Your Spiritual Guides- Ellie

Outside of a dog, a book is man’s best friend.  Inside of a dog, it’s too dark to read.  ~Attributed to Groucho Marx

What would we be, who would we be without books? Without those words to fill in the crevices of our heart exactly where it is we need the void to be filled? Without that next author, who we feel we intimately share our lives with, who guides us, gently, to the next stage of our knowing. My closest friends and greatest teachers are authors of books who, unknowingly, have shaped who I am, how I think, what I believe, and how I behave. And, the most amazing thing, I believe, is how each and every one of us are molded and grow uniquely based on the contours and shades graciously given by the books that have fallen into our laps. In this series, I have asked readers, course participants, and friends to share which books have served as their spiritual guides. Here Ellie shares her favorites.

Ellie writes:

Books that have helped me on my spiritual path….

1. Conversations With God, Book 1 by Neale Donald Walsch

This one has to be in first place. I read for the first time about four years ago. I have read it completely once again and parts of it many times. This book is succinct, easy to read, and presents the concepts in everyday language.

2. Your Sacred Self by Dr. Wayne Dyer

This is like opening a spiritual tool box. I’ve read this one completely twice and consulted it many times.

3. There’s a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

Again, a tool box that is particularly helpful when I’m stressed or having difficulties.

You know you’ve read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend.  ~Paul Sweeney

4. The Holographic Universe by Michael Talbot

A scientific, quantum physics approach that is fascinating and not too technical. It opened up my mind to possibilities and helped me accept the oneness of the universe.

5. The Divine Matrix by Gregg Braden

A more spiritual approach to quantum physics. This is a marvelous exploration. I felt more in tune with my God-ness as I read it.

6. Seven Masters, One Path by John Selby

Seven spiritual masters’ teachings (Patanjali, Lao-Tzu, Buddha, Jesus, Mohammed, Gurdjieff, and Krisnamurti) are briefly summarized. A meditation method is explored in each chapter and guided meditations are included for each lesson.

I have also gained from reading Deepak Chopra, Thomas Moore (Care of the Soul), Eckhart Tolle, Thich Naht Hahn, The Dalai Lama, Gary Zukav, and Mary Manin Morrisey. I can’t think of specific books, but my spiritual framework is based on Buddha’s teachings.

Thank you Ellie! Thank you so dearly for sharing your path, and giving us more beautiful ways to expand our souls. This list has tons and tons for me to grow from. Thank you.

To sit alone in the lamplight with a book spread out before you, and hold intimate converse with men of unseen generations – such is a pleasure beyond compare.  ~Kenko Yoshida

I bow to holiness of books. I bow to them deeply, softly, and slowly. And, I bow to you.

It would be my greatest honor to share with this community what literary stepping stones have inspired you to reach your next-clearer inner state of peace. Just shoot me an email with your list of books and a brief explanation of what each book has given you. Should you like to include your picture, maybe even with a juicy book in hand, do so. If you’d like those interested to be able to contact you, include your website, facebook page, or contact information.