On our shelf
Books we recommend on mindfulness, self-compassion, and meditation.
The Mindful Path to Self-CompassionChristopher Germer, PhDFreeing yourself from destructive thoughts and emotions, with creative, science-based self-compassion strategies.Teaching the Mindful Self-Compassion ProgramChristopher Germer, PhD & Kristin Neff, PhDThe co-developers’ guide for professionals on teaching each session of the Mindful Self-Compassion program.The Mindful Self-Compassion WorkbookKristin Neff, PhD & Christopher Germer, PhDA practical introduction to self-compassion for a general audience, with exercises to build inner strength.
The Mind IlluminatedDr. John Yates, Dr. Matthew Immergut & Jeremy GravesA meditation guide that blends Buddhist wisdom and brain science, with a ten-stage map of progress.
Full Catastrophe LivingDr. Jon Kabat-ZinnThe foundational MBSR text on using mindfulness to cope with stress, pain and illness.
The Inner Work of Racial JusticeRhonda V. Magee, JDMindfulness practices for healing and transforming ourselves and our communities around race.
Calming Your Angry MindDr. Jeff BrantleyMindfulness and compassion techniques for understanding anger and responding to it wisely.
Mindfulness with Aloha BreathDr. Thao LeA children’s story that teaches kids a simple breathing practice with an Aloha theme.
Self-Compassion for DummiesDr. Steven HickmanAn accessible guide to self-compassion, with plain-language exercises for dealing with self-criticism.More mindfulness favorites
Popular mindfulness and meditation books for every reader, from beginners to long-time practitioners.
Wherever You Go, There You AreJon Kabat-Zinn, PhDA short, approachable introduction to everyday mindfulness from the founder of MBSR, built from brief chapters you can read in any order.
The Miracle of MindfulnessThich Nhat HanhA beloved Zen primer on bringing full attention to simple acts such as washing dishes, breathing and walking.
Peace Is Every StepThich Nhat HanhShort, gentle reflections and practices for finding calm and presence in the middle of an ordinary day.
Mindfulness in Plain EnglishBhante Henepola GunaratanaA clear, jargon-free manual on how to meditate, what to expect, and how to work through common obstacles.
The Power of NowEckhart TolleA popular guide to living in the present moment and loosening the grip of anxious, repetitive thinking.
Radical AcceptanceTara Brach, PhDA psychologist and meditation teacher shows how to meet painful feelings of unworthiness with mindfulness and compassion.
True RefugeTara Brach, PhDPractices and stories for finding steadiness through hard times, built around presence, love and awareness.
Real HappinessSharon SalzbergA four-week meditation program with guided practices, suited to complete beginners.
LovingkindnessSharon SalzbergA classic on cultivating kindness toward yourself and others, with step-by-step loving-kindness meditations.
10% HappierDan HarrisA skeptical news anchor’s funny, honest account of discovering meditation after an on-air panic attack.
Meditation for Fidgety SkepticsDan Harris & Jeffrey WarrenA practical, humor-filled guide for people who think meditation is not for them, including a road trip to meet the experts.
Altered TraitsDaniel Goleman & Richard J. DavidsonTwo scientists separate the hype from the evidence on what meditation actually changes in the brain and body.
Why Buddhism Is TrueRobert WrightAn evolutionary psychologist makes the case that Buddhist meditation fits what science tells us about the mind.
The Mindful Way Through DepressionMark Williams, John Teasdale, Zindel Segal & Jon Kabat-ZinnThe MBCT program behind clinical trials, adapted for self-help with guided meditations to help prevent depressive relapse.
Self-CompassionKristin Neff, PhDThe research pioneer explains why treating yourself kindly beats self-criticism, with exercises to try.
Fierce Self-CompassionKristin Neff, PhDHow women and anyone else can use protective, motivating self-compassion to stand up for themselves and drive change.
MindsightDaniel J. Siegel, MDA psychiatrist describes how awareness of your own mind can reshape the brain and improve relationships.
Buddha’s BrainRick Hanson, PhDCombines neuroscience and contemplative practice to show how to build calm, resilience and inner strength.
Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Finding Peace in a Frantic WorldMark Williams & Danny PenmanAn eight-week MBCT-based program with short daily meditations that fit into a busy schedule.
Comfortable with UncertaintyPema Chödrön108 brief teachings on staying present with fear, change and not knowing.
When Things Fall ApartPema ChödrönA Buddhist nun’s compassionate advice for meeting pain, loss and fear without running away.
Zen Mind, Beginner’s MindShunryu SuzukiInformal talks from a Zen master on posture, breathing and keeping an open, beginner’s attitude.
Coming to Our SensesJon Kabat-Zinn, PhDA wide-ranging exploration of mindfulness in health, relationships and society, by the founder of MBSR.
Mindfulness for BeginnersJon Kabat-Zinn, PhDA plain-spoken introduction to the practice, with short exercises and a guided meditation audio.
A Path with HeartJack Kornfield, PhDA seasoned teacher’s guide to the inner life of meditation, drawing on Buddhist and Western psychology.
Meditation for BeginnersJack Kornfield, PhDSimple instructions and guided practices for starting a meditation habit, with a companion audio.
Search Inside YourselfChade-Meng TanGoogle’s mindfulness-based emotional intelligence course, laid out as practical exercises for work and life.
The Untethered SoulMichael A. SingerA reflective guide to stepping back from the constant chatter of the mind and finding inner freedom.
Waking UpSam HarrisA neuroscientist’s secular guide to meditation, consciousness and the nature of the self.
The Happiness TrapRuss HarrisAcceptance and commitment therapy skills for getting unstuck from worry and living by your values.
The Mindful AthleteGeorge MumfordSecrets of peak performance from a mindfulness coach to elite athletes, with practices for any pursuit.
Mindful EatingJan Chozen Bays, MDA physician and Zen teacher offers meditations for a calmer, more satisfying relationship with food.
Everyday BlessingsMyla & Jon Kabat-ZinnMindful parenting as a daily practice, with reflections for staying present with your children.
Be Here NowRam DassThe 1971 counterculture classic on spiritual awakening, with illustrated pages and practical guidance.
The Heart of the Buddha’s TeachingThich Nhat HanhA clear, warm overview of core Buddhist ideas such as the Four Noble Truths and mindful living.
The Mindfulness SolutionRonald D. Siegel, PsyDEveryday practices for stress, pain, anxiety and relationships, from a Harvard clinical psychologist.
Make Peace with Your MindMark ColemanGuidance on turning an inner critic into an ally through mindfulness and compassion.
The Book of JoyDalai Lama & Desmond TutuA week-long conversation between two spiritual leaders on lasting joy, with practices you can try.
Unwinding AnxietyJudson Brewer, MD, PhDA neuroscientist and psychiatrist explains how to break the habit loop of anxiety through awareness and curiosity.
The Craving MindJudson Brewer, MD, PhDHow craving drives habits from smoking to scrolling, and how mindfulness can loosen its hold.
Sitting Still Like a FrogEline SnelMindfulness exercises for kids aged five and up, with a guided audio for parents and teachers to share.As an Amazon Associate, The Science of Mindfulness earns from qualifying purchases. This costs you nothing extra and helps support our work.