How Reading Can Increase Your Spiritual Growth
Laura Longville
Reading List 2023
Reading is often seen as a purely intellectual pursuit, but it can also be a powerful spiritual practice. When we read, we open ourselves up to new ideas and perspectives, which can help us to grow in our understanding of ourselves, the world around us, and God.
Here are some specific ways that reading can increase your spiritual growth:
It can help you to connect with your inner self. When we read fiction, we are transported into the world of the story, and we get to experience the lives of other people. This can help us understand our own feelings and experiences better. It can also help us to connect with our own inner wisdom and guidance.
It can help you to develop your own spiritual practices. Many books offer guidance on how to meditate, pray, and connect with God. Reading these books can help you to develop your own spiritual practices that are right for you.
It can help you to find inspiration and motivation. When we read about the lives of great spiritual leaders, such as Jesus, we are inspired to live our lives with more compassion, wisdom, and courage.
It can help you to find peace and tranquility. Reading can be a calming and relaxing activity that can help you to quiet your mind and connect with your inner peace.
“There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island.” ~Walt Disney
If you are looking for ways to increase your spiritual growth, I encourage you to start reading and maybe expand into new genres and authors. There are many great books available that can help you on your journey.
Here are the books in my reading stack right now:
The Bible is the foundation of many spiritual traditions, and it is a rich source of wisdom and guidance. It guides me into a deeper relationship with the Trinity. The version I am reading now points me to Jesus, found in the 12 Steps of AA.
Breathing Under Water, Spirituality and the 12 Steps is another recovery-oriented book. I have just begun this book, and so far Richard Rohr, the author, is highlighting the beauty of finding Jesus and his way of life at the core of the 12 steps. AND we can find the 12 steps of AA deeply embedded in the Bible and how Jesus lived his life.
A Gospel Primer for Christians is a daily meditation book I am going through with my granny hiker friends. I love the deep conversations we’ve had. It inspires me simply and profoundly to keep my eyes on Jesus.
I’ve read many Enneagram books over the years, and this book, The Enneagram Guide to Waking Up, is refreshing. I can go to a particular chapter to find what I want to learn. I don’t need to read this from front to back to grasp the information. It’s rejuvenating my heart to dive deeper into the wisdom of the Enneagram!
I haven’t started reading The Anxiety Opportunity, but someone highly recommended it as a good resource to look at anxiety as something we can learn from. I’m intrigued!
Last but not least, Healing Developmental Trauma is a work-related book. I usually have one work-related book in my stack at all times. This is a textbook for NARM (Neuro Affective Relationship Model) training that I am a part of this year. This new approach (to me) to counseling is changing how I treat developmental trauma. I am pumped about what I am learning!
I would love to hear or see what is in your reading stack. Leave the title or a pic and a quick review of a favorite book in the comments. I’m always looking for new ideas to add to my wish list of books to read.