Mind and Emotional Well-being

• The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk: trauma healing through mind-body connection

• Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy by David D. Burns: evidence-based CBT techniques

• Lost Connections by Johann Hari: examines the social and environmental causes of depression

• The gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown: self-compassion and emotional resilience

• The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture by Dr. Gabor Maté: explores how trauma is woven into modern society and offers insights into healing and reconnecting with authenticity

Nutrition and Gut-Brain Health

• This is Your Brain on Food by Uma Naidoo, MD: how diet affects mental health

• Eat to Beat Depression and Anxiety by Drew Ramsey: Nutritional psychiatry guide

• Fiber Fueled by Will Bulsiewicz, MD: gut health and mood regulation

• Healing with Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford: traditional Chinese medicine and nutrition

• Ayurveda and the Mind: The Healing of Consciousness by David Frawley: foundational text on Ayurvedic psychology, mental constitution, and holistic healing for the mind

• Sattva: The Ayurvedic Way to Live Well by Eminé Kali Rushton: practical guidance on cultivating mental balance and clarity through sattvic living

• Consciousness and Mental Health: Integrating Ayurveda and Western Psychiatry by Hari Sharma & Christopher Quinn: bridges traditional Ayurvedic concepts of consciousness with psychiatric perspectives

Mindfulness, Meditation, and Buddhism

• Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn: Intro to mindfulness meditation

• Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach: healing through mindfulness and self-acceptance

• The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching by Thich Nhat Hanh: Buddhist principles for inner peace

• Training the Mind and Cultivating Loving-Kindness by Chögyam Trugpa: lojong mind training

• The Way of the Bodhisattva (Bodhicaryavatara) by Shantideva: Classic text on cultivating compassion, patience, and wisdom to overcome suffering and mental afflictions.

• Mind Training: The Great Collection, Translated by Thupten Jinpa: Compilation of lojong (mind training) teachings for transforming mental struggles into awakening.

• No Mud, No Lotus: The Art of Transforming Suffering by Thich Nhat Hanh: Explores how to embrace pain and cultivate happiness through Mahayana practices.

• Awakening Compassion: Meditation Practice for Difficult Times by Pema Chödrön: Guidance on working with fear, trauma, and emotional challenges through compassion practices.

• When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times by Pema Chödrön:
  Addresses anxiety, depression, and uncertainty using Mahayana wisdom.

• The Wisdom of No Escape by Pema Chödrön: Explores how facing life as it is can lead to mental liberation and healing.

Movement and Somatic Healing

• The Joy of Movement by Kelly McGonigal: psychology of exercise and well-being

• Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma by Peter A. Levine: somatic experiencing for trauma release

• Yoga for Emotional Balance by Bo Forbes: yoga therapy for mood and anxiety

Nature, Spirituality and Holistic Living

• Nature and the Human Soul by Bill Plotkin: deep ecology and psychological growth

• The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer: spiritual approach to inner freedom

• The Healing Power of Forests by Akira Miyawaki: shinrin-yoku and mental restoration

Self-Reflection and Daily Practice

• The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron: creative journaling for self-discovery

• Atomic Habits by James Clear: building supportive habits for mental health

• Mindful Journaling by Tara Ward: guided journaling for clarity and calm