www.power-living.com

My mom gave me Emerson's Essays when I was a teenager. I'm just realizing how much of an influence it's had on my own writing in content and form. Emerson was an American orator, poet, and leader of the Transcendentalist movement in the early nineteenth century. He's been called the "voice of renewal." It is clear that he believed in the divine promise in every human being. To him the world about us is the visible appearance of what is invisible. His essays reiterate the theme of the recurrent miracle of creation that takes place each day in the soul. He makes the reader aware of fresh potentialities in the Self. All this he accomplishes not by argument, but by eloquence. He has been described as "the vista of the timeless caught in a sunburst of words." If you're looking for inspiration, then spend some time with Emerson.

This little book is a treasure by one of my favorite authors. Just 96 pages, it is packed with inspiration. In his signature poetic style, Og Mandino offers encouragement and hope for those who may be lacking self-esteem or motivation. This is not about theology - you must suspend the belief that you would actually receive a written memo from God and simply listen to the optimism and restorative words. This particular edition makes a wonderful gift. It comes from The Greatest Miracle in the World, which is also a good read.

Originally published in 1923, The Prophet is a beautiful treatise on life. In the story, a beloved prophet is about to depart the village where he has been for many years to sail back to his longed-for home. He wishes to offer gifts but possesses nothing. As the people from the town gather, they begin to ask him questions and his wisdom becomes the gift. He shares his philosophy on love, friendship, marriage, joy, sorrow, time and so much more. Gibran's words are profound and divine, revealing him to be the true prophet! His thoughts on love are probably the most quoted for wedding vows. When in need of a dose of poetic inspiration, I pick up this book. This particular edition also has 12 full page drawings by Gibran. 

This little book was one of the classic texts in my mom's library (I actually still have her original copy). It explains how, through spiritual mind treatment, you can deliberately impress the subconscious with a creative idea so that it can manifest. Dr. Barker opened the First Church of Religious Science in New York City in 1946, was President of the International New Thought Alliance and a well-known minister, author and teacher. If you really want to understand the law of attraction, this book is a good place to start. Many of the new ones out today are based on it. 

This enchanting story about a shepherd boy's travels in search of a buried treasure can uncover the treasure within you! It is powerful in its simplicity and a very easy read. This is one of the books I give new clients to spark their minds and hearts. One of the lessons is: "To realize one's destiny is a person's only obligation." Paulo Coelho is a beautiful storyteller, transforming a very human desire into a spiritual quest. This is a book you can finish in a weekend and then keep revisiting.  

Part of the epic poem of the Mahabharata, the Bhagavad Gita is a classic scripture of ancient India. Translated as "Song of God," it offers a great story which prompts you to think about your own inner guru. I go back to it time and time again for inspiration and insight. This version has commentary from my yoga guru, Sri Swami Satchidananda, founder of Integral Yoga. He presents it with his very perceptive and encouraging voice. Recently, I found another version in my family library. It was a copy from my other guru - my dad. Apparently, he had been reading the Gita years ago! As wise as he was, I would certainly recommend this read.  

The 13th-century Persian mystic Jelaluddin Rumi is undoubtedly one of the most magical poets in history. This translation of his work is as easy to read as you will get. This collection covers poems  about everything from bewilderment, emptiness, and silence to flirtation, elegance, and majesty. The word "ecstatic" is often used to describe his work. If you're looking to uplift your spirit, take a read!

"Nothing real can be threatened. Nothing unreal exists. Herein lies the peace of God." That is how A Course in Miracles begins. Although it is based on a Christian interpretation of the Bible, the Course deals with universal spiritual themes such as compassion. If you are on a spiritual path, it is an interesting text to study. An old boyfriend gave me this combined edition almost 20 years ago. It is a massive book to get through, but offers a wealth of insights.

The Law of Success: Using the Power of Spirit to Create Health, Prosperity, and Happiness is a very small, yet powerful read. I keep a handful of these pocket-size books around to give to clients and friends. It is a good reminder of concepts like the Power of Thought and the importance of meditation. Yogananda also wrote the famous Autobiography of a Yogi. If you want a clear and simple introduction to your own power to co-create, then check this one out.

If you are on a spiritual path and are interested in the similarities between all world religions, then you must become familiar with Joseph Campbell. His life's work was to explain the material of myth and the "one great story" of humanity. The Hero with a Thousand Faces is his classic. This work not only influenced the dialogue on religion and the arts, but also popular culture inspiring George Lucas to write Star Wars. Campbell is passionate about the study of mythology and how it applies to our modern life. I highly recommend this landmark piece originally written in the 1940s. Also, check out his engaging and provocative lectures on DVD.