Women’s Ayurveda
The Path of Practice by Maya Tiwari
My go-to for simple lifestyle practices that harmonize the body with nature’s cycles.
Men’s Spiritual Health
Backbone by David H. Wagner
There’s so little in the world of spiritual guidance specifically for men. David H Wagner is changing that, and this awesome book is plain-spoken, funny and deep.
YOGA FOR EVERYONE
Light on Life by BKS Iyengar
The teacher B.K.S. Iyengar was a true pioneer in bringing yoga to the west. This beautiful book is essential reading for anyone interested in why we practice yoga – from beginners to seasoned practitioners.
Poetry
The Gift by Daniel Ladinsky
Joyful, profound, funny, tender poems inspired by the great Sufi master, Hafiz, by Daniel Ladinsky.
TEACHERS
Mātā Amṛtānandamayī Devī is a humanitarian and spiritual teacher, known affectionately as “Amma” and sometimes as “the hugging saint” on account of the blessing she gives in the form of an embrace. Her organization Embracing the World supports education and medical care for disadvantaged people all over world. You can see Amma give her profound (and often funny) talks every year when she tours America, Europe and Asia. The events are open to the public, really fun, and completely free.
A Master of Zen Buddhism, Thich Nhat Hanh has a beautiful, clear way of explaining the ancient teachings so they completely make sense in the modern day. Above all, his teachings reverberate with kindness and emphasise gentleness to the self. His books on love, happiness and fear are as profound as our human experience and at the same time as simple and approachable as a nursery rhyme.