Incorporating

Mayo Recovery College,
REGARI (Roscommon & East Galway) Recovery College
and Galway Recovery College

Further Book Recommendations with Reviews

Feel the fear and do it anyway – Susan Jeffers

Dynamic and inspirational, the book is filled with concrete techniques to turn passivity into assertiveness. Dr. Susan Jeffers, teaches you how to stop negative thinking patterns and re-educate your mind to think more positively. You will learn: the vital 10-Step Positive Thinking Process; how to risk a little every day; how to turn every decision into a "No-Lose" situation, and much more.

The Power of Now – Eckhart Tolle

The message is simple: living in the now is the truest path to happiness and enlightenment. And while this message may not seem stunningly original or fresh, Tolle's clear writing, supportive voice and enthusiasm make this an excellent manual for anyone who's ever wondered what exactly "living in the now" means. Foremost, Tolle is a world-class teacher, able to explain complicated concepts in concrete language. More importantly, within a chapter of reading this book, readers are already holding the world in a different container--more conscious of how thoughts and emotions get in the way of their ability to live in genuine peace and happiness.

Chicken Soup for the soul – Jack Canfield & Mark Victor Hansen

Two of America's inspirational speakers share the very best of their collected stories and favourite tales that have touched the hearts of people everywhere. The book brings you wit and wisdom, hope and empowerment to help you through life's dark moments.

Eat, Pray, Love – Elizabeth Gilbert

An irresistible, candid, and eloquent account of the writers her pursuit of worldly pleasure, spiritual devotion, and what she really wanted out of life. At thirty, she went through an early-onslaught midlife crisis. She had everything an educated, ambitious American woman was supposed to want—a husband, a house, a successful career. But instead of feeling happy and fulfilled, she was consumed with panic, grief, and confusion. She went through a divorce, a crushing depression, another failed love, and the eradication of everything she ever thought she was supposed to be. To recover from all this, Gilbert took a radical step. In order to give herself the time and space to find out who she really was and what she really wanted, she got rid of her belongings, quit her job, and undertook a yearlong journey around the world—all alone. Eat, Pray, Love is the absorbing chronicle of that year.

Awareness – Anthony de Mello

The heart of Anthony de Mello's spiritual message is awareness. De Mello's words of hope come together in Awareness in a grand synthesis. In short chapters for reading in quiet moments, he cajoles and challenges: We must leave this go-go-go world of illusion and become aware. And this only happens, he insists, by becoming alive to the needs and potential of others.
Here, then, is a masterful book of the spirit, challenging us to wake up in every aspect of our lives.

Backwards in High Heels: The Impossible Art of Being Female – Tania Kindersley & Sarah Vine

Keep it on your shelf for any of those moments you just need to reach your best friend and you don't have the heart to ring her up in the middle of the night.

Language of Letting go – Melody Beattie

These daily meditations offer growth and renewal, and remind us that the best thing we can do is take responsibility for our own self-care. Melody Beattie integrates her own life experiences and fundamental recovery reflections in this unique daily meditation book written especially for those of us who struggle with the issue of co-dependency. Problems are made to be solved, Melody reminds us, and the best thing we can do is take responsibility for our own pain and self-care. Melody provides us with a thought to guide us through the day and she encourages us to remember that each day is an opportunity for growth and renewal.

Who Moved my cheese – Spencer Johnson

"Cheese" is a metaphor for what you want to have in life—whether it is a good job, a loving relationship, money, a possession, health, or spiritual peace of mind.

The Miracle of Mindfulness (Thich Nhat Hanh)

Thich Nhat Hanh is one of the most beloved Buddhist teachers in the West. In this book, he explains how to acquire the skills of mindfulness, showing us that once we have these skills, we can slow our lives down and begin to live in the moment.

The Spirituality of Imperfection (Ernest Kurtz)

This beautiful book by Ernest Kurtz is an exploration of “storytelling” and “parables” from all traditions. Kurtz illustrates to us that by telling “our stories” to each other we learn not only more about our common humanity but also about the beautiful imperfections that bind us all together.

Pedagogy of the Oppressed (Paulo Freire)

Essential reading for anyone who may be interested in learning more about the ethos of Peer Education, Freire critically analyses our traditional education system and provides us with a new model of learning based on “the value of “lived experience”, dialogue, awareness of one’s “true” reality, and empowerment.

The Art of Happiness (Dalai Lama and Howard C. Cutler)

The Eastern traditions of the Dalai Lama brought into our Western world by Dr. Howard Cutler. This is not a book about Buddhism, it a book about happiness, contentment and practical ways of achieving those states in our everyday lives.

First Steps in Counselling (Ursula O’Farrell)

Even if you are not particularly interested in becoming a counsellor, First Steps in Counselling presents the skills necessary to support another in a simple and engaging way. These skills are the backbone helpful conversations and interventions and can teach us not only how to support others, but educate ourselves in identifying what we need from others.

Why Am I Afraid to Tell You Who I Am? (John Powell)

First published in 1969, this short book still resonates all these years later. Powell provides insights on self-awareness, personal growth, interpersonal communication and the roles we play while engaging with others. Deep insights in a very quick read.

Falling Upwards (Richard Rohr)

A book about the power of failing, falling and starting again. “We grow spiritually more by doing it wrong than by doing it right” says Richard Rohr. Our heartbreaks and disappointments today are what build to the joys of the future. Not the easiest read on this list, but worth persevering with.

Heal Your Body (Louise Hay)

Emotional Alchemy (Tara Bennet – Coleman)

Until today (Iyanla Vanzant) guidance for each day of the year

Oprah’s Super Soul Conversations

While obviously most famous for her talk show, Oprah Winfrey has in recent years moved into the realm of personal growth, personal development and self-awareness. Each episode has a special guest and thanks to Oprah’s fame, these guests read like a who’s who in this area. Byron Katie, Eckhart Tolle, Brene Brown, Dr. Maya Angelou and many others have all been guests on previous episodes.

Unlocking Us With Brene Brown

Building on the foundations built by her Ted talks and bestselling books, Brene Brown has moved into the podcast sphere. Utilising her humour and her ability to tackle heavy subjects with the understanding her work has given her, Brene and her guests give insight in a manner that is easy to access, insightful but also enjoyable.

Another Name For Everything, Richard Rohr

Widely respected as an author of bestselling books, Richard Rohr stepped into the podcast world last year. Initially established as an accompaniment to one of his books, Another Name for Everything, has since grown into a broader discussion on life and the forces at work around us and within us. A great podcast, but it is heavy going at times. Don’t feel bad if you find yourself lost at times!! This one requires a little more attention and pausing and returning to the podcast when you have time to devote to it may be a good idea.

Contact

Recovery College West
County Clinic
Castlebar
Co. Mayo

T: 086 0294901
E: [email protected] 

 

Our Vision

The Purpose of Recovery College West is to create a culture of recovery, to improve quality of life and promote social inclusion by empowering people with mental health challenges, their families, friends and the community through co-produced education and learning together.