Recommendations For Further Exploration

Check out these awesome resources that have either played prominent roles in our own journey, or we think would be great for you to check out.

Some of our favorite resources in no particular order:

Click the image or title to be taken to their website for more information.
*We do NOT receive any commission from these places and are not affiliated with them in any way. These are just resources and teachers we would like to acknowledge and share, because they're so awesome.

Buddhism

by Leigh Brasington

"This is a practical, accessible, and demystifying look at the states of deep concentration described in the suttas of the Pali Canon. This book gives pragmatic, achievable instructions for entering these jhanic states and provides an expert look at the theory, history, and presentation of the jhānas in the original suttas."

  • The definitive text for exploring all 8 jhānas, both material and immaterial. 
  • There's a contemporary and scholarly explanation included.
  • Very clear instructions you can apply immediately in your own meditation.
Insight Meditation Teacher + MahaSati Instructor

"As a teacher, Heather’s style is warm and practical. Her general emphasis is for embodiment (to balance out the ‘over-headiness’ of our general culture) including strong heartfulness in practice. She carries an interesting combination of supporting a ‘less is more’ easeful style of practice and a passionate ‘no holds barred’ attitude about awakening."

  • She's a wonderful teacher who blends nervous system practices, with concentration, awareness, and insight practices.
  • Her MahaSati training program for serious buddhist practitioners is top notch. It has the depth and mileage to support both deeper and relaxed phases of practice.
  • I'm very grateful to call Heather one of my teachers. I could not recommend her more!
by Leigh Brasington

"An accessible and demystifying look at Dependent Origination and Emptiness as described in the suttas of the Pāli Canon and in Nagarjuna's Mūlamadhyamaka-kārikā."

  • "One who sees dependent origination sees the Dhamma; one who sees the Dhamma sees dependent origination." MN 28.28
  • The definitive text for exploring a more complete look at dependent origination. 
  • Leigh's addition of SODAPI is a brilliant way of exploring D.O. and emptiness in a relatable way that just "clicks" in practice.
by Joseph Goldstein

"The mind contains the seeds of its own awakening―seeds that we can cultivate to bring forth the fruits of a life lived consciously. With Mindfulness, Joseph Goldstein shares the wisdom of his four decades of teaching and practice in a book that will serve as a lifelong companion for anyone committed to mindful living and the realization of inner freedom."

  • A fantastic resource for understanding an overview of the Buddha's teachings.
  • These are great practices to contemplate and put into practice after your meditation.
  • A must read text for anyone getting into these practices, or looking to deepen their understanding of Buddhism.
by Amy Schmidt

"This biography of one of the few women in her generation to devote herself entirely to the pursuit of meditation also includes Dipa Ma’s spiritual teachings, which have made her a major figure in contemporary Buddhism."

  • I think this is one of the most inspiring texts I've read. Whenever I need a boost in motivation, reading this book does the trick.
  • I love Dipa Ma's philosophy of turning life into practice. There's no excuses, but in the most loving way possible.
  • It acknowledges the healing power of awakening, and just how dramatic of a change it can bring.

Spirituality & Out of Body Experiences

by Thomas Campbell

"Based upon careful scientific research and logical deduction, this is a trilogy for all who have an interest in the nature of the reality in which they exist. My Big TOE is not only about scientific theory, function, and process – a discovery of Big Picture science – but also speaks to each individual reader about his or her innate capabilities. Readers will learn how to evolve their human potential far beyond the limitations of the physical universe."

  • A brilliant theory that proposes consciousness exists as a top-down model, instead of a bottom-up material based one.
  • Combines a scientific view, with religion, and spirituality (without too much "woo") to propose how reality works based on years of immaterial exploration and personal and spiritual development.
  • Gives you ways to start your own practice so you can start gaining your own experience.
by Suzanne Giesemann

"Wolf’s Message is a masterpiece of intrigue. If you have ever wanted to read a book that validates immortality and communication with loved ones who have passed on, then read this book. It is an authentic portal to the other side."  -Caroline Myss

  • If you get a chance, watch the accompanying video too.
  • This is one of the best accounts of our ability to connect with our loved ones after death.
  • Suzanne Giesemann is so full of integrity, and hungers for real evidence, making her and her teachings a wonderful resource.
by Frederick Aardema

"Throughout the book, the author seamlessly weaves in his own travels into different fields of consciousness, including experiences in the personal field, where he is confronted with the constructs of his own psyche, as well as visitations to collective and archetypal fields of consciousness that appear to have an independent existence beyond the eye of the beholder."

  • Recounts the history of astral travel and out-of-body experiences very well.
  • Understands this phenomenon from a more modern and contemporary approach.
  • Has great instructions to help you try for your own OBE right away.
by William Buhlman

"In Adventures Beyond the Body, William Buhlman recounts his fascinating experiences with astral travel, connects this phenomenon with current cosmological theories, and suggests that we all have the capability to travel to parallel universes."

  • One of the classics in OBE literature. Combines theory, with accounts, with instruction really nicely.
  • Really helps you dispel the fear and concerns with OBEs.
  • Promotes a sense of control within an OBE that leaves you more in charge of the experience.
by Robert Monroe

"Robert Monroe, a Virginia businessman, began to have experiences that drastically altered his life. Unpredictably, and without his willing it, Monroe found himself leaving his physical body to travel via a "second body" to locales far removed from the physical and spiritual realities of his life. He was inhabiting a place unbound by time or death."

  • Monroe is THE modern day grandfather of OBEs. So much so, he set up a research and learning institution to continue teaching (the Monroe Institute).
  • This trilogy is a powerful recounting of his experiences over many years of practice.
  • You can really see how his practice evolved over time, and learned what the point of all this was.
by Frank Kepple

"Frank Kepple’s posts on the Astral Pulse forums are a valuable resource for those serious about exploring their inner worlds and gaining control over their dreams.

The posts span several years and, when read in sequence, provide a transcript of Frank’s progress towards a mastery of lucid dreaming."

  • Phasing is a more modern day method of having an OBE. You seamlessly switch between states of mind and realities rather than the traditional "roll out of your body" way.
  • Frank really understood the phasing approach and was an invaluable member trying to help others.
  • There's a website dedicated to his understanding of our multi-dimensional universe that's worth checking out.

Therapy & Healing the Past

by Melody Beattie

"Melody Beattie’s compassionate and insightful look into codependency – the concept of losing oneself in the name of helping another – has helped millions of readers understand that they are powerless to change anyone but themselves and that caring for the self is where healing begins."

  • These days, with so much generational trauma, almost everyone can identify with some part of codependency.
  • It probably doesn't mean what you think it means, and this book was invaluable in explaining it.
  • If you're a people-pleaser, really generous and caring, and have a big heart you probably should give this a read.
by Wendy T. Behary, LCSW

"Disarming the Narcissist will show you how to move past the narcissist's defenses using compassionate, empathetic communication. You'll learn how narcissists view the world, how to navigate their coping styles, and why, oftentimes, it's sad and lonely being a narcissist. By learning to anticipate and avoid certain hot-button issues, you'll be able to relate to narcissists without triggering aggression. By validating some common narcissistic concerns, you'll also find out how to be heard in conversation with a narcissist."

  • Even if you don't have a "narcissist" in your life, this book is still an invaluable resource for dealing with challenging situations and people with more empathy, understanding, and compassion.
  • The book does a great job at helping you see "reactive patterns" in both your self and others so you can learn how to navigate around them smoothly.
  • We love how this is focused on empowering the person who has to deal with difficult people, instead of being for the difficult person themself.
by Peter A. Levine, Ph.D.

"In Healing Trauma, Dr. Levine gives you the personal how-to guide to develop body awareness to 'renegotiate' and heal traumas by 'revisiting' them rather than reliving them; emergency 'first-aid' measures for times of distress; and nature's lessons for uncovering the physiological roots of your emotions."

  • Everyone has trauma. You don't need to have had a major accident or terrible situation in your life for it to be considered "trauma."
  • Really highlights the link between trauma, emotions, and the body.
  • Has a wonderful body scanning practice that evolves over time that has some incredible benefits for grounding high emotion situations and releasing trauma without having to re-experience it fully.
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