Books to Start your Mindfulness Journey.

Starting your mindfulness journey, though with the intention of seeking calmness, can be very daunting. So many phrases, books, people preaching different concepts to reach your highest self can be very confusing. However, while sorting through the noise, we have found some of our favourite mentors of curating a mindfulness routine that actually suits you. Embracing mindfulness is so key in working towards any goal you set as it allows reflection, and understanding of yourself. Therefore you know the ways in which you can work towards these goals, without any negative repercussions. So, we’ve compiled a list of must-reads that we love, to help you cultivate a sense what mindfulness will mean for you and your individual, daily life.

‘The Headspace Guide to Meditation & Mindfulness’ by Andy Puddicombe

Many People will recognise the well-known app called Headspace as one of the forefront resources for meditation and mindfulness. Started by Andy Puddicombe in 2010, with the aim of using science-backed meditation to help people create life-changing mindful habits, the app’s intentions are pretty phenomenal. Statistically speaking, the use of the app has proven to reduce stress by 14% in just 10 days. Thus, this book on how this entire process works naturally became a must. It offers insights into the power of meditation and how mindful practices are a key to calm and clarity in your life. And, as an added bonus, Andy’s voice is incredibly soothing. If you’re looking to learn how to centre yourself, this book and app are the resources for you.

‘The Litle Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to live Well’ by Meik Wiking

Meik Wiking, the founder of the world’s first Happiness Research Institute in 2013 in Copenhagen, has written numerous books on what it means to be happy and adopting mindful practices into your life to achieve a calm state. The Little Booke of Hygge – pronounced ‘hoo-ga’ - focuses on the Danish practice that incorporates the feelings of cosiness, comfort, and contentment into daily life. From the interior design of your home with low lighting, candles and the avoidance of stark colours to adding warm cups of coffee and rich stews to your diet this book pretty much covers all the basics on finding happiness in the little things, a practice essential to mindfulness.

‘The Comfort Book’ by Matt Haig

The concept of reflecting on the key lessons of life that we learn on our lowest moments is the goal of Matt Haig’s ‘Comfort Book’. Essentially, it’s a collection of memoirs that provides a springboard of personal reflection, and its brilliant. Whether it’s a short quotation about the process of loving yourself or a recurring essay theme of what hope is, Haig gives you the space to take his words with you throughout the day and ruminate on what they mean for you. It draws on the idea that we can make it through and serves as a perfect handbook to help turn your day around.

‘Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to finding peace in a frantic world’ by Professor Mark Williams and journalist Dr. Danny Penman

Williams and Penman lead the way in understanding the straightforward options to incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine. Based off of the techniques used in their mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, a program that usually takes about 8 weeks, it explains understanding the relationship between the body and stress and the power of self-regulating your moods. This is definitely the practical approach to mindfulness, perfect for someone looking for specific tools and mechanisms to cope with anxiety and stress.

‘Daring Greatly: How the Courage to be Vulnerable Transforms the Way we Live, Love, Parent, and Lead’ by Brené Brown

This is incredible to read in tandem with your choice of mindfulness novel. It covers a lot of the mental thinking behind why getting started with something like mindfulness can be so difficult. Brown explains how the fear of being vulnerable, accepting ourselves, and engaging with others around these topics allows us to break free from some of our deep-rooted feelings around ourselves. It feeds into the mindfulness idea that acceptance of vulnerability and reflecting on your self-perception is key to finding contentment and joy with those around you. An insightful read that takes self-discovery to a deeper level and pushes your mindfulness practices into your internal space.

‘Real-World Mindfulness for Beginners: Navigate Daily Life One Practice at a Time’ by Sharon Salzberg, Ed. by Brenda Salagado

Another strong practical guide to mindfulness for those who have never explored it before. Laid out in simplistic language and techniques, Salzberg allows readers to leave their judgements of what mindfulness is and discover what it means for them. the book contains a breakdown covering 10 different areas that you can use mindfulness in; she offers literal facts and steps on what you can do to engage and navigate these practices in your daily life in whatever way you wish. It offers a range of information from multiple experts, so you can really rely on the guidance she so excellently provides.

By diving into these books, you'll gain practical tools, scientific knowledge, and transformative insights to begin and deepen your mindfulness journey. Remember, mindfulness is a lifelong practice, and these resources will serve as valuable companions on your path to inner peace, well-being, and personal growth.