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6 Spiritual/Mindfulness Books that helped me recover from existential anxiety & DP/DR, and navigate my spiritual awakening.

Updated on February 2, 2024January 30, 2024 Leave a Comment

4 years ago, I went through a very scary existential crisis with a lot of existential fears, and depersonalization/derealization as a result. I hardly got through my days and found it very hard to even navigate life as I was so scared of it. I felt like I had awakened to the reality of life, and I couldn’t go back to sleep. I felt scared, and ungrounded, and felt like nothing was ever going to make me feel okay in life again. Until I found these books bellow. I started embracing the awakening instead of running away from it. And these books made this journey much easier for me. From the first one, that helped me really navigate my fears themselves, to the last one, that helped me understand how to re-frame and reprogram how I look at life. They each individually contributed to me finding my way back to peace.

‘Fear’ by Thich Nhat Hanh

If there’s any book I would ever recommend anyone to read when struggling with ANY fear or anxiety, it’s this one.
“Fear” by Thich Nhat Hanh is a compassionate guide that transforms your relationship with fear, offering mindfulness practices to navigate life’s uncertainties with serenity. This insightful book provides practical wisdom to help you truly embrace fear as a teacher, ultimately unlocking the path to greater resilience, inner peace, and a profound sense of freedom. This book made me not just overcome anxiety, but grow from it and use it as a way to live a more deep and meaningful life. It also taught me all about acceptance, which is what I started practicing consistently, tackling my need for control and therefor finding peace in letting go and surrendering.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007HBY9RK?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzrobin04f-20&creativeASIN=B007HBY9RK&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.1CSUGCQJNH8FR&ref_=cm_sw_r_mwn_aipsfshop_aipsfrobinschindelka_EG095MPFJWNXDK7VWZC8_asin
‘A new Earth’ by Eckhart Tolle

Eckhart Tolle was my biggest influence in learning to seperate myself from my negative thoughts and patterns and transcend them. It was truly one of the biggest puzzle-peaces in my spiritual journey towards inner peace, and is a book I still return to from time to time.
“A New Earth” by Eckhart Tolle is a transcendent masterpiece that guides readers to awaken to a higher state of awareness and peace. Tolle delves into profound insights, guiding us to break free from ego-driven patterns and embrace a more enlightened existence. With transformative wisdom, this book not only illuminates the individual journey but also inspires a collective shift towards a harmonious and awakened world. “A New Earth” is your invitation to a life of purpose, presence, and lasting fulfillment. For those struggling with a sense of purpose, I definitely recommend this book as well.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0452289963?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzrobin04f-20&creativeASIN=0452289963&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.1CSUGCQJNH8FR&ref_=cm_sw_r_mwn_aipsfshop_aipsfrobinschindelka_EG095MPFJWNXDK7VWZC8_asin
‘The Power of Now’ by Eckhart Tolle
Another, earlier book by Eckhart. Just as good, but a bit of a simpler read and more focussed on the individual journey towards peace rather than the collective one.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0095GVWMA?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzrobin04f-20&creativeASIN=B0095GVWMA&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.1CSUGCQJNH8FR&ref_=cm_sw_r_mwn_aipsfshop_aipsfrobinschindelka_EG095MPFJWNXDK7VWZC8_asin
‘The untethered soul’ by Michael Singer

This book was one of the starters of my spiritual journey and learning to find unconditional peace within. It made me start focussing on: if everything goes south, how can I maintain my peace and happiness and detach it from the world around me?
This book is your ticket to inner freedom and spiritual awakening. Delve into the profound exploration of consciousness and self-discovery as Singer guides you to release the limitations holding you back. This transformative book offers practical insights and a roadmap to untangle yourself from the constraints of your mind, empowering you to live with joy, mindfulness, and a newfound sense of inner peace. Embark on a journey of self-liberation with “The Untethered Soul” and discover the boundless possibilities that await when you let go and embrace the true essence of your being.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1572245379?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzrobin04f-20&creativeASIN=1572245379&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.1CSUGCQJNH8FR&ref_=cm_sw_r_mwn_aipsfshop_aipsfrobinschindelka_EG095MPFJWNXDK7VWZC8_asin
A return to Love’ by Marianne Williamson

This book I read after I had already been a far way on my journey and feeling more recovered, but still had a profound impact on me. In her book, Williamson delves into the incredible healing and powerful force of Love. When we connect to it, when we can love our demons and choose to love the life around us, we can heal not just ourselves but our environment as well. “A Return to Love” is a heartfelt guide that navigates the profound path of self-discovery through the lens of love. It taught me the principle of ‘choosing love over fear’ and that love is a choice, a decision. Truly an amazing, beautiful and optimistic book that I would recommend to anyone that finds themselves stuck in pessimistic tendencies and catastrophizing.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0060927488?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzrobin04f-20&creativeASIN=0060927488&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.1CSUGCQJNH8FR&ref_=cm_sw_r_mwn_aipsfshop_aipsfrobinschindelka_EG095MPFJWNXDK7VWZC8_asin
‘Loving what is’ by Byron Katie

“Loving What Is” by Byron Katie is a liberating roadmap to transform the way you approach challenges. With Katie’s profound method of inquiry, this book teaches you how to question and reshape your thoughts and beliefs, leading to a deeper understanding and acceptance of the reality around you. As I knew most of her methods through teachings I had gotten in my coaching training and past experience recovering from an ed and depression, it was still very refreshing and a good start for anyone wanting to challenge their ways of thinking.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0593234510?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzrobin04f-20&creativeASIN=0593234510&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.1CSUGCQJNH8FR&ref_=cm_sw_r_mwn_aipsfshop_aipsfrobinschindelka_EG095MPFJWNXDK7VWZC8_asin

I hope this post gave you some inspiration on where to get started on your journey.

Need a compact source with everything you need to know to fully recover from existential anxiety and DP/DR? Take a look at my recovery course: https://www.spiritcoaching.be/en/product/dpdr-existential-anxiety-recovery-course/

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June 30, 2024

I’m sooo grateful for stumbling upon Robin’s video on YouTube and finding this incredible course. Robin explains everything is such an assessible way that I felt understood and heard right away. I watched the course straight for several hours and felt an instant relief. I got the right tools that I cultivated and practiced that helped me to come to peace with my fears and existential anxiety gradually.
Robin has a unique way of explaining things in a simple way, she is very down-to-earth, authenitic and I always had a feeling she genuenly wants to help others to succees on their recovery journey. Through Robin’s personal journey, she is able to understand what people with similar experiences are going through and knows how to help. I had the anxiety for about one month, and feel much better now. Meditation, affirmations, walks and lots of other videos of Robyn on YouTube have helped me to sit with my fears, feel the discomfort and soften it.
It has been amazing to witness how I could transform my anxiety, to make it softer and even make it completely “melt away at times. It is process and I’ve already learned so much about myself. I’m grateful I found Robin’s course, her tools, and I can 100% recommend this course if you have been experiencing existential fears. Thank you, Robin, for your work, support, and sharing this with the world.

Ella

January 16, 2024

I am so thankful I came across Robin’s page, it began such an incredible journey for me. I was so lost, confused, and scared before coming across Robin. I had extreme DPDR / existential anxiety that sent me into panic attacks everyday. I truly had no idea how I could possibly feel better, I felt truly trapped in this state and my suffering was extreme, and I was scared of absolutely everything. When I decided to take Robin’s course on DPDR/ Existential Anxiety everything began to shift for me. I started healing in places I truly never thought was possible. Not only does Robin support you on your journey and gives you tools and insight for recovery, her practice gets to the ROOT of what is happening so you can GENUINELY recover. If you are struggling right now with DPDR / existential anxiety, I can’t think of a better place to be than on this page. I highly highly recommend taking Robins course and scheduling an intake session- it is a step in the right direction.
Full of love and gratitude.
-Aimee <3

Aimee Ware

January 16, 2024

I am forever grateful for everything Robin has done. When I came here I was at the lowest point I have been in my life. With the help of this course and Robins coaching I have not only been able to recover from dpdr but also work on my self confidence and many other things that have been a struggle for me for years. Robin is the kindest, most empathetic person and working with her changed my life.
And for everyone struggling right now: I promise you it will get better and you WILL get out of this!!!! Lots of love to everyone out there reading this! You are definitely not alone!<3

Clara

October 23, 2023

Robin has definitly been my way out from dpdr existential thoughs/fairs and anxiety. Also could I always talk with her for personal problems as well. An excellent listener, very emphatic and amazing advise. After every session I felt alot of relieve. She learned me alot about meditation and that helped me also incredibly. A woman with a big heart, felt more like talking to a friend. Thank you so much for everything!! <3

Noël

September 7, 2023

I was struggling with DP/DR and existential dread for the last year and a half. I had so little drive for life and barely went outside as I was agoraphobic. From when I began working with Robin, I saw immediate improvements and she always encouraged me to push myself.
I have since lived abroad and travelled again. Robin has such a great understanding of DP/DR and she has shown me a way out of this. Robin is truly so special and I am so so grateful everyday that I met her.

David

August 26, 2023

If you’re thinking if this os worth it, trust me, it is!! This course and Robin are finally allowing me to start living my life again. I have been struggling for 6 years and i’m so much better and happier and hopeful now. Robin is simply the best human being out there and this course was the first time i ever felt understood in such a deep way! Thank you so much for this and for everything you’re doing to everyone!!

Júlia

April 4, 2023

I met Robin 5 months after I started to experience panic and DP/DR. I had always experienced anxiety, but one day it exploded into full panic attacks and relentless intrusive thoughts which then led to a deeper sadness than I had ever known. I had tried many methods of healing, some got me further than others, but I had stalled out and feeling hopeless. When I started working with Robin I had no idea the work we would do together would lead to the most meaningful changes in my life to date. Her presence is singular, kind, caring, warm, insightful and her ability to be present, peaceful and confident in the face of my dread, fear, sadness and confusion was profoundly moving. She handled my tears of sadness, my traumatic memories and existential conundrums with an attentive, compassionate and confident demeanor, and swift and articulate skill. I’ve never felt more seen and accepted. There is a certain quality of warmth the she embodies that is just as important as anything that is said, and you most certainly feel it if you’ve seen any of her videos or read her writings. I will never forget the work we have done together and I will always be able to pay it forward to others through the peace and kindness I’ve found for myself, that I can now extend to all. I know your fears are deep, but I can tell you that love is immeasurably deeper. Reaching out to Robin is the best decision I have made.

Gabriel

February 8, 2023

I was someone who went from never experiencing any mental health issues to panic attacks and intense dpdr overnight so I really had no idea what was going on. I struggled with it for about two months and tried a couple therapists in that stage but found I couldn’t relate to them at all and felt they could not help me if they did not understand it. In my opinion dpdr is one of those things that nobody can really grasp unless they’ve gone through it which can make you feel completely insane and alone. This is where robin really changed things for me, she’s very open and transparent about her previous experience with dpdr, anxiety and panic attacks etc which was so important for me at the time because it validated my sanity and gave me clarity on what I was experiencing. She offered a multitude of tools and practises to incorporate in my life which were best suited for me and after the five weeks of coaching I was 80% back to normal and after about 2 months I now feel fully back to normal. Not to say that everyones journey will look like that but for me it was clear that the results only started coming in once robin was involved. I went from not leaving my room for two months to reintegrating myself back into society within the first week. The process is hard but very necessary and beneficial. Highly highly recommend Robin especially if your new to mental health issues and need someone to help you understand whats going on.

Luke

December 6, 2022

At only 16 years old, I thought DPDR took control of my life. For weeks, I was trying to figure out “what was wrong with me” and “why wasn’t I normal”. It’s at the most anxious, and scary time of my life that I found Robin’s youtube chanel. Soon, I realised what a great impact her being had on me so I decided to reach out to her, I finally found someone who went through almost the same experiences as me, and that was willing and happy to use that to help people get better. It was one of the best decisions in my life. Robin comforted me and taught me, gave me tools to help me deal with my issues. She made me question things that my anxiety already answered, but thoses weren’t the right answers. She helped me get another perception of life, one that I had forgotten for a long time. Robin is patient, and gives out the best advice you can get, because she has a very good understanding of anxiety, existentional thoughts, dpdr… And soon enough, getting another vision on those issues, they got less and less relevant to me. She was a mirror that allowed me to reflect on myself, but also gave me the right methods to do so. What she teaches is wisdom that can be used for the rest of your lives. If you are sturggling please reach out to her, her energy and bright smile will lighten your darkest day.

emma

November 20, 2022

I found Robin in the depts of depression/dissociation/anxiety/existential crisis, I was truly suffering more than I was sure I could take at times. I was frightened of absolutely everything in life, including myself. My thoughts were dark and like many who have visited that place I was 100% sure I had no hope of recovery. I couldn’t leave the house or barely speak not about anything except how fucking terrible I felt and my existential questions, merely existed day to day, certain that I had woken up to a truth of meaninglessness that I could never escape. But despite it all I am here today, delighted to say I was wrong.
Robin was crucial in helping me make sense of the internal and external world, she taught me tools and techniques that without a doubt helped me recover. She believed in me and supported me every step of the way. I have a tear in my eye thinking about how special she is to me. I live a life now that at one point I never dreamt possible. I do all the things I used too and more, living life fully, travelling, socialising, falling in love again. If you are reading this and considering Robins help then do it. Sign up for an intake session. You WILL NOT regret it. To feel understood in this journey and reassured along the way by Robin will help you recover faster. No words can describe what she has done for me. You don’t have to do this alone. Your gonna be ok, your gonna be better than ok – from someone who’s been there 🦋

Lauren

November 1, 2022

Before booking my initial call with Robin, my life was consumed with daily anxiety attacks, panic/fear ruled my life (multiple panic attacks per week), and severe dpdr that was beginning to turn into agoraphobia. I was in one of the lowest stages of my life and I was afraid of myself. I was afraid of everything – I was afraid of life.
The initial call with Robin was quite life-changing. I felt HEARD and understood for once in my life. She was someone who dealt with DPDR/Panic attacks and has overcome them without a “magic cure” and all on her own. I wanted to learn everything that I could from Robin and honestly, that one quick call gave me more hope than I have felt in 5-6 years.
I signed up for her weekly coaching sessions which were 1 hour calls once per week. These sessions changed my whole life. She is caring, and thoughtful, and provides good advice/techniques that made me question how I approach my fear and anxiety. Within 5 weeks my life changed dramatically. I am someone who could barely walk outside to check my mailbox without having a panic attack and I am now going to the grocery store, spending more time with loved ones, and not AFRAID of myself or of life.
If you’re scared, hesitant, or confused, I am with you. I was there before taking this leap of faith and my only regret is that I didn’t do this sooner. Robin can help you help YOURSELF. If I can do it, so can you. I never thought I’d get better, I thought I was “broken” and that no one has ever felt the strange physical symptoms and debilitating dpdr that anxiety has caused – now, I KNOW what’s going on with me and I can sympathize with my body and mind and allow feelings without being scared of them… and guess what? They melt away on their own. I just needed a small push and reassurance that time and confidence come naturally when you put in the work.
Good luck & I am here rooting for your success and growth! You can do this – you’re not broken, you just need the proper support and guidance.

Malka

October 31, 2022

Unfortunately, growing up in a world that had not realized the importance of being aware of our minds for so many years.. it caused a lot of stress on those that realized this sooner than others. It felt as though I was “forced” through these changes I didn’t want to make. However, Robin consistently kept messaging simple with telling me that my resistance against the force that is actually trying to just hold me has never been against me. Ultimately, the best therapists will lead a person inwards to their core. I had been to many therapists before who used complex language that ultimately was trying to tell me the same thing. Robin’s style was raw and unique to her. She has a gift and is using it when needed. No matter how bad I was doing I would leave each of her sessions with HOPE that is not something many therapists have the ability of doing. Thank you for everything! 🙏🏽

Brett

6 Spiritual/Mindfulness Books that helped me recover from existential anxiety & DP/DR, and navigate my spiritual awakening.

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