Love has generated more poems, more books, more music, more joy and pain than anything on earth. And yet despite its eternal existence and prevalence in our lives, it remains elusive and a mystery to us all sometimes. In our western culture, we believe that everyone is entitled to love and the pursuit of happiness. So here is a list of books to inspire and aid in your quest whether you are single, looking for love or involved and trying to maintain a healthy relationship.
Spiritual love
If The Buddha Dated by Charlotte Kasl, Ph.D. is a spiritual guide to finding deeper love. It deals with your fears, following your spirit (rather than your ego) and not losing yourself as you find love. Buddhism is in part about one's constant evolution as a person and this book provides many lessons for life and love wherein the growth of your relationships is a reflection of your own development. Breathe deep and enjoy the journey!
The Mastery of Love by Don Miguel Ruiz is based on Toltec wisdom. The Toltec of Southern Mexico were known as women and men of knowledge. They taught that mastery of love only comes after mastery of awareness and transformation. Mastery of awareness is finding what we are and mastery of transformation is changing our lives based on that awareness. Ruiz addresses issues such as dealing with fear and drama in relationships, healing old wounds and forgiving ourselves and others. Only in truly learning to love ourselves, can we fully love one another. Though this may not sound simple, this book will help you in this journey.
The Prophet by Khalil Gibran may not seem like a book about love but this classic has chapters on Reason and Passion, Love, Marriage, Children and Self-Knowledge. With simple powerful verses like "For reason, ruling alone, is a force confining; and passion, unattended, is a flame that burns to its own destruction" you will find inspiration that will uplift and ground you simultaneously - the same way love should.
Practical love
Mars and Venus Together Forever by John Gray, Ph.D. takes the old planetary approach to the next level. Exploring how men and women think, feel and communicate differently, this book provides practical skills for creating or keeping a lasting relationship. The language of love may be French but the languages of lasting relationships are "female" and "male" - translator please? This book will explain. And it's worth the effort of reading it to know!
Keeping The Love You Find by Harville Hendrix, Ph.D is a New York Times bestseller that takes you on a discovery process of yourself, your childhood, the way you were nurtured and socialized and how that plays out in your relationships. This book provides exercises to get you to learn and grow from your experiences. Go through this on your own or as a couple to strengthen and maintain your relationship.
Luv Questions by Cyndi Haynes may look like a little toy book but these 650 questions will get you thinking. As you answer questions (on your own, with a partner or in a group of friends) like "Do you ever think about what you want out of your entire life and not just your love life?" or "What are your feelings regarding Dutch treat dating?" you'll find yourself closer to truths about yourself and your (future) mate.
Romantic love
If you're looking for the world's most romantic poems, give The World's Favorite Love Poems (edited by Suheil Bushrui) to your lover. Read it in bed, on a picnic or in the bathtub together for an ooh-la-la time. This exquisite collection of poems ranges from William Blake and Elizabeth Browning to Rumi. Use it to be enraptured by love and get lost in a poetic forest of words that includes this anonymous Japanese piece "When the spring arrives. The frost on the river's moss is melted away. In such a way my heart melts over longing for your love." Now, how can you resist such words?
Are you looking for 100 ways to improve your relationship? Then pick up Five Good Minutes With The One You Love by Jeffrey Brantley, MD and Wendy Millstone, NC. This book asks "Do you ever feel as though you are not really there with your loved one, even though you are there physically?" The authors address really connecting with your lover through 100 short chapters listing specific actions you can take. Chapters include Be Vulnerable, Mindful Listener and Flames of Romance which states "Acknowledging the magnificent forces of love that conspired to bring you two together." Now that sounds like the right attitude and action!
Do you need your partner to be more romantic? This little guidebook will drop enough hints for a lifetime of love. 1001 Ways to be Romantic by Gregory J.P. Godek instructs you on what different colored roses mean as well as gives a variety of examples and ideas on sprucing up your romancing skills. Flip to any random page and see if you should try more public displays of affection or one of the many song suggestions to woo your sweetie. Be open, be experimental and have fun with this one.
Isn't that what love is all about?
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