizational settings, can support one another in the pursuit of holistic living.

A Path with Heart, A Guide Through the Perils and Promises of Spiritual Life, jack Kornfeld

In A Path with Heart, you'll discover an array of practical techniques, guided meditations, captivating stories, and insightful koans—all aimed at smoothing your journey through life. Drawing from personal experiences, the author offers profound, and sometimes humorous, guidance to navigate the challenges of both spiritual and everyday existence, leading you towards clarity and a deeper sense of the sacred in your daily life. This book has the power to touch your heart, reminding you of the transformative potential inherent in meditation and a life guided by spiritual principles: the cultivation of inner peace, wholeness, understanding and a happiness that transcends external circumstances.

The Pearl Beyond Price: Integration of Personality into Being, an Object Relations Approach, A.H. ALMAAS

In his book, beloved teacher A. H. Almaas illustrates the integration of healthy ego growth into spiritual evolution. He establishes the potential for attaining inner realization and developing our essential being, often referred to as "the pearl beyond price," within the framework of everyday human existence.

These Wilds Beyond Our Fences: Letters to My Daughter on Humanity's Search for Home, Bayo Akomolafe

Bayo Akomolafe delves into profound questions through fatherhood, exploring the space between himself and his daughter, Alethea. Fatherhood becomes a cosmic event, leading him to ponder the essence of his soul, modern myths, food justice, human existence, climate change and our collective hopes for a better world. These Wilds Beyond Our Fences is his passionate search for meaning and reassurance in a disconnected world, seeking belonging and support for our children's future.

Zen Mind, Beginners Mind, Shunryu Suzuki

Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind is celebrated as one of the “100 Best Spiritual Books of the Twentieth Century.” This bestselling Zen classic offers timeless wisdom on meditation, maintaining an open mind, and embracing simplicity. Beginning with the iconic phrase, "In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's there are few," this book captivates readers with its profound teachings. Suzuki Roshi's simple yet profound insights cut through the complexities of Zen practice, offering clarity and joy from start to finish. Renowned for its clarity and resonance, Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind covers fundamental aspects of Zen practice, from posture and breathing in zazen to the perception of nonduality. It remains a beloved and highly recommended spiritual classic, perfect for those exploring Zen for the first time.

PHILOSOPHY & Mythology

A Brief History of Everything, Ken Wilber

Wilber employs a question and answer structure to explore extensive realms of knowledge, ranging from philosophy to biology, spirituality to economics. Within this framework, he presents a comprehensive model capable of withstanding rigorous examination while also demonstrating practical utility across various fields. This book serves as a timeless introduction to Wilber's influential body of work.

King, Warrior, Magician, Lover: Rediscovering the Archetypes of the Mature Masculine, Robert Moore, Douglas Gillette

In their acclaimed work King, Warrior, Magician, Lover, Jungian analysts Robert Moore and Douglas Gillette offer a groundbreaking exploration into the psychological underpinnings of mature masculinity. Challenging outdated notions, they assert that true masculinity is not rooted in abuse or dominance, but in generativity, creativity and empowerment for oneself and others. Through the lens of myth and literature, Moore and Gillette define four archetypal manifestations of mature masculinity: the king (the energy of just and creative ordering), the warrior (the energy of aggressive but nonviolent action), the magician (the energy of initiation and transformation), and the lover (the energy that connects one to others and the world), as well as the four immature patterns that interfere with masculine potential (divine child, oedipal child, trickster and hero). King, Warrior, Magician, Lover offers both men and women a transformative journey to reconsider and deepen their understanding of the male psyche.

Technology and the Character of Contemporary Life, Albert Borgmann

Many Westerners have grown up in a technological society, long presuming it served our collective well-being. However, increasing concerns about atomic weapons, pollution, congested roads and pervasive media have led us to question the true benefits of technology. In this book, Borgmann delves deeper, challenging the very essence of "technological thinking" that has disconnected us from nature, our bodies and one another. As a philosopher deeply rooted in everyday life, Borgmann offers profound insights in accessible language, making this book a potent catalyst for transformation.

The Genius Myth, Michael Meade

In a world grappling with immense challenges, it's crucial to recognize the inherent genius within each individual. This book blends captivating real-life experiences with timeless mythic tales, delving into the wisdom of genius. It emphasizes that everyone bears unique genius qualities, contributing to a collective awakening. Rather than reserved for a select few, the genius myth suggests that everyone possesses a genuine calling in life. The focus shifts from whether one is a genius to how their genius can enrich their life and benefit the world. Offering insights for both youth seeking purpose and adults seeking deeper fulfillment, this book is essential reading for parents, teachers, counselors and mentors alike. It serves as a compass for navigating a world in need of genuine orientation.

The Hero With a Thousand Faces, Joseph Campbell

Since its 1949 debut, The Hero with a Thousand Faces has left an indelible mark on countless readers, blending modern psychology with Joseph Campbell's groundbreaking insights into comparative mythology. Within its pages, Campbell unveils the Hero's Journey, a universal motif threading through diverse mythic traditions worldwide, alongside the Cosmogonic Cycle, exploring patterns of world creation and destruction. As relevant now as upon its initial release, the book maintains its relevance across diverse disciplines, from religion and anthropology to literature and film studies. It continues to captivate creative minds, including authors, songwriters, game designers, and filmmakers, serving as a beacon for anyone drawn to the timeless human impulse for storytelling.

The Heroine’s Journey: women’s quest for wholeness, Maureen Murdock

The Heroine’s Journey explores the modern woman's quest for wholeness within a societal framework historically shaped by masculine ideals. Through a rich tapestry of cultural myths, fairy tales, ancient symbols and the dreams of today's women, Murdock illuminates the necessity and authenticity of feminine values in Western culture.

The Will to Believe, William James

"The Will to Believe," a lecture by William James published in 1896, defends the adoption of beliefs without prior evidence, particularly in religious matters. James argues for the rationality of religious faith, even in the absence of sufficient evidence. He asserts the title of his paper as an essay in justification of faith and a defense of our right to embrace belief despite lacking logical coercion. James contends that accessing evidence for the truth of beliefs often requires initially adopting those beliefs without evidence. He illustrates this through examples such as having faith in one's own abilities, which can be rational even without immediate evidence. James extends this reasoning to religious faith, suggesting that it too can be rational, even when evidence is lacking at the time.

To Have or To Be? Erich Fromm

To Have Or to Be? stands as a cornerstone text of the latter half of the 20th century, embodying a call to action for a new societal and psychological paradigm aimed at preserving our imperiled planet. Eric Fromm's work encapsulates a profound examination of human consciousness. Fromm posits that humanity grapples with two existential orientations: the "having" mode, which prioritizes material possessions, power, and aggression, fostering universal vices like greed, envy, and violence, and the "being" mode, rooted in love, the joy of sharing and productive engagement. To Have Or to Be? presents a compelling blueprint for socioeconomic transformation.

Women Who Run With the Wolves, Clarissa Pinkola Estés

Women Who Run with the Wolves celebrates the profound essence within every woman—the Wild Woman—an embodiment of innate instincts, boundless creativity, and timeless wisdom. Yet, societal pressures to conform to predefined roles have endangered this primal force. Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estés masterfully weaves together diverse myths, fairy tales and personal stories to guide women back to their instinctual nature. Through the transformative narratives in this extraordinary book, readers reconnect with the fierce, visionary qualities of the Wild Woman, embracing her as both enchantment and remedy. Dr. Estés pioneers a new vocabulary for understanding the female psyche, offering a fertile psychology that resonates with the soul's deepest knowing.

Race & Cross-Cultural

Between the World and Me, Ta-Nehisi Coates

Ta-Nehisi Coates delves into profound questions about American history and ideals while exploring the intimate concerns of fatherhood in his compelling work, Between the World and Me. He presents a powerful framework for understanding the history and current crises of the United States, shedding light on the damaging falsehood of "race" that disproportionately affects black bodies. Through personal narrative, historical reimagining and emotionally charged reportage, Coates navigates his journey from awakening to truth, from Howard University to Civil War battlefields, illuminating past injustices, confronting the present and offering a transcendent vision for the future.

Different Games Different Rules, Haru Yamada

Yamada offers a captivating exploration of the contrasting conversational and cultural norms between Japan and America, drawing upon the wit and intelligence reminiscent of You Just Don't Understand. This book is essential reading for Americans engaging in business with Japan and Japanese professionals conducting business in the United States. However, it also provides fascinating insights for a broader audience, including educators working with immigrant populations. Whether you're involved in cross-cultural business dealings or simply interested in cultural differences, Yamada's work promises to be enlightening and thought-provoking.

Rock My Soul: Black People and Self-Esteem, bell hooks

Rock My Soul: Black People and Self-Esteem boldly addresses the pervasive epidemic of low self-esteem within the African-American community. hooks exposes the root causes behind this crisis, arguing that systemic barriers and historical traumas have hindered the cultivation of healthy self-worth. She emphasizes the importance of reclaiming agency and promoting self-esteem as vital for individual and communal healing. Offering profound insights and practical guidance, hooks charts a path towards empowerment and resilience, advocating for a renewed focus on mental health as a crucial aspect of racial liberation and collective well-being.

Nature

Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants, Robin Wall Kimmerer

Botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer merges scientific inquiry with her Indigenous heritage in Braiding Sweetgrass, crafting a narrative that's both mythic and scientific, historical and sacred. Through her dual perspective, she illustrates how plants and animals serve as our ancient instructors. Kimmerer, an indigenous scientist and woman, highlights the wisdom offered by various beings, from asters to salamanders, emphasizing the need to relearn their languages to grasp the earth's generosity. She argues that embracing our reciprocal relationship with nature is crucial for ecological consciousness, urging us to acknowledge and celebrate this bond to ensure the planet's flourishing.

Right Story, Wrong Story: Adventures in Indigenous Thinking, Tyson Yunkaporta

Right Story, Wrong Story builds on Yunkaporta's exploration of Indigenous wisdom in Sand Talk, engaging with a diverse range of individuals. It emphasizes the inseparable connection between our relationship with the land and our interactions with each other. Through thought experiments, Yunkaporta promotes inclusive storytelling, honoring every perspective. At its core, the book highlights the importance of narrative in shaping collective thinking aligned with the land and creation.