There are so many good resources out there that I hesitate to add my two-cents. The reason I’m including this list is because when I began my own journey into living gently, I would have appreciated someone giving me a few starting points.
Krista Tippett’s weekly On Being podcast was that jumping-off point for me. On Sunday mornings as I puttered around the house watering my plants and straightening up, I listened to her interview wise and thoughtful poets, writers, activists, professors—people engaged in the work of making this world a better place. I offer these in that spirit. If any of these resources spark something, that’s great. If not, move on to find what works for you. (The book links are to bookshop.org which allows readers to buy books from a local independent bookstore of their choice and financially support independent book stores in general. I don’t have any relationship with either the authors or booksellers.)
- Podcasts, Courses, and Conversations
- “Tara Brach” by Tara Brach:
Talks and Audio and Video - The One You Feed by Eric Zimmer
- We Can Do Hard Things by Glennon Doyle
- The Gathering Pod by Martha Beck
- Bewildered by Martha Beck and Rowan Mangan
- Being Well by Dr. Rick Hanson and Forrest Hanson
- Ten Percent Happier by Dan Harris
- Happier with Gretchen Rubin by Gretchen Rubin
- The Science of Well-Being by Laurie Santos
- On Being by Krista Tippett
Even though Krista has stopped doing her weekly show, she has created enough content to keep most listeners engaged for some time.
- “Tara Brach” by Tara Brach:
- Books
- The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World by the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu
- Real Change: Mindfulness to Heal Ourselves and the World by Sharon Salzberg
- Care of the Soul: A Guide for Cultivating Depth and Sacredness in Everyday Life by Thomas Moore
- Real Happiness: A 28-Day Program to Realize the Power of Meditation by Sharon Salzberg
- The Way of Integrity: Finding the Path to Your True Self by Martha Beck
- Lovingkindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness by Sharon Salzberg
- The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are by Brené Brown
- Becoming Wise: An Inquiry into the Mystery and Art of Living by Krista Tippett
- Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life by Marshall Rosenberg
- Living Beautifully: With Uncertainty and Change by Pema Chödrön
- The Art of Solitude by Stephen Batchelor
- Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life with the Heart of a Buddha by Tara Brach
- True Refuge: Finding Peace and Freedom in Your Own Awakened Heart by Tara Brach
- No Time Like the Present: Finding Freedom, Love, and Joy Right Where You Are by Jack Kornfield
- Unwinding Anxiety: New Science Shows How to Break the Cycles of Worry and Fear to Heal Your Mind by Judson Brewer