Conscious Education Reading List

Some favorites, in no particular order...

Last updated: 5 May 2022

Contemplative Practices in Higher Education by Daniel P. Barbezat and Mirabai Bush

A useful collection of ideas for integrating contemplative practices into teaching and learning experiences.

Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

A life-changing classic! I teach this in my first-year composition course; my students find hope in Frankl's narrative about his experiences in WWII concentration camps and his resulting insights about how to create a life of meaning. Spoiler alert: don't chase "happiness".

How to Be an Adult by David Richo

Along with Man's Search for Meaning, one of the books I often give to people I care about (the title makes for good jokes). From a Jungian standpoint, this beautifully concise (read: short) book helps us move from childish reactions to more mature responses to our lives.

The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown

Based on qualitative data from interviews with people living in a wholehearted way, this a good introduction to Brown's ideas about boundaries, play, values, and more.

Dare to Lead by Brené Brown

What does it mean to be a leader? Here Brown looks at ways to implement leadership skills at home, work (school), and in our communities.

How to be an Adult in Love/Relationships by David Richo

Like How to Be an Adult, but with a focus on our most intimate relationships. Includes a 5-part definition of love that I turn to daily when considering how to behave lovingly toward myself and others.

The Power of Now by Ekhart Tolle

The challenge and gifts of paying attention to the present moment. I found this one really helpful in redefining my relationship with anxiety.

Owning Your Own Shadow by Robert A. Johnson

Another Jungian book...how to befriend the unowned parts of ourselves. We often think of our shadows as "negative" or "unloveable" parts of ourselves that we try to hide, but shadow work includes all unacknowledged parts of ourselves, including aspects such as beauty and power.

Playing Big by Tara Mohr

A book for women who are ready to step into themselves. Excellent for moments of transition, beginnings, reinventions, entrepreneurial souls, and anyone becoming their authentic selves.

The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

This tiny little gem sets out four basic principles to live by, which can help strengthen relationships, integrity (and therefore self worth), boundaries, acceptance, and wisdom.