The Best Mindfulness Books to Shift Your Mindset and Your Life
If you’ve ever thought, “I should probably be more mindful…” but weren’t sure where to start or how to actually stick with it, you’re not alone. For me, mindfulness didn’t begin with perfect meditation posture or hours of silence. A big part of my practice started with reading.
So if you’re curious about mindfulness, or you’re ready to deepen your practice, I’ve put together a list of the best mindfulness books I’ve read and loved. Some are practical, some are poetic, some are a little more on the spiritual side – but all of them offer something valuable for your journey.
Top 13 Best Mindfulness Books
Mindfulness isn’t one-size-fits-all. That’s why this list of the best mindfulness books includes a mix of perspectives – books that speak to skeptics, busy professionals, deep feelers, and anyone in between. Whether you’re looking to shift your mindset, explore meditation, or simply feel a little more like yourself, there’s something here for you.
Foundational and Beginner-Friendly Reads
1. Wherever You Go, There You Are
by Jon Kabat-Zinn
This was one of the first books that helped me really understand what mindfulness is. It’s straightforward, grounding, and refreshingly simple. You don’t need any prior experience or fancy techniques – just a willingness to pause and be present.
2. 10% Happier
by Dan Harris
This is the book I recommend to people who say, “I’m just not the mindfulness type, BUT I know I need it.” Dan Harris is a news anchor who had a panic attack on live TV, and his journey from skeptic to daily meditator is honest, funny, and relatable. It makes mindfulness feel real and totally doable.
3. Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics
by Dan Harris
If you’ve ever thought “I just can’t sit still,” this book was written for you. It tackles all the common excuses we have for not meditating, with lots of humour and practical tips. It helped me see that mindfulness isn’t about doing it perfectly, but about showing up anyway.
Mindfulness in the Workplace
4. Search Inside Yourself
by Chade-Meng Tan
Originally developed at Google, this book blends emotional intelligence with mindfulness in a way that’s super practical for work and leadership. I love how it breaks things down into manageable tools for staying focused, present, and grounded, even in high-pressure environments.
5. Real Happiness at Work
by Sharon Salzberg
This one is such a gem for people who want to bring more mindfulness into their 9 to 5. Work is often synonymous with stress, pressure, and irritability—but Sharon Salzberg teaches us that mindfulness can help us connect with more happiness, joy, and purpose at work. This read speaks directly to the challenges of modern work life and offers real strategies to navigate that stress, cultivate resilience, and find meaning in what you do.
Spiritual and Reflective Reads
6. When Things Fall Apart
by Pema Chödrön
I come back to this book again and again – especially when life feels like it’s unraveling. Pema has a way of making you feel completely seen and completely at peace all at once. Her teachings helped me realize that we don’t need to fix everything. We just need to stay open.
7. Comfortable with Uncertainty
by Pema Chödrön
This book is made up of short, powerful teachings that are easy to read but stay with you. It’s the kind of book you can flip open to any page and find exactly what you needed to hear. A perfect companion for uncertain seasons or quiet mornings.
8. The Untethered Soul
by Michael A. Singer
This one leans more spiritual, but in the best way. It invites you to look at your inner world with curiosity and compassion, and to question the voice in your head that’s always narrating everything. I found it inspiring and expansive, especially when I was craving something deeper.
9. The Book of Awakening
by Mark Nepo
I often describe this as a book that feels like a conversation with a wise friend. It offers short daily reflections that blend poetry, mindfulness, and personal growth. I love using it as part of my morning routine because it always seems to say exactly what I need to hear.
Science-Based and Mindset-Oriented Reads
10. Self-Compassion
by Kristin Neff
This book helped me understand that being kind to yourself isn’t self-indulgent. Kristin Neff brings together research, storytelling, and practical advice to help you treat yourself with the same warmth you’d offer a friend. It’s a game-changer if your inner critic tends to be loud.
11. Mind Magic
by James R. Doty
This one’s all about rewiring your mindset from the inside out. It blends practical neuroscience with everyday mindset tools in a way that’s easy to digest and actually use. If you’re someone who likes understanding the why behind your habits and thought patterns, this book is a great place to start.
12. The Inner Game of Tennis
by W. Timothy Gallwey
Don’t let the title throw you off – this book isn’t really about tennis. It’s about the inner dialogue we all have, especially when we’re under pressure or trying to “get it right.” I love how simply it explains the difference between the part of us that overthinks and the part that knows how to show up. It’s one of the best examples I’ve found of how to shift your mindset in real time.
13. Mindful Mornings Journal
by Trish Tutton
I created this journal because I saw how many people wanted to be more mindful but struggled to make it part of their day. This is your space to pause, breathe, and reconnect with just a few minutes each morning. Unlike books that explain why mindfulness matters, this journal helps you actually do it. It’s highly practical, not instructional – designed to help you develop a rhythm and routine that feels real, doable, and personal to you.
Make Starting with Mindfulness Simple
If one of these books sparked something in you, the next step is putting it into practice – and that’s exactly why I created the Mindful Mornings Journal. Just a few minutes each morning can shift your mindset in powerful ways. Grab your copy here and start your practice today.
