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All considered, 2020 and 2021 has been an exercise in harsh reality. Many are suffering from mental health challenges because of the relentless sources of stress, anxiety, and anguish: COVID-19, civil unrest, and systemic racism. The suffering is compounded by the stigma of mental illness leaving many of us ashamed of how we feel. How do we create a positive and psychologically safe environment for ourselves and others?
This "Mental Health is You" blog series is here to help explore the use of mindfulness, empathy, and compassion in Meaningful, Memorable, and Motivational ways.
Below are 5 thought-provoking books focused on building resilience and mindfulness. For each book, we have provided the link to expedite your journey to joy!
*Allen Interactions does not receive any compensation for purchases of the books mentioned in this blog post.
Explore and feel free to add your suggestions in the comments. Happy reading!
Books
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1. Permission to Feel: Unlocking the Power of Emotions to Help Our Kids, Ourselves, and Our Society Thrive - Marc Brackett
Marc Brackett is a professor in Yale University’s Child Study Center and founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. A combination of research, passion, and inspiration, this book presents RULER, his proven system to reduce stress, improve academic achievement, and enhance school climate.
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2. Stay Woke Stay Woke: A Meditation Guide for the Rest of Us - Justin Michael Williams
We recommend the 2019 paperback version which is illustrated brilliantly. This is not your typical guide to mindfulness. Justin Michael Williams step-by-step process with free audio files, “gives people of all genders, identities, colors, religions, ages, and economic backgrounds the tools to stop wasting time, overcome self-doubt, and wake up to the lives we were really born to live.” (Amazon, 2021)
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3. Don't Hate, Meditate! 5 Easy Practices to Get You Through the Hard Sh*t (and into the Good) - Megan Monohan
Meditation instructor, Megan Monahan, a Deepak Chopra protégé, provides a fresh voice and perspective delivered via PAINT, the five spiritual mindsets. PAINT is an acronym for Presence, Acceptance, Intention, Nonjudgement, and Trust.
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4. Keep Calm and Log On: Your Handbook for Surviving the Digital Revolution - Gillian Andrews
The practice of being present is often challenged by the amount of screen time required in our daily lives. It is hard to go 100% tech-free! Keep Calm and Log On is designed to help you regain control of tech in your life. It will help you achieve online mindfulness and overcome ‘online helplessness.’
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5. Real Change: Mindfulness to Heal Ourselves and the World - Sharon Salzberg
In her book, Real Change, author and leading expert in lovingkindness meditation, Sharon Salzberg, teaches techniques to breakthrough negative cycles, reconnect, and increase energy. The biggest takeaway is that ‘meditation is not a replacement for action’, it is a way to practice self-compassion through grace and generosity of spirit.
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