This list of the 7 best books on mindfulness has a variety of genres to choose from, so there’s something for everyone!
The Problem:
- You want a book that will help you be more mindful, but aren’t sure where to start
- You want a book that explains more about mindfulness, but aren’t sure where to start
Table of Contents
- The Problem:
- The Solution:
- The Best Books on Mindfulness: 3 Simple and Peaceful Reads
- The Best Books on Mindfulness: 4 Reads that Discuss Mindfulness Directly
- Conclusion
The Solution:
A lot of us struggle to find the time to be mindful on our own, and books can be a great assist. Yet a lot of us crave the peace and contentment that comes with being in the now. Whether this is a result of a fast-paced life, stress, or something else, mindfulness can help us all transform our lives and how we view them a little bit at a time without adding undue pressure. So how do you add some mindfulness to your day?
Honestly, just the act of reading can be mindful. This list of the 7 best books on mindfulness includes 4 books that directly discuss mindfulness and 3 that are simply peaceful to read and encourage a mindful presence (plus a bonus book). Some of the books are perfect if you are looking for something peaceful to read before bed instead of scrolling on your phone, while others are basically how-to manuals on mindfulness, comfort, and meditation. In short, there’s something for everyone. So grab a coffee or a snack, snuggle in, and check out this list of the best books on mindfulness.
You can also read more about mindfulness and meditation here!
The Best Books on Mindfulness: 3 Simple and Peaceful Reads
“Big Panda and Tiny Dragon” by James Norbury
Honestly, anything by James Norbury is pure gold. I highly recommend you take a look at his website. That being said, “Big Panda and Tiny Dragon,” was the first book by him that I ever bought and read. I cannot recommend it enough. It is a quick and easy read that you can come back to over and over again. Each page has an illustration and a quote. While the book is not strictly about mindfulness, the easier nature of the read and the beauty of the quotes helps me to feel centered, contemplative, and grateful all at once.
“The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living” By Meik Wiking
While this book is more focused on happiness and lifestyles, I think it definitely belongs on a list of the best books on mindfulness, too. An exploration of Danish cultural customs of happiness and fellowship, I normally read this book at least once a year. Hygge is all about comfort, togetherness, and well-being. There is ample advice on being present in the moment and appreciating the little things, cornerstones of any mindfulness practice. It is all about experiencing more joy and contentment in the little things.
“Winnie the Pooh: The Little Things in Life” By Catherine Hapka
Hapka’s book is an easy add to this list of the best books on mindfulness. While the Hundred-Acre Wood and its beloved cast of curious creatures is a world most of us encountered as children, there is immense value in the world of Pooh in terms of being peaceful and mindful. And Hapka does a great job of bringing this value to the forefront of our adult minds. Honestly, that alone is enough to earn this book a spot on this lis of the best books on mindfulness.
The characters are quirky and contemplative and their relationships are endearing and enduring. Winnie-the-Pooh in particular has a deeper appreciation for the simple things in life– like a happy snack, a warm chair, or time with a friend. Each page of this book inspires readers to stop and take a moment to observe and consider the joy that life can bring. And if that isn’t mindfulness, I don’t know what is.
Bonus Book: “Zen Happiness” By Jon J. Muth
I read this book with my toddler on a regular basis. He and I both love it. With beautiful illustrations and easy quotes that sink into your heart and soul. This books inspires happiness and mindfulness both. It only has twelve sayings and illustrations, so it’s a quick read right before bed or over lunch. If you’re looking for a quick way to recenter or meditate through reading, this book is the way to go and is definitely one of the best books on mindfulness out there.
The Best Books on Mindfulness: 4 Reads that Discuss Mindfulness Directly
If you’re looking for something a little more direct, in-depth, or technical, then look no further than the following 4 books on mindfulness.
“The Miracle of Mindfulness” by Thich Nhat Hanh
Thich Nhat Hanh’s timeless classic introduces mindfulness as a source of healing and transformation. Packed with practical insights, it’s a perfect starting point for those new to mindfluness in general. If you’re just diving into the best books on mindfulness, you’ll notice that Thich Nhat Hanh’s name comes up a lot. A Vietnamese monastic and peace activist, he lived from 1926-2022, and wrote prolifically on mindfulness and love. In fact, he is known as the father of mindfulness. “The Miracle of Mindfulness” is a great place to start because of the lucid writing style, easy exercises, and gentle anecdotes.
“Wherever You Go, There You Are” by Jon Kabat-Zinn
If Thich Nhat Hanh is the father of mindfulness, than Jon Kabat-Zinn is the pioneer of mindfulness-based stress reduction. “Wherever You Go,” provides a simple yet powerful exploration of mindfulness. This book is a great and accessible guide for beginners seeking to be present in their lives.
“The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle
Tolle’s book isn’t solely focused on mindfulness, but it emphasizes living in the present moment. It offers insights, many of them profound, that align with mindfulness principles, making it a must-add to this list of books on mindfulness.
“Real Happiness” by Sharon Salzberg
This book is a practical guide specifically on meditation and mindfulness. Offering a variety of meditation practices, this book is perfect for anyone looking to add mindfulness into their daily routine and definitely belongs on this list of the 7 best books on mindfulness.
Conclusion
Starting a mindfulness journey can be a little difficult at first because it’s a new way of living for a lot of us. But these 7 books on mindfulness will help you embark on your mindfulness journey. Each one serves as a valuable companion, providing insights and tools to cultivate mindfulness in your everyday life. Whether you need some soft, easy reads that simply help you be more calm and present, or you’re needing more direct guidance, these books will help you scratch that mindfulness itch and transform your everyday experiences.
What books make you feel peaceful? Any top recs on mindfulness reads? Let me know in the comments!