We are what we surround ourselves with.

Normally that might involve more contact with people. In today's world that includes social media, Netflix, books, podcasts, all the things.

During this pandemic, I have felt a real shift in students and friends, wanting to get to know themselves better. It is like the lockdowns have shone a light on how we are really feeling, how life is really for us and maybe the possibility that we might have got stuck and we might want more.

Do you feel that too, that you would like a change in some aspects of your life, your way of being, but not sure where to start, this looking at yourself is all new?

It was new to me too at one point, so to help,  I am sharing some of my favourite books that have been key to shaping who I am, how I want to be in this World, how I want to feel and how I live my life.

I have used all of these books to remind myself, to remember who I am, to raise my energy, to help me heal and become more present and accepting of myself and others. They still help me now.  There are so many books that have been pivotal, this is a section of the ones that are still in my bookcase, which yes, has been Home Edited. (Watch it on Netflix - I love colour co-ordinating now - who knew!)

When I say some, I really am limiting them, I love books a lot! I have had a clear-out recently, but their knowledge sits within me. Also, in NO particular order!

#1: Brenee Brown: Braving the Wilderness. This book is for anyone who has trouble being themselves unapologetically. Learn to stand tall but with a soft heart. Learn how to not take on what other people throw at you, and discuss and resolve conflict in harmony. This book was a game changer for me. 

#2: The Big Leap: Gay Hendricks. Learn why you might be limiting yourself and redefine your relationship to time. 

#3: The Wind is My Mother: Bear Heart. A beautiful book. I have studied and practise shamanism, in line with the Lakota Medicine Wheel that my teachers were taught. This book is pure beauty ...

#4: Judgement Detox: Gabrielle Bernstein. Honest, relatable and a feeling that is all too prevalent in our society. Judgement of others and ourselves is toxic. This illuminated and relieved so much for me. 

#5: Essentialism: Greg McKeown. Let's strip it all back, how many things do we do, or think just because .... 

#6: After the Ecstasy the Laundry: Jack Cornfield. Real life spirituality that had me laughing, crying feeling and nodding at pretty much everything that was written. 

#7: You are a Badass: Jen Sincero. One of the first books that told me that I am enough and that I can do anything I want, no limits apart from the ones that I define. 

#8: The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Translation by Sri Swami Satchidananda. Yogic philiosophy explained. How to live well in yourself, in the world, with the aim of a settled mind. 

There are more, but these are the ones that jump out at me. 

What we think matters.

What we read matters.

What we say matters. 

What we look at on TV, social media matters. 

Who we hang around with matters.

All these influences stream into our being, our subconscious and shape us. 

Choose wisely! 

I also talk more about these books and how they have helped me in my PODCAST .

SLOW DOWN Live Deeply Podcast - APPLE

SLOW DOWN Live Deeply Podcast - SPOTIFY

I would love to know the books that have influenced you, share with me. 

Sending love K xxx