Here are five spiritual and self-help reads supported by science that you can check out this month.
Waking Up by Sam Harris
Waking Up: A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion is a 2015 spiritual book written by neurosurgeon and meditation expert Sam Harris. Part memoir and part research, Sam Harris’s latest bestseller tackles the issue of scientific influences of spirituality. The book is designed for those who have no religion but consider or acknowledge the important truths in the experiences of famous religious figures such as Jesus, Buddha, Lao Tzu, Rumi, and other saints and sages of history. In his book, Sam Harris discussed the importance of understanding the reality that science and secular culture allow us. By observing scientific truths and at the same time paying attention to our reality can help better our lives. Waking Up is a revolutionary book about science, faith, philosophy, and skepticism written by someone who knows these topics all too well.
From Science to Spirituality by Neil Griffen
From Science to Spirituality is another timeless classic that backs spirituality and self-improvement with science. This Neil Griffen book about disciplines of science and religion who are constantly debating about certain truths also talks about spiritual healing and the quest to better understand the importance of science and faith in our daily lives. In the book, Griffen discussed the benefits of using scientific insights when analyzing spiritual issues. This, however, is not limited to the issue of God’s existence. This also has something to do with our own self-improvement and self-actualization. From Science to Spirituality guides readers into an amazing journey of asking the right and essential questions. Neil Griffen, a physicist and a medium, shares many valuable insights on religion, spirituality, faith, and the fundamental laws of science. From Science and Spirituality is a remarkable read that has inspired and aided readers for more than a decade.
10% Happier by Dan Harris
10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works–A True Story is the complete title of the 2014 self-help book by Dan Harris. Harris is a correspondent for ABC News. He is also the co-anchor for the weekend edition of Good Morning America. After suffering a panic attack on national TV, Dan, a nonbeliever, decided to embark on a spiritual journey. After finding himself entangled on a bizarre adventure involving a disgraced pastor, a mysterious guru, and some weird brain scientists, he realized the root of all his troubles- his own inner voice and ego. Finally, Harris found a way to control that voice. Ten Percent Happier is a light, hilarious, but heartwarming read on how to control yourself and rewire your brain. The book features neuroscience, research, and spirituality from a more refreshing and funny perspective.
Psycho Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz
More than half a century since its publication, Maxwell Maltz’s Psycho Cybernetics has inspired millions of readers all around the world. Maltz, who graduated with a doctorate in medicine from the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1923, coined the term psycho-cybernetics, which means “steering your mind to a productive, useful goal so you can reach the greatest port in the world, peace of mind.” In 2015, an updated edition was released. In this book, Maltz invites us again to rediscover ourselves and to learn how to develop techniques for improving and managing self-image—visualization, mental rehearsal, relaxation. Pyscho Cybernetics is a timeless classic that is based on science and proven results that have guided leaders, teachers, and experts throughout the years. You can also check the kindle edition of the book on Amazon.
Flow by Mihaly Csikzentmihalyi
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience completes our list of spiritual and self-help books supported by science. In this 2008 bestseller, Csikszentmihalyi, what makes an experience genuinely satisfying. This state of consciousness, according to Csikszentmihalyi, is called flow, and all people experience this, especially during heightened moments in their lives. Flow allows us to experience deep joy, creativity, and rhythm with life and its full energy. Flow invites its readers how to create the experience and not just wait for it to happen. According to the book, by summoning the information that enters our consciousness, we can discover genuine happiness, unlock our full potential, and greatly improve the quality of our lives. Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience is a scientific tool that will help us achieve spiritual balance and harmony.