Great Gifts For People Into Self Development

The Power of Your Subconscious Mind

by: Joseph Murphy

Amazon Price: (as of 06/01/2012)

Autobiography of a Yogi

by: Paramahansa Yogananda

Amazon Price: $7.45 (as of 06/01/2012)

Years ago, as I began searching for ways to enrich my own life and find answers to many questions that I had about life, I happened upon this book, "Autobiography of a Yogi," by the great Indian guru, Paramahansa Yogananda.

It was actually quite interesting (well, to me, anyway!) how it happened. I happened to be in a "new age" type of store, and saw this book. Yogananda's eyes seemed to follow me through the room - you know, ala "Mona Lisa" style.

His face had such a calmness about it, so I picked up the book - which is rather thick - and opened it to a random page. I was instantly hooked!

So, you would think I would have bought the book then and there, wouldn't you? Ha ha! I did NOT buy it then and there. I don't recall why exactly, but I think it had something to do with the idea that I didn't have $10 to spend on something for myself that day...

Fast forward a few months, and there I was in a used book store in Portland, Maine. I ambled over to the Spirituality section, and lo and behold there were no less than 12 paperback copies of "Autobiography of a Yogi!" All in a row... As I stood there looking at the books, and again, pondering "Hmmm... Wonder if I should get it this time?" ... Look, I know you probably won't believe this, but I swear it's true.... While I was pondering, one of the paperbacks fell forward a little toward me - probably from just handling books on the shelf - and so I burst out laughing and picked it up. "Fifty Cents" was the price.

I said, looking up to the Universe - "Ok! Ok! I'll BUY the darned thing!"

Since then, I've read it at least 3 times, given away countless copies as gifts, and gone through 2 more copies of my own. :) I became a student of Self Realization Fellowship which taught me more about how to live than any other organization I had ever known.

To this day, this book goes with me back and forth from my summer and winter homes. It is part of my permanent library, and hope it will become part of yours as well.

As a Man Thinketh

by: James Allen

Amazon Price: $5.35 (as of 06/01/2012)

This is actually a very short and simple book to read. Based on the Biblical verse in Proverbs. Chapter 23 verse 7, "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he."

According to Wikipedia, "the full passage, taken from the King James Version, is as follows:

"Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats: For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words."

The passage seems to suggest that one should consider the true motivations of a person who is being uncharacteristically generous before accepting his generosity - while in the title and content of James Allen's work the passage is in a different context; In the Bible the passage is referring to another person, and in James Allen's work the passage is adopted to primarily refer to the reader himself." (SOURCE: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/As_a_Man_Thinketh)

For me, the book opened my thoughts to the idea that the things or situations that I would find myself dwelling on the most would be most likely to become manifest in my own life. So, it stood to reason that I should stop dwelling on past hurts and failures if I wanted my life to change for the better.

I know that this is very simplistic, but it's difficult for me to find the right words to describe or discuss the subtle changes that I've noticed in my life.

The moment I began to realize that I could control only a few things - and among them, my own thoughts - it opened the doors wider, and I began to see "the bigger picture." So, that is the value that "As a Man Thinketh" had for me, and it is a permanent part of my self development library (when I'm not giving away my copies, that is!) :)

The Power of Your Subconscious Mind

by: Joseph Murphy

Amazon Price: $5.99 (as of 06/01/2012)

I scarcely know where to begin when I speak about Joseph Murphy. In fact, the book "The Power of Your Subconscious Mind" is in my lap, even as I write.

Just like with the "Autobiography of a Yogi" that I mention above, this book - along with another Joseph Murphy book - goes with me everywhere. Actually, even on vacations.

I refer to this book every single day. Although I also recommend the works of Ernest Holmes (see below), Joseph Murphy (who had been a student of Holmes) is a little bit easier to read and digest.

I ALWAYS have "ah ha" moments when I read anything by Joseph Murphy. In this book, as well as his book "Think Yourself Rich" (which isn't just about money, despite the title), he teaches by telling stories and offering specific types of prayers and affirmations to work with, to "plant" into the subconscious, which, according to him, is where we most easily are connected with the Divine Intelligence (God, or whatever you are comfortable with).

Joseph Murphy explains in ways that are easy to understand and digest WHAT the subconscious is, and how learning to work with our subconscious is akin to a lot of what Jesus was trying to teach when he was here. At least, that's what I get out of it.

For me, this book makes so much sense that I cannot imagine my life without it. I've also gained a greater understanding of Jesus and his work as well - which is something I just never "got" from any church, and yet it was something I always tried to learn and understand. I'm not knowledgeable about theology or doctrine - I just know what makes sense for me. And this does.

This is not a "religious" book, per se - but it does talk about Biblical concepts. In my youth, I distinctly remember praying for understanding since nothing I had been taught about faith, prayers, or religion ever made any sense to me. This was the book that helped me understand and give me hope - more than any other book.

So, if you are so inclined, give Joseph Murphy a spin!

The Science of Mind

by: Ernest Holmes

Amazon Price: $7.78 (as of 06/01/2012)

Before I was introduced to Joseph Murphy, there was Ernest Holmes.

Ernest Holmes - who originally taught and ordained Joseph Murphy as a Science of Mind minister - was an amazing thinker and teacher. There are many Science of Mind centers throughout the world who embrace the teachings of this New Thought master - and I'm looking forward to visiting one myself once I locate one in my vicinity (there's nothing nearby where I live in NH).

It is important to note that "Science of Mind" is not "Christian Science" - the two are not related, although Holmes was well acquainted with the works of Christian Science founder, Mary Baker Eddy.

The book, "The Science of Mind" was initially published back in 1926 and has since become a classic in the New Thought and spiritual communities. It is, as the cover says, "A Philosophy, A Faith, A Way of Life."

As so often happens to me in my life, books and teachers come to me at just the right time! In this case, I was (again!) at a yard sale, and came across a box of self development books. Many of them were already in my library, but I saw a small, thin book called "Creative Mind and Success" which caught my eye. It was by Ernest Holmes, and I took it back to the condo we were staying in at the time, and read it cover to cover.

I knew I had to read more, and thus found "The Science of Mind" that I am recommending here. As is the case with my Joseph Murphy books, The Science of Mind, and companion book, "Living the Science of Mind" come with me - back and forth from summer to winter quarters.

"The Science of Mind" is an extremely in-depth book, and not a quick "skim" read. At nearly 700 pages, it is intricately organized with countless (well, not REALLY "countless") headings and subheadings. Honestly, I cannot think of one topic that could possibly be questioned in our thoughts that is not addressed here. The book even has a suggested guide of how to get through it in a year, with suggested daily readings and meditations.

The book goes into great detail about who and what we are, what or who God is, the way "it all" works, how to work with "it" ... and on and on.

It's quite a remarkable work, and if you or someone you know is absolutely 100% serious about self development, then this book, along with anything else Ernest Holmes wrote, is a must-have.

Making the Shift: How to Live Your True Divine Purpose

by: Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

Amazon Price: $23.67 (as of 06/01/2012)

I remember a few years ago someone recommending "Automobile University" - that is, to take the time we spend in a car commuting or driving to do errands, etc, and popping an educational tape or CD in to listen and learn from as we drive around.

Although I find I cannot listen to everything motivational and inspirational while I drive, I do find Wayne Dyer EXTREMELY easy to listen to.

Dr. Dyer is truly one of the most gifted modern self help teachers I think I've ever heard. I'm guessing that if Ernest Holmes and Joseph Murphy were still alive, and they got together to put on a seminar with Wayne Dyer, the whole world would be mesmerized.

Wayne Dyer does not adhere to nor does he recommend any religious doctrine. He's just some guy who speaks not only from his well of knowledge but also his experiences. He's entertaining and hard-hitting all at the same time. He makes what he is explaining easy to understand and apply.

I also recommend his "Power of Intention" which I have - and while there may be some overlap of ideas, it's not duplicate material.

If you have never listened to Wayne Dyer speak, you're in for a treat! This is a GREAT gift for anyone!

The Master Key System by Charles F. Haanel

by: Charles F. Haanel

Amazon Price: $9.49 (as of 06/01/2012)

Anyone who has ever seen the movie "The Secret" from a few years ago will recognize Charles Haanel from numerous quotes that filmmaker Rhonda Byrne used throughout the movie.

I have gone through Charles Haanel's "The Master Key System" myself, and gained a great deal of insight. But one of the things I found most fascinating about this course is its history! Back in the early 1900s, this was one of the first "self help" correspondence courses of its type. In 24 installments, Haanel brought the student through one of the first step-by-step methods for self growth, mind mastery, and success that had ever been published.

I also have the distinct pleasure of having been in contact with Tony Michalski, the editor and publisher of this particular edition. You should see what Tony has at Kallisti Publishing! I honestly think that Tony is probably the most knowledgeable person in the country when it comes to the works of Charles Haanel. Actually, if you'll hop over to Tony's site (my link) which is Kallisti Publishing - THE Source for All Things Charles Haanel (and more)you can get on Tony's list and also listen in on live coaching calls he has on occasion to walk readers through understanding The Master Key System.

This one comes with me back and forth from winter to summer quarters as well! I always have it with me!