To be honest, I’ve been buying way more books than I should be.
Recently I’ve started to romanticize the process of wandering into a cozy bookstore with a whole world of possibilities. Maybe it’s the soft jazz music that draws me in, or maybe it’s the warm ambience of a space filled with people who are all looking to find solace within some lines of a page. Admittedly, I’ve been adding to my pile of books a lot faster than I can get through them, but I’m always reminded of how valuable reading is through other writers like Stephen King who famously states, “If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.”
Creativity is contagious, and I love looking to the words of other creatives for inspiration. There’s something so special about slowing down and taking time for yourself to explore new places, both physically and mentally, and reading is one of my favorite ways to explore fresh ideas. It’s hard balancing reading for fun with assigned readings for classes, but whenever I get the chance, I like to sit down with a cup of tea and take a moment to flip through something that takes me out of my usual mental space. So, if you’re anything like me and you’re always on the lookout for that extra spark of inspiration, here are some of my favorite books for inspiring creativity.
1. The Alchemist, By Paulo COelho
This classic recommendation touches on self-discovery and shares the magic of listening to what rings true to your heart. Coelho’s writing reminds us of the beauty of following your dreams and the adventures that ensue when you take a leap of faith toward your life purpose.
2. You Are A Circle, By Guillaume Wolf
Subtitle: A Visual Meditation For The Creative Mind
This zen-like book is a unique collection of poetry contrasted with circular prints. Wolf’s stunning visuals allow for moments of stillness, and his gentle aphorisms nudge readers to create from a space of openness and exploration.
3. Be Here Now, BY RAM DASS
Inspired by Eastern philosophy, spiritual teacher Ram Dass takes his readers on a journey of mindfulness and self-reflection. This book serves as a guide to exploring your true self and finding what is possible in this lifetime.
4. The Artist’s Way, By Julia Cameron
Subtitle: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity
In this book, Cameron urges readers to embrace creativity as a form of therapy through exercises to cultivate deeper awareness and uses inspiring quotes to help readers break self-limiting beliefs. Definitely a must-read for anyone looking to find their own path to creative freedom!