Personal development

Ajahn Chah (1919–1992) was admired for the way he demystified the Buddhist teachings, presenting them in a remarkably simple and down-to-earth style for people of any background. He was a major influence and spiritual mentor for a generation of American Buddhist teachers, including Jon Kabat-Zinn, Sharon Salzberg, and Jack Kornfield.

A collection of pithy Buddhist slogans on how to approach everyday workplace stressors as valuable opportunities for growth and learning When we think of work, we often think of drudgery, frustration, and stress. For too many of us, work is the last place in our lives we expect to experience satisfaction, fulfillment, or spiritual growth. In this unique book, Michael Carroll—a meditatio

Coloring the circular designs known as mandalas is a relaxing, meditative activity enjoyed by adults and children alike. The mandalas in this book are specially designed to provide a creative encounter with the Divine as a feminine presence.

Feelings either flow naturally, like a river, or get dammed up. If our emotions become blocked, we can become tense, unhappy, anxious, or depressed. This book offers simple techniques for using art to embrace, understand, and release our emotions so that we can experience a greater sense of well-being in our lives. In "The Art of Emotional Healing," Lucia Capacchione presents the simple yet powe

Intelligence is one of the defining characteristics of human beings: an inherent ability to respond to the world with awareness, knowledge, learning, and insight. Most considerations of human intelligence are based on the notion that intelligence is a product of brain functioning. A. H. Almaas introduces here a radically different viewpoint, one that recognizes an actual quality of consciousness a

In The Silent Question, Packer provides fresh insights on using the experiences of life that are raw, messy, painful, and sometimes full of laughter, to open a way to compassion. She urges us to let go of our thoughts and to sit "in the stillness of not knowing" in order to reflect upon the essential question of who we are. Packer encourages us to discover that life, energy, and insight come from

In this distinctive guide to the craft of writing, author Laraine Herring shows us how to tune into our bodies and connect with our emotions so that our writing becomes an expression of our full beings, rather than just an intellectual exercise. With warmth and wisdom, Herring offers a path to discovering "deep writing"—prose that is unique, expressive, and profoundly authentic. Lessons and

From time immemorial, the mandala has been an expression of inner reality—for individuals, groups, and whole cultures. When you draw or paint a mandala of your own, you’re making a portrait of your unconscious at a particular moment in your life, which when carefully regarded, can provide astonishing insights into your own deepest truth. The Mandala Workbook offers a complete guide to

The keys to self-knowledge and deep contentment are right here before us in this very moment--if we can simply learn to live with open awareness. In The Unfolding Now, A. H. Almaas presents a marvelously effective practice for developing the transformative quality of presence. Through a particular method of self-observation and contemplative exploration that he calls inquiry, we learn to live in t

For those who would like to give meditation a try, this work is a great place to begin. This unique book-and-audio program brings together six of the most respected Buddhist teachers in America, each known for presenting meditation in practical, accessible, and inspiring ways.

An in-depth study course from Buddhist nun Chdrn on awakening the qualities of love, compassion, joy, and the equanimity of an open heart--complete with practical exercises.

Sometimes life´s hurdles literally stop us in our tracks, sapping vitality and preventing us from participating fully in our own lives and the lives of those we love. Carolyn Scott Kortge recognizes that a key to joyous re-engagement with the world can be—just as literally—to get moving again. With a focus on walking for wellness, Kortge outlines a compassionate, practical program for

Psychotherapist David Richo explains how writing and reading poetry can be a rich path of self-exploration and emotional healing for anyone, no matter one's poetic abilities. In addition, Richo offers guidance on how to read poetry in a way that can be personally transformative.

Buddhist teachings like the eightfold path, the four noble truths, and karma pervade Buddhist literature—but how often do we read what the Buddha himself had to say about these topics? Here is an accessible look at the Buddha´s First Discourse, which contains the foundation for all further Buddhist teaching. Ajahn Sucitto offers a new translation of this revolutionary teaching, known as Th

The traditional designs known as mandalas were recognized by C. G. Jung as symbolic representations of the Self. This book is a practical guide to mandala drawing for personal growth, stress reduction, and creative expression. Fincher introduces the history and ritual use of mandalas in cultures all over the world; offers guidance in choosing art materials, techniques, and colors for the creation

In recent years scientists have discovered that mindfulness can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance our sense of well-being. In this book, readers learn how mindfulness can be brought to bear in our relationships to increase intimacy, strengthen communication, and help us to find greater fulfilment. Topics in this collection include how to open your heart and develop loving kindness for yours

Mindfulness, the quality of attention that combines full awareness with acceptance of each moment, just as it is, is gaining broad acceptance among mental health professionals as an adjunct to treatment. Because at the heart of addiction is the fear of painful emotional states, addicts compulsively seek drugs and alcohol to avoid or escape emotional pain. Mindfulness, on the other hand, helps us d

Most relationship problems are essentially trust issues, explains psychotherapist David Richo. Whether it’s fear of commitment, insecurity, jealousy, or a tendency to be controlling, the real obstacle is a fundamental lack of trust — both in ourselves and in our partner.Daring to Trust offers key insights and practical exercises for exploring and addressing our trust issues in relationships. Topic

A guide to Buddhism for 20-somethings who are grappling with the ups and downs of adulthood—from an eloquent and funny young teacher   This isn´t your grandmother´s book on meditation. The Buddha Walks Into a Bar . . . is about integrating that "spiritual practice thing" into a life that includes beer, sex, social media, and a boss who doesn´t understand you. It´s about making a

Good communication is essential to any healthy relationship, whether it´s between spouses, family members, friends, or co-workers, and mindfulness—the practice of nonjudgmental awareness—can help us communicate more effectively and meaningfully with others in our personal and professional lives. Here, Susan Chapman, a psychotherapist and long-time Buddhist practitioner, explains how th