Stress comes in many forms. Direct, chronic, sneaking, borrowed…Whatever its cause or manifestation, I’ve found many ways to combat it at the source. Exercise is always my first choice for battling the blues, but when that avenue is closed—or exhausted in all senses of the word—and anxiety yet lingers, there are other methods I employ to circumvent the mental madness.

Self-affirming methods that soothe the savage beast within mellifluously, I speak of the audio book, of course, but not just any audio book. This post celebrates the well-recited, spiritual text, the optimistic how-to that approves even as it improves, providing the acoustic cup of chamomile we all need when the noise of life gets too much.  The right narrator reading the right message at the right time can talk the tension right out of me, and  thusly relaxed, I’d like to share a few favorite titles, in hopes it can do the same for you.

As a nod to my “first” and my favorite, and a nod to the Now, besides, I’ll start with Eckhart Tolle’s: The Power of Now. This German-born, Canadian author’s approach to spiritual bliss borrows from many religions, using teachings from Zen Buddhism, Sufism, Hinduism & the Bible, but none so overtly as to be tagged as the main influence, although Zen Buddhism comes close—at least in my estimation.

He speaks of many things, suggesting organized religions have become so caught up in the pomp and circumstance of their respective creeds their spiritual substance has been lost, rendering them divisive rather than unifying forces, and it’s true. There are signs of that everywhere. You have only to turn on a TV to see that religion and warfare go hand-in-hand, but Eckhart doesn’t belabor what doesn’t work overly long.

He knows the cause of unhappiness doesn’t stem from an external situation, but from your thoughts about that situation, and he addresses the split as follows: “the most significant thing that can happen to a human being is the separation process of thinking and awareness” (and that awareness is: “the space in which thoughts exist”) As long as you’re truly in the moment; in the “Now”, you cannot be unhappy . Barring active torment, unhappiness is a projection about things that happened in the past—or might happen in the future—but are not happening now.

And best of all, he has the dulcet tones on an angel. Of all the books I’ll mention here, Eckhart reads his text in a timbre and cadence that’s as hypnotic as it is soothing. Did I mention he looks like an elf? Because he does…and who doesn’t want a little spiritual help from an elf sometimes…why, it’s Santa’s best kept–

Secret–a term (and title) that brings us to our next bit of audio goodness. Sure Rhonda Byrne’s bestselling book has been out a while now, but as with all well-written works, the material is still fresh. Narrated in a quirky and endearing Australian accent, the author intersperses her own experience with her creed, as well as the experiences of others. The pedigreed testimonials are impressive and many, and they all assert this:

You have the power to attract that which you want in your life, simply by envisioning it! Too often we focus on the things we don’t want, sending out a powerful wave of energized thought into the universe that virtually guarantees we’ll bring that undesirable thing to life. Think about it: if you wanted to go downtown, but concentrated solely on uptown directions—where do you think you would end up? Besides late, I mean, and that’s exactly what Rhonda’s dogma hopes to correct. She suggests that tailoring your thoughts to reflect your desires will help attract the desired things, whereas concentrating on that which you don’t want will attract that, too. A positive and powerful tool, indeed. Don’t you—

Agree? Possibly 4x over? You guessed it, Don Ruiz’s: “The Four Agreements” is my next tidbit of orated inspiration, and I think annotation and paraphrase will help explain why I like this take on Toltec belief. The Don’s 4 agreements are sound, and are indeed wise words to live by, but in keeping with Rhonda’s admonition to concentrate on that which I’d like to see in my life, I’ve taken the liberty of rewriting the middle 2 in positive language–lest I attract the opposite of what I want. I’ll leave you with his rules to live by, after noting the Don has a pleasing voice, too–not an insignificant attribute for those seeking to persuade others.

The 4 (paraphrased) Agreements:

• Be impeccable with your word.

• Take that which others say or do with a grain of salt. (originally: don’t take things personally)

• If in doubt about another’s motivations: perception check. (originally: don’t make assumptions)

• Always do your best.

Now, go have yourself an attractive & agreeable day!