books that helped my spiritual, MENTAL and healing journey (Copy)
Homecoming by Dr. Thema Bryant, PHD
This book was the perfect segway into my spiritual journey because it combines both psychology facts and spirituality in a way that doesn't feel culty or religion based. I found Homecoming two summers ago when I began navigating spirituality after pretty much being atheist adjacent for the majority of my life.
Dr. Thema is insightful and empathetic with her words and each chapter makes you feel seen and validated in your experience with mental health, intersectional trauma and the importance of cultivating the mind, body and spirit. Her podcasts are also a delight - short and always hit the mark.
Did you know that diseases like anxiety, depression and Parkisons’s are all directly linked to the gut? Our gut is our body’s second brain and reading this book helped me better understand the brain-gut connection. I learned how it impacts so much of our being from our mental health to how the gut works, and how to care for it. While it’s written by a medical professional, it’s super easy to understand and includes illustrations to help visualize it. I found this book fun to read.
The Body Keeps Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D
The Body keeps Score goes on a deep dive on how trauma literally reshapes both the body and brain and consequently plays a significant role in people’s behavior, habits, etc.
Trauma leaves a lasting imprint on our body, mind and brain - so even if you think the thing that happened to you a long time ago or recently (whether big or small) didn’t really affect you, it probably did and it will remember for years to come.
The body keeps score is heavy in length, information and what it’ll bring up for you, so I advise taking your time with this woman.
Quit Like A Women by Holly Whitaker
This book offers a breakdown of the science and research behind Big Alcohol and the impact it has on women. While I may still have a martini here and there, it definitely helped change my relationship with alcohol consumption. It’s a great book for anyone contemplating abstaining from alcohol.
A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson
My favorite book ever and the perfect introduction I needed to God.
The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
Worksheet / journal guides
If reading is not your thing, I find these workbooks and journals to also be a great tool when managing anxiety or trying to understand your overwhelming feelings. Plus they're maa cute.
I hope my recommendations help anyone who is experiencing a hard time with their mental health. While I champion healing through chemistry (best believe Ima take that Advil when my head hurts), I do think it’s imperative to be discerning when it comes to treating symptoms. Are my symptoms a result of an ongoing chemical imbalance or are external factors affecting me like my environment, transitions, high stress, relationships, job etc,?
For me, getting to the root of my anxiety has been instrumental as well as cultivating the mind, body and spirit as a whole- I truly believe they work in conjunction. You cant heal one without the other - so exercise, adopt healthy eating habits, talk to a therapist, address your trauma, and nurture your spirit. Or whatever version of that.
But of course, I am not a medical professional, just a lady of leisure.