What is mindfulness? It’s pretty self-explanatory – it’s about being mindful. Being in the moment. Taking notice of what’s happening directly around you – not focusing on the past or the future, but precisely what is occurring RIGHT NOW.
Mindfulness is a relatively simple idea; being fully present, aware of what you’re doing. However, being mindful isn’t as simple as we’d like it to be; the human brain is naturally adept at thinking of many, many things at once, and designed to be distracted. Partly this is due to our DNA and the requirement to always be ‘on’ – just in case a tiger is around the corner, ready to pounce on our dinner (or us). Learning to be truly mindful takes some dedication and practice.
The mindfulness website mindful.org defines mindfulness as “a quality that every human being already possesses, it’s not something you have to conjure up, you just have to learn how to access it.”
I’ve been practicing mindfulness for several years now. It began when I started yoga practice; it’s a vital part of yoga to really focus on the moment – and movement – in hand. Plus, the breathing exercises used in yoga really help you be mindful.
Mindfulness has also been a big part of various counselling therapies I have experienced; reducing my anxiety levels, especially when I suffered with Post-Natal depression.
I recommend a mindful practice to all of my friends and colleagues (ask them – they’ll attest to this) and maintain it can bring a sense of balance and calm to both your personal and professional life.
That’s where a good book about mindfulness can come in handy. Choose the right tome and you’ll be guided towards a more mindful life, with practices, advice, and action points to help you in the right direction. With recommendations from the What’s The Best team, here’s my shortlist of the best mindfulness books to start you off on the right track.
The Best Mindfulness Books
Ikigai: The Japanese secret to a long and happy life by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles
"I was gifted this book and read it all in one afternoon (how very mindful of me) – it was a fascinating insight into the Japanese theory of 'ikigai' and how it can relate to your own life. It's all about having a sense of meaning in everything you do – even if it's a seemingly mundane task like doing the washing up – and how giving each moment of the task your 100% focus, you will feel fulfilled. Finding that 'reason to live' is thought to be part of the reason why so many people in Japan live to over 100 years old." – Sophie Also available on Kindle
Mind Over Mother by Anna Mathur
'Author Anna Mathur became like one of my pals when reading this. She helped me understand my anxieties and offers coping techniques you can use in your day-to-day life. I would recommend highly to mums, mums-to-be and even if you're thinking about conceiving. This one feels like a book for all women.' – Mother&Baby Digital Editor Maria Also available for Kindle
The Zen Mama by Sarah Ivens
"I read this during my toddler's nap times – finally, something to do while I'm sitting in the chair waiting for him to drift off. It gives mums a new way to look at how they parent, how to make different decisions, and how to be calmer about everything your child shouts at you. It's a great way to be more mindful as you're parenting, without trying to become 'the perfect mum' (spoiler – no such thing); it's refreshingly down-to-earth and supportive, especially if you've just had your first child." – Sophie Also available on Kindle
The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy
Beautifully illustrated, this has been on the most popular list of books for ages now – and there's no wonder. It's a magical book that makes you stop and think; a gentle introduction to mindful thinking, it gives you a sense of perspective – and all of the feels – while feeling supported.
Mindfulness: An Eight-Week Plan for Finding Peace in a Frantic World by Mark Williams and Danny Penman
Called a 'life-changing international best-seller', we can't promise this will change your life but it does give you the tools to change how you think about things should you want to. The aim is that in eight weeks you'll find a new courage to face difficult situations and find a sense of happiness. It has more than 4,000 ratings on Amazon, with an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Also available on Kindle
The Little Book of Mindfulness by Patrizia Collard
Two reviews from customers sum up why you need this book on your bookshelf: "Everyone should read this. Mindfulness is such a great way to live life to the full"; "The greatest 'little book' ever! Take my advice, buy it now and you will wonder how you ever managed without it!" Author Dr Patrizia Collard is a psychotherapist, mindfulness teacher, stress management consultant and lecturer in psychotherapy at the University of East London – so she really should know what she's talking about. Also available on Kindle
The Headspace Guide to Mindfulness & Meditation by Andy Puddicombe
If a book gets recommended by Bill Gates, then we're on board: "If you're thinking about trying mindfulness, this is the perfect introduction....I'm grateful to Andy for helping me on this journey."Also available on Kindle
The Money is Coming by Sarah Akwisombe
"Whether you think it's a load of ol' guff or a game-changing mindset, the Law of Attraction movement is more popular than ever. As someone who is definitely open to the power of positive thinking I've been really enjoying this book by Sarah Akwisombe which encourages you to re-examine your relationship with money. I'm not quite head to toe in Gucci (yet!), but it's definitely helped me feel far more worthy when it comes to all things money." – Aimee Also available on Kindle
The Wild Journal: A Year of Nurturing Yourself Through Nature by The Wild Journal Willow Crossley
Slightly different to the rest of the list as this book is more about nature therapy, but it includes training yourself to notice things in nature – a skill that's integral to the theory of mindfulness. Also available on Kindle
The 6-Minute Diary
OK, it's not a book, but it is designed to help you bring more mindfulness into your life with just six minutes a day. Plus it comes in a range of different colours.
What are the benefits of mindfulness?
There are many benefits of being more mindful, including:
Reducing stress
Reducing worry
Reducing anxiety
Increasing performance and ability
Gaining insight and awareness (of ourselves and the tasks we do)
Tuning in to others’ wellbeing
Reducing our judgement
Becoming kinder – to others, and ourselves
Increasing relaxation
I hope my list of mindfulness books is helpful; whether you're buying for yourself, or for a friend or loved one. I'd love to hear your recommendations, too; you can email What's The Best or get in touch directly with me on Instagram.
What to read next:
Best aromatherapy candles to bring a sense of calm to any room
All the best books the What's The Best team is reading this month
Sophie Knight is Editor of WhatsTheBest and Contributing Editor for Mother&Baby, Closer, Heat, Yours and Empire websites.
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