Here are the best mindfulness books as recommended by 12 experts.
The most recommended mindfulness books are:
If you are a busy person, you may find it challenging to fit meditation into your day.
This book walks you through an average day and shows you just how easy it is to weave micro-moments of mindfulness into four realms of life: home, work, love, and play, resulting in a sense of calm even in this fast-paced world. A great read for beginning and experienced meditators.
Mindfulness meditation is often touted as a one-size-fits-all solution to common complaints including chronic pain, stress and a lack of productivity.
But for people who have experienced trauma, meditation may instead exacerbate feelings of anxiety and distress.
This book is a helpful guide to meditators who have experienced trauma but want to harness the power of mindfulness, and should be a must-read for any meditation teacher or therapists who incorporate mindfulness into treatment.
Though this book is grounded in research, it is surprisingly easy to read and engaging.
One of the main reasons we learn to meditate is to deal with life’s challenges, and nothing causes more suffering than grief.
This book is organized into 9 sections, including a day-long retreat, that features inspirational stories, plus over 35 meditation, yoga, journaling and expressive arts exercises to help cope with the pain of grief and help you navigate life after loss.
Readers will learn how to use meditative tools to develop compassion for themselves and others and find ways to honor the memory of their special person. This book is great for bereaved people as well as grief professionals who want to use meditation to help their clients.
In my over 20 years of practice, I work with clients to address all aspects of health and well-being.
In that context, relationships often are at the root of issues.
I have recommended the book “The 5 Love Languages” by Gary Chapman numerous times. Those that heed the suggestion and use the information report major improvements in their relationships. Some even telling me it saved their marriage or long term relationship.
With over 13,000 reviews and a total of a 4.8 out of 5-star rating, I’d say it’s a great book whether one is struggling in a relationship or just wants to make the relationship better.
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi is known as a legend in the field of psychology.
Flow investigates how to unlock your “optimal experience” in order to have a genuinely satisfying life.
Flow describes the mental state of being in the right place at the right time. This mental state is most often found in acts of creativity. The book contends that this state can be harnessed with proper practice.
10% Happier is all about quieting that negative voice in our heads that makes our day so difficult.
Read related article: The 19 Best Positive Thinking Books
Harris isolates that voice as ether fixating on the past or the future, and not so much on the present. 10% Happier is a guide to meditation for the skeptic.
The Mindful Way Through Depression is all about how to think your way out of depressing feelings or thoughts.
The goal is to break you from a “downward spiral” trajectory before it happens. The book’s goal is to teach you how to avoid all of those negative thoughts associated with despair and self-loathing.
Bethany D. Lavins-Merillat, M.S., M.Ed.
Health Research Psychologist | Director of Strategic Partnerships, RunRepeat
This is a book by Deena Kastor who won the US their first Olympic medal after a 20 year drought and is an inspirational role model for women and young athletes.
In the book, she discusses how her focus on winning and competition led to burnout, stress, and negativity.
By changing the way she thought to focus more on the present moment – being aware of her thoughts and feeling and gaining the ability to acknowledge them and develop a resilient mindset, and becoming more accepting of herself even if she did not achieve everything she set out to – she was able to get herself out of a rut and become one of the fastest, most celebrated and most accomplished Americans in the history of US running.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for inspiration to change their life, improve their relationships, and achieve their goals.
Bhante Sujatha, a Sri Lankan Buddhist monk, has been sharing the teachings of the Buddha with students all over the world, making friends and deep connections through his interpretations, humor, genuine nature, and relatable style.
He has been a teacher, mentor, and friend to me for 20 years, and so much of what I have learned from him has come not only through listening to his teachings but through practical lessons and the experiences sharing in his journey.
“Sitting on the Toolbox” offers both to the reader, in a presentation that has so clearly captured his voice, creating access to the insights of this busy and traveling monk.
I encourage any person, of any faith, to take some time and learn from someone who has dedicated all that they are to the journey of self-discovery, the development of wisdom, and the lifestyle of loving-kindness.
This book is one of the best mindfulness books I’ve ever read, and explores what it means to truly live in the “present moment”.
The main theme in this book is that the only thing that that really exists is the “now/present moment”, and that thinking about the future and past are what makes us anxious and unhappy.
The key, as Eckhart explains, is to become present in each moment and go beyond thought. This book really helped me understand how to stop overthinking, and to notice the moments when I’m lost in thought, become more present and be a happier person overall.
Related: 21 Best Spiritual Books of All Time
In this book, Eckhart Tolle goes a step deeper (From his Power of Now book), where he dives into what it really means to be present in everyday life situations.
The main idea is it’s not WHAT you do that matters, but it’s the HOW you do it, that matters – which requires intense presence.
He states that we’ll be more content if we give our full attention to whatever we’re doing in the moment. For example, if I’m washing dishing, I should be “just washing dishes”, instead of thinking about my work problems – which have nothing to do with the act of washing dishes in that moment.
I try to implement this in many of the activities I do and it really helped me focus better on my work and become more productive.
For anyone who is experienced in mindfulness and meditative practices and living or is a complete newbie, this book can provide endless value. It is literally the mindfulness’ version of the Bible.
In it, you will be introduced to the science of mind-body medicine and it’s wide-ranging application and therapeutic abilities. It touches upon just about every meaningful way it has and can benefit you physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and overall health.
With all of this new-found knowledge and understanding, this book then takes you on the journey forward. With detailed instruction on the variety of ways to begin a mindfulness practice and continue on as you further gain experience.
If there was ever a book that was much needed in today’s fast-paced and overstressed society, it is this one.
Sam breaks down the illusions that we create for ourselves in this life. Ridding oneself of the false notion of the “self” is a critical realization that can help you start to actually live your life.
For those who are looking for a deeper reason or motivation to begin a mindfulness practice, this book is the one to use to awaken themselves.
Making Sense of Mindfulness offers a brand new perspective and approach to mindfulness practice.
The book offers 5 concrete and accessible principles that assist the reader with bringing more awareness and peace into their daily lives. It combines the author’s personal stories and experiences with suggested practices and perspectives that push beyond the traditional approaches to mindfulness and leave the reader inspired to dream their best dream.
In Big Magic, Elizabeth Gilbert tackles mindfulness for writers and all creatives who wrestle daily with self-doubt.
She boldly asks the reader to ponder this: Do you create to inspire or create to gain wealth and fame?
If it’s the latter, don’t bother turning the page. For the former, read on for affirming, challenging, and tough-love advice on accepting fear and imperfection while embracing a joyful creative life.
My favorite part about this book is how it’s structured as a memoir documenting Harris’ own journey to achieving mindfulness and what an impact it had on his life.
I found the book to be very funny and easy to read, making it a great intro book for people looking to learn more about the subject.
This was the very first book I read on the subject which later sparked my interest in the subject and becoming more mindful in my own life.
It breaks down mindfulness into very easy to understand the terminology and makes it accessible even to a beginner.
The Power of Now is a great book because it teaches all about staying present in this moment.
Our mind will wander to the past or to the future, but these habits only lead to discomfort and suffering. He speaks to remaining in the present in order to enjoy life to the best you can. He also provides tips for training your mind to be mindful of when it does wander to the past or future.
Pema Chodron is a wonderful teacher of spirituality and meditation.
She uses mind training exercises and specific meditation techniques in this book to teach you how to tame your mind and practice mindfulness.
She is compassionate, gentle, and funny in the stories she shares about her life. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking to learn more about meditation, mindfulness, and spirituality.
Thunder Dog is about my escape with my guide dog from the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
It helps educate people about what it really means to be blind.
Thunder Dog shows that blindness is not darkness or an absence of light. Instead it shows that the true challenge of blindness consists of the poor attitudes and lack of education people have about the blind.
If Thunder Dog proves anything about human nature it is that any of us, sighted or blind, can persevere through any challenge so long as we choose to develop our own inner tools for survival and progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to read books about mindfulness?
Reading books about mindfulness can help deepen your understanding and practice of the technique. They can give you new perspectives, tips, and techniques to help you integrate mindfulness into your daily life. Whether a beginner or an experienced practitioner, reading mindfulness books can provide new insights and inspiration for your mindfulness journey.
How are mindfulness books different from other self-help or spiritual books?
Mindfulness books focus specifically on mindfulness and its benefits for mental and physical well-being. Some self-help or spiritual books may touch on mindfulness and address a broader range of topics. If you want to learn and practice mindfulness, you should look for books on this topic.
Can mindfulness books replace guidance from a mindfulness teacher or therapist?
While mindfulness books can provide valuable information and guidance, they should not be considered a replacement for the guidance of a mindfulness teacher or therapist. A teacher or therapist can provide personalized support, feedback, and advice, which can be especially helpful if you struggle with specific mental health issues. Reading mindfulness books can complement the guidance of a teacher or therapist but should not be considered a substitute.
How often should I read mindfulness books to see results?
How often you read mindfulness books depends on your goals and schedule. It is important to read at a comfortable pace and to allow time to integrate the techniques and practices into your daily life. Some people find that reading a chapter or two a week does them well, while others prefer to read a book cover to cover in a shorter period. The most important thing is to find a routine that works for you and stick with it.
Are there specific age groups or lifestyles for mindfulness books better suited?
Mindfulness books can benefit people of all ages and lifestyles. Whether you are a working professional, a student, a parent, or retired, there is a mindfulness book that can help you integrate the practice into your daily life. It can be a valuable tool for anyone looking to improve their well-being.
Can mindfulness books be used for group studies or discussions?
Absolutely! Mindfulness books can be great resources for group studies or discussions. Reading a book together and discussing its teachings can provide a sense of community and support and help deepen your understanding and practice of mindfulness. Group studies can also be a fun and engaging way to learn about mindfulness and provide a space for sharing experiences and insights with others.