Neo-shamanism and Toltec Spirituality: Client Recommended Books Series Pt. 2
Prescribing books as a form of healing is nothing new. And “bibliotherapy” has a long history:
King Ramses II of Egypt had a special chamber for his books, and above the door were the words “House of Healing for the Soul.” Sigmund Freud incorporated literature into his psychoanalysis at the end of the nineteenth century. Medical professionals and psychologists have been prescribing books for their patients to read for a hundred years or more. But it was more as an adjunct to other treatment rather than a treatment in itself.
The term “bibliotherapy” — the art of using books to aid people in solving the issues they are facing— was first used in 1916 by Samuel Crothers, and in the US and a little later in the UK, training programs in bibliotherapy were established, usually connected with medical schools and hospitals.
People come to therapy when they feel stuck. And many of my clients have attempted to change on their own with the aid of books. Through the years, clients have not only recommended to me some great books that have helped them heal, but they speak in the language of the books that showcases real insight and significant changes in place in their life prior to me seeing them.
Last posting we discussed “The Five Love Languages” by Gary Chapman. The second posting in a series of three sees us traveling into the depths of ancient Toltec spirituality with renowned spiritualist don Miguel Ruiz.
“The Four Agreements” is possibly one of the most recommended books by my clients. And I can see why — the book discusses ways we get into our own way in creating suffering and tracks how those self-defeating thoughts are often created by society at large and then offers an antidote in the way of four agreements we make with ourselves. They are:
Agreement 1: Be Impeccable With Your Word
Agreement 2: Don't Take Anything Personally
Agreement 3: Don't Make Assumptions
Agreement 4: Always Do Your Best
This books is so popular and powerful that it was a part of our required reading in grad school.
Interested in my own books recommendations. Check out my previous postings related to these subject areas:
On Friday I’ll finish out the series with a “Big Book” that has helped people throughout the world.