The best spiritual books to set you on a path of self-healing

We’ve all had days of feeling unhappy, discouraged, and uninspired, and while meditation and yoga are often the solutions, sometimes we need something extra. There’s no doubt that navigating our inner worlds is crucial to feeling more content and at peace, but finding inspiration and gaining the right tools is the first important step on this path.

Reading books focused on spirituality, growth and self-reflection can be a key part of the journey to self-improvement. Books written by spiritual leaders, self-help experts and medical professionals can guide us through what it takes to become happier, more successful, and more at peace with ourselves.

Whether it’s a novel that passively teaches us lessons through the obstacles of the main character, or a story guided by set principles, books can communicate profound knowledge and wisdom - and with that - the power to make a change.

To help inspire your spiritual journey, we’ve created a list of the top spiritual books for achieving the ultimate self-growth and inner peace.

Related: The best mindfulness books to bring you a sense of calm

The best spiritual books

“Life is now. There was never a time when your life was not now, nor will there ever be.” - Eckhart Tolle

Written as a guide to day-to-day living, The Power Of Now emphasizes the importance of being aware of the present moment. Tolle urges us to stop worrying about the past or the future and shut down those negative thoughts and emotions that get in the way of our happiness. The worldwide impact of this book is immeasurable and will set you on the path of enlightenment, helping you unlock your full potential.

"There is nothing more important to true growth than realizing that you are not the voice of the mind – you are the one who hears it." - Michael A. Singer

If you’re looking to dive deep and set off on an inward journey towards understanding who you are, this book will give you all the answers. Spiritual teacher, Michael Singer, guides us through the importance of reducing habitual and self-limiting thoughts. This book's ultimate lesson is that we are the cause of our own unhappiness, and by finding our inner peace and serenity, we can start on the path of true freedom.

“My religion is very simple, my religion is kindness” - The Dalai Lama

Who better to gain spiritual wisdom from than one of the world’s greatest spiritual leaders? In this influential book, we are taught how to reclaim the state of happiness and find spiritual freedom. Through a combination of traditional Eastern spiritual traditions and Western thinking, we are guided through the secrets to overcoming anxieties and insecurities of day-to-day life.

Related: The best philosophy books for beginners

"Let’s turn the intuitive whispers up - you’ve got this and intuition has you!" - Emma Lucy Knowles

Emma Lucy, who has been working with crystals and healing energy for more than 15 years, brings you this book to help your self-care journey. It's like having a life coach on your coffee table; a spiritual approach to finding who you are and what you're meant to be doing with your life. Whether you're battling with mental health concerns, or want to achieve personal goals, Emma's approach to life will soon have you tuning into that voice in your head - your instincts.

“By living to your full potential you’ll not only change your world, you’ll change the world around you too”- Vex King

A Sunday Times Bestseller, ‘Good Vibes, Good Life’ see’s visionary Vex King encourage us to join the self-love revolution and change our outlook on the world. King draws on his own personal experiences to help others practice self-care, overcome fear, and prioritise wellbeing by introducing lifestyle habits including mindfulness. If that’s not enough, the book also explores how to manifest goals using tried and tested techniques.

“The price for freedom may be high, but the price that we pay for being imprisoned and cut off from the very root of our being is even higher.” - Queen Afua

Through teachings rooted in ancient Egypt, Queen Afua takes us on a journey through healing and transformation. She teaches us what it takes to understand the essence of a woman, handing over sacred tools to rejuvenate spiritually and be in harmony with our world.

“When we tune out the opinions, expectations, and obligations of the world around us, we begin to hear ourselves.” - Jay Shetty

In this profound book, social media star and podcast host, Jay Shetty, shares the lessons he learned on his journey to practising as a monk. He draws on ancient wisdom to teach us how to lead a less stressful and more meaningful life by pushing through obstacles and overcoming negative thoughts and habits.

“Energy is alive, it’s here and it’s now, it’s what were made of and it connects us to everything that was, is and ever will be”- Kyle Gray

If you’re ready to delve deep into spirituality, then this book is the perfect read for you. Angel expert, Kyle Gray gives insight into the key practises that helped him develop his spiritual skills that he’s been using for over 10 years. This book is all about self-development and being open to changing your energy and lifting your vibrations. So, get ready to access a higher frequency to attract more joy into your life.

“Lunar Living provides an understanding of emotional impulses, allows a time to be and a time to do and gives you back control of your life”- Kirsty Gallagher

Sometimes you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed and emotional for no obvious reason. But, have you ever thought that the answer to your feelings may be in the sky? Moon energy may not have crossed your mind before, but more awareness has been brought around the way this can affect your mood and overall feeling. Lunar Living provides a helpful and insightful guide into understanding moon cycles. The book explores how you can realign yourself and make improvements to many aspects of your life including sleep and relationships.

“You will never be able to escape from your heart. So it's better to listen to what it has to say.” - Paul Coelho

A novel that has enhanced the lives of millions, The Alchemist tells the story of a young shepherd from Andalusia who musters the courage to escape his humble life and follow his dreams. Throughout the story, each obstacle faced by the young shepherd serves as an important lesson, with the underlying theme of overcoming fear and following your heart. Throughout, Coelho teaches us that failure is part of our journey, but the key to life is to never lose hope.

“There is nothing you cannot be, there is nothing you cannot do. There is nothing you cannot have.” - Neale Donal Walsch

During the lowest part of his life, Walsch found himself writing letters to God, asking questions that troubled him. Eventually, Walsch discovers the answers to his questions on his own and profoundly communicates them in this book. A spiritual classic, Walsch humorously answers key questions on happiness, money, love, and faith that shifted his perspective on life, and changed it for the better.

“Say F_**k It to whatever you want to be. And just be who you are. There is no need to be anything else.” - John C. Parkin

This hilarious book looks at how saying “f*ck it” is a spiritual act, rooted in the Eastern spiritual ideas of letting go, relinquishing control and coming to the realisation that the things that cause us stress and anxiety don’t really matter. This is a perfect read for those looking for a playful take on spirituality, free of psychobabble and highly relatable.

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“Whatever happens around you, don't take it personally. Nothing other people do is because of you. It is because of themselves.” - Don Miguel Ruiz

Based on ancient Toltec wisdom, The Four Agreements encourages us to free ourselves from the self-limiting beliefs and agreements we make with the world, identifying them as the cause of needless harm and suffering. The author proposes four alternative beneficial agreements which readers can follow, take their destiny into their own hands, and lead a drastically happier life.

“When you struggle against this moment, you’re actually struggling against the entire universe.” - Dr. Deepak Chopra

A bible on how to attain success, Chopra’s guiding principles can teach us to become more productive, creative and fulfil our dreams. Chopra communicates the idea that success is not defined by hard work or ambition, but by our understanding of our true nature and by our ability to follow the natural laws of life, which govern all of creation.

“This life is mine alone. So I have stopped asking people for directions to places they’ve never been.” - Glennon Doyle

This powerful memoir tells the story of why following our inner voice and pushing away the expectations of the world is crucial for finding joy and peace. Doyle pushes women to be brave, trust themselves and set boundaries, in order to start living a life that is for themselves, rather than a life aimed at pleasing those around them.

“We are confined in our lives only by the limits of our own beliefs.” - Dr. Joe Dispenza

If you’re one to enjoy a scientific perspective on spirituality, Dr Dispenza draws on evidence-based research to show that with the right information and instruction, humans can harness supernatural powers. You’ll learn how to break free from self-limiting beliefs, recondition yourself and activate your brain’s full potential.

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Marina Avraam is a Storytelling Executive for WhatsTheBest, and also works for Mother&Baby. She has a passion for psychology, reading and fashion writing.

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