resources
READING FOR INSPIRATION
This is a list of books that may appeal to our clients.
Much of the work we do at NEXTSTEP is drawn from the writings and guidance of these global teachers, mystics and masters.
The Four Agreements
Don Miguel Ruiz
In The Four Agreements, bestselling author don Miguel Ruiz reveals the source of self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and create needless suffering. Based on ancient Toltec wisdom, The Four Agreements offer a powerful code of conduct that can rapidly transform our lives to a new experience of freedom, true happiness, and love.
The Power of Now
Eckhardt Tolle
Much more than simple principles and platitudes, The Power of Now takes readers on an inspiring spiritual journey to find their true and deepest self and reach the ultimate in personal growth and spirituality: the discovery of truth and light.
The Miracle of Mindfulness
Thich Nhat Hahn
In this beautiful and lucid guide, Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh offers gentle anecdotes and practical exercise as a means of learning the skills of mindfulness--being awake and fully aware. From washing the dishes to answering the phone to peeling an orange, he reminds us that each moment holds within it an opportunity to work toward greater self-understanding and peacefulness.
No Mud No Lotus
Thich Nhat Hahn
The secret to happiness is to acknowledge and transform suffering, not to run away from it. In No Mud, No Lotus, Thich Nhat Hanh offers practices and inspiration transforming suffering and finding true joy. Nhat Hanh shares how the practices of stopping, mindful breathing, and deep concentration can generate the energy of mindfulness within our daily lives. With that energy, we can embrace pain and calm it down, instantly bringing a measure of freedom and a clearer mind.
Loving What Is
Byron Katie
In the midst of a normal life, Katie became increasingly depressed, and over a ten-year period sank further into rage, despair, and thoughts of suicide. Then one morning, she woke up in a state of absolute joy, filled with the realization of how her own suffering had ended. The freedom of that realization has never left her, and now in Loving What Is you can discover the same freedom through The Work.
A thousand names for Joy
Byron Katie
In her first two books, Loving What Is and I Need Your Love–Is That True? Byron Katie showed how suffering can be ended by questioning the stressful thoughts that create it. Now, in A Thousand Names for Joy, she encourages us to discover the freedom that lives on the other side of inquiry.
Elements of the Real in Man
A.H. Almaas
This five-volume series presents a collection of talks given by Almaas on topics such as faith, commitment, nobility and suffering, truth and compassion, allowing, and growing up. Through these talks, Almaas offers valuable guidance and advice for those on a spiritual path, and he explores the challenges and psychological barriers faced by those seeking self-realization.
The Unfolding Now
A.H. Almaas
In The Unfolding Now, A. H. Almaas presents a marvelously effective practice for developing the transformative quality of presence. Through a particular method of self-observation and contemplative exploration that he calls inquiry, we learn to live in the relaxed condition of simply "being ourselves," without interference from feelings of inadequacy, drivenness toward goals, struggling to figure things out, and rejecting experiences we don't want.
The Pearl Beyond Price
A.H. Almaas
In this book Almaas demonstrates that healthy ego development is part of the continuum of spiritual development. He also establishes the possibility of attaining inner realization and developing our essential being—"the pearl beyond price"—in the context of living a normal human life.
Living Nonviolent Communication
Marshall Rosenberg
Discover how the language you use can strengthen your relationships, build trust, prevent conflicts and heal pain. Revolutionary, yet simple, Nonviolent Communication offers you the most effective tools to reduce violence and create peace in your life—one interaction at a time.
The Way of Zen
Alan Watts
In his definitive introduction to Zen Buddhism, Alan Watts explains the principles and practices of this ancient religion to Western readers. With a rare combination of freshness and lucidity, he delves into the origins and history of Zen to explain what it means for the world today with incredible clarity. Watts saw Zen as “one of the most precious gifts of Asia to the world,” and in The Way of Zen he gives this gift to readers everywhere.
I write what I like
Steve Biko
"The most potent weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed." Like all of Steve Biko's writings, those words testify to the passion, courage, and keen insight that made him one of the most powerful figures in South Africa's struggle against apartheid. They also reflect his conviction that black people in South Africa could not be liberated until they united to break their chains of servitude, a key tenet of the Black Consciousness movement that he helped found.
The Trauma of Everyday Life
Mark Epstein
Trauma does not just happen to a few unlucky people; it is the bedrock of our psychology. Death and illness touch us all, but even the everyday sufferings of loneliness and fear are traumatic. In The Trauma of Everyday Life renowned psychiatrist and author of Thoughts Without a Thinker Mark Epstein uncovers the transformational potential of trauma, revealing how it can be used for the mind’s own development.
Waking Up
Sam Harris
Waking Up is part memoir and part exploration of the scientific underpinnings of spirituality. No other book marries contemplative wisdom and modern science in this way, and no author other than Sam Harris—a scientist, philosopher, and famous skeptic—could write it.
Daring Greatly
Brene Brown
Every day we experience the uncertainty, risks, and emotional exposure that define what it means to be vulnerable or to dare greatly. Based on twelve years of pioneering research, Brené Brown PhD, LMSW, dispels the cultural myth that vulnerability is weakness and argues that it is, in truth, our most accurate measure of courage.
USEFUL LINKS & DO-IT-YOURSELF TOOLS
Meditation: An exercise in presence
A H Almaas
This short 10 min meditation technique is a wonderful way of bringing you straight into the present moment. It is a very useful daily practice and can even be done as soon as you wake up, to bring you right into your day.
The Work
Byron Katie
“No one can give you freedom but you. This little book will show you how.” —Byron Katie
This booklet presents the essence of The Work of Byron Katie. Each year, thousands of these booklets are sent by request, at no charge, to non-profit organizations around the world, helping people discover the life-changing power of inquiry. The worksheets are available freely on the work.com site and are a valuable resource when dealing with a difficult issue.
The Power of Now
Eckhardt Tolle
How to break the habit of excessive thinking – this video shows you how to catch yourself from being dragged into hell by your thoughts!
Breaking Beliefs
Eckhardt Tolle
Eckhart Tolle reveals how to silence voices in your head on Oprah's SuperSoul Sunday. Watch as he answers two of your most burning questions. How do you calm the voice in your head, and how can you clear your mind of bad memories?
How to change your beliefs to change your life
Infinite Waters (Diving Deep)
In this video Ralph Smart explains how so much of our energy is tied up in our belief systems. He explains how believing things which may not be true limits us from being our best version.
How to Avoid Your Inner Critic
Infinite Waters (Diving Deep)
In this video Ralph Smart shows us how our inner critic holds us back. He gives us tips on how to catch ourselves when we are in the grip of the critic.
Building Confidence & Self Esteem
Infinite Waters (Diving Deep)
Ralph Smart gives us tips on how to believe in and truly value ourselves and trust in our abilities.
The Wheel of Life
Paul Meyer
A self-assessment tool - the start of happiness.
The Four Agreements
Don Miguel-Ruiz
Watch this video where he explains the Four Agreements in an interview with Oprah Winfrey.
Listening
Dr. Mark Holder
This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. What is the best approach to impact the rest of your life? What if it involved only three simple words?
Nonviolent Communication ~ A Brief Introduction
Marshall Rosenberg
Nonviolent Communication, has brought together warring factions as diverse as Irish Catholics and Protestants, Rwandan Hutus and Tutsis, Israelis and Palestinians as well as families and communities in conflict. His method is simply to enable both parties in conflict to listen with empathy to the authentic feelings and needs of the "other" without the need to blame and judge. Things can change when we feel heard as humans.
Nonviolent Communication
The Model
This is a little reminder to help you plan that difficult conversation so that you can have an honest open and non-threatening discussion and still raise the things that are bothering you.
Nonviolent Communication
List of Feelings
Being able to identify how you are really feeling is a skill that can be developed. This list of feelings is helpful while you are learning to identify what is really happening in you right now.
Nonviolent Communication
List of Needs
Every emotion we feel comes from a need or longing for things to be different. For example, when we feel anxious we are longing for peace. As we develop our emotional vocabulary, so we can also start to become more familiar with the needs that our feelings are directing us to.