Philomath (n.) Lover of learning; philosophy

I had a conversation with a friend the other day about our addiction to learning, growing and to meaningful fun(!). The only books I seem to find time for are those that teach me something new or that change my perception in some way. The only films, TV shows and conversations I truly love are those with depth and meaning.

It makes me wonder, perhaps there are two states of living in true bliss. One being ‘asleep’, so unconscious and unaware that you’re blissfully ignorant to the wonders of life or the opposite end of the scale of course, enlightenment.

I’m guessing if you’re reading this, you too find yourself somewhere in between and hungry for more.

Give me books, podcasts, conversations that make me reflect, help me to understand life and myself better, that make me question my belief systems and in some way help me come home to myself.

What I truly believe is you are your own best teacher. There is no one book, one path, one voice of truth except yours for you, and mine for me.

The answers aren’t found in books, meditation, yoga or the voice of another person but they sure are amazing vehicles to help us create space for or to journey towards, uncovering our own truth, for ourselves.

Here are 5 books that have, in some way, changed my life.

  1. The New Earth – Eckhart Tolle (Or ‘The Power of Now’ for a good solid foundation on Mindful living)

I love Eckhart Tolles no nonsense, say it how it is, German style. You won’t find an ounce of airy fairy spiritualism or wanky American self-helpy stuff in any of his books. Read them to be challenged, your perceptions changed and to really consider big concepts on collective consciousness and humanity itself.

 

  1. The Deepest Acceptance – Jeff Foster

AMAZING book! I love love love his tone and the voice he writes with. This book will help you uncover the power of acceptance on the very deepest level (as the title suggests!) to find joy no matter what is happening, especially if you have unavoidable challenging relationships in your life.

 

  1. The Four Agreements – Miguel Ruiz

Ancient wisdom on freedom, happiness and love. Accessible concepts that make SO much sense yet so tricky to put into practice as often the belief systems it’s challenging are pretty deep rooted for many of us – but if mastered, my god, life changing.

 

  1. The Inside-Out Revolution – Michael Neill

Accessing your own wisdom and creativity. Again, I love this author and his tone. Read this and you’ll really understand the power of looking within, not externally for love, happiness and wisdom.

 

  1. Courage: The Joy of Living Dangerously – Osho

I could read Osho wisdom all – day – long. Read this if you’re at a point of change in your life or struggle with your relationship with fear. He wouldn’t say ‘feel the fear and do it anyway’ he’d say feeling fear is a reason to do it and a cause for celebration because that is a life fully lived. If I were to have a guru it would be Osho… because he’d say be your own 😉

 

Take note of any parts of books like these that are uncomfortable to read because it challenges you in some way or you don’t agree with what’s being said, because that’s where the greatest learning will be found.

But after all, we can study all the wisdom, texts and spiritual concepts out there but it’s the practice of these concept, the living of life itself, where the greatest lessons will be learned.

So happy learning, you gorgeous Philomath!

Love, Joey x