Books

It is good to have an end
to journey toward: but it is
the journey that matters
in the end.
—Ursula LeGuin

My Zen teacher used to say that the only good book is the one that makes you want to meditate. In that spirit I offer the following few books to hopefully spur you on your inward journey. These books are separated into categories so that you will be able to choose more of what you are looking for.

Meditative

A Gradual Awakening, by Stephen Levine - a wonderful beginning book on meditation

A Path With Heart, by Jack Kornfield - an American teacher's journey, with lots of "grist for the mill"

When Things Fall Apart, by Pema Chodron - I recommend this book to everyone going through a life crisis

Psychotherapeutic

Focusing, by Eugene Gendlin - closest in form to Heartwork, except that at one point in the process "Focusing" goes up and out, while Heartwork goes down and through

Inner Work, by Robert Johnson - great book for dream work and active imagination; opens up the archetypal unconscious

Meditative/Psychotherapeutic

Awakening the Heart, ed. by John Welwood

Essence, by A. H. Almaas - the fundamental teachings of my current personal training

Ordinary Magic, ed. by John Welwood - another gem by Welwood, filled with goodies for growth

Personal Growth

Lifespring, by John Hanley - Lifespring was one of three primary influences in my work

Conceptual Understanding

No Boundary, by Ken Wilber - more than any other book I've read (except Ken Wilber's Spectrum of Consciousness - the more technical version of this book), this book lays out how we split from ourselves and how we return Home

Relationship

Embracing the Beloved, by Stephen and Ondrea Levine - what's possible if one makes relationship a spiritual practice

Journey of the Heart, by John Welwood - says much of what I have to say about relationship

Spirit of Heartwork

Emmanuel's Book, by Pat Rodegast and Judith Stanton - channeled wisdom

Illuminated Rumi, by Coleman Barks - a beautiful book about a magnificent poet

Meetings at the Edge, by Stephen Levine - this is the spirit of Heartwork! Stephen was the first person I found doing this work and writing about it. This book is about his work with people facing death - their own or a loved one's.

Siddhartha, by Hermann Hesse - the only book, the reading of which changed my life!

Tao Te Ching, translated by Stephen Mitchell- wisdom of the ages

The Collected Poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke, edited and translated by Stephen Mitchell - another of my favorite poets