10 Books to Inspire the Flow Total Lifestyle

Living a Flow Total lifestyle means embracing balance, mindfulness, and personal growth through activities like surfing, yoga, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), and plant-based living. It’s a lifestyle that prioritizes mental clarity, physical well-being, and a connection to nature. If you want to deepen your understanding of these practices or simply get inspired to live a more intentional, holistic life, reading can be a great source of wisdom. Here are ten books that perfectly complement the FlowTotal lifestyle and can offer valuable insights into surfing, yoga, Jiu-Jitsu, and plant-based living.

1. “The Book of Five Rings” by Miyamoto Musashi

This classic book on martial arts philosophy by the legendary Japanese swordsman Miyamoto Musashi is perfect for anyone interested in Jiu-Jitsu or martial arts in general. Musashi’s insights into discipline, strategy, and mental focus are not only applicable to combat but to everyday life. His philosophy on mastery through consistent practice mirrors the mindset necessary for success in Jiu-Jitsu and beyond. It’s a must-read for those who want to understand the deeper mental game behind martial arts.

• Why it aligns with FlowTotal: This book teaches mental clarity, discipline, and the balance between mind and body, which are key components of both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and the FlowTotal lifestyle.

2. “The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali” by Swami Sivananda

This ancient text is a foundational guide to the philosophy of yoga. It explains the eight limbs of yoga (Ashtanga Yoga), offering practical advice for spiritual growth, meditation, and self-discipline. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just beginning your practice, this book provides insights into how yoga can go beyond physical postures and become a life-changing practice that transforms your mind and soul.

• Why it aligns with FlowTotal: Yoga is a core component of the FlowTotal lifestyle, and the Sutras provide deep wisdom for cultivating mindfulness, balance, and a connection to oneself and the world.

3. “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle

In this groundbreaking book, Eckhart Tolle explores the concept of living fully in the present moment. He emphasizes the importance of being present, observing your thoughts without judgment, and cultivating awareness in all aspects of life. For those seeking a deeper connection to themselves and the world around them, this book is a transformative guide to achieving mental clarity and peace.

• Why it aligns with FlowTotal: The mindfulness and presence that Tolle promotes align perfectly with the mental focus required for surfing, yoga, and Jiu-Jitsu, as well as living in harmony with nature and a plant-based lifestyle.

4. “The Surfer’s Journal” (Various Authors)

While not a single book, The Surfer’s Journal is an invaluable resource for anyone passionate about surfing. This magazine covers a wide variety of topics, from surfing history to environmental sustainability and the spiritual aspects of surfing. It’s an excellent way to stay inspired by the surf community while learning more about the deeper, more philosophical side of the sport.

• Why it aligns with FlowTotal: Surfing is not just a sport—it’s a lifestyle. The journal dives deep into the spiritual aspects of surfing, which resonate with the FlowTotal focus on balance, nature, and mindfulness.

5. “The China Study” by T. Colin Campbell and Thomas M. Campbell II

This book is often considered the definitive resource for anyone interested in the science behind plant-based living. It explores the health benefits of adopting a whole-food, plant-based diet, based on decades of research conducted in rural China. The study demonstrates the link between diet and disease prevention, offering practical advice on how a plant-based lifestyle can lead to longer, healthier lives.

• Why it aligns with FlowTotal: Veganism is an essential aspect of Flow Total lifestyle, and The China Study provides solid scientific evidence on how plant-based eating can support optimal health and well-being.

6. “Be Here Now” by Ram Dass

This classic spiritual book by Ram Dass is a guide to living in the moment and embracing the interconnectedness of all life. Be Here Now is filled with teachings on mindfulness, meditation, and spiritual awakening, making it an excellent complement to both yoga and meditation practices. It also offers insight into how to live with compassion, love, and self-awareness, which aligns well with the FlowTotal ethos.

• Why it aligns with FlowTotal: Ram Dass’ exploration of mindfulness, spirituality, and living in the present moment mirrors the mental aspects of yoga, Jiu-Jitsu, and surfing.

7. “The Tao of Surfing” by William M. Pickering

This book is a beautiful blend of surfing and philosophy. It applies the ancient principles of Taoism to the practice of surfing, helping readers find balance, calm, and clarity in the ocean. Pickering explores how surfing is more than a sport—it’s a meditative experience that connects us to nature and the flow of life.

• Why it aligns with Flow Total lifestyle: Surfing is all about balance, both in the water and in life. The Tao of Surfing offers deep insights into how you can use surfing to connect to nature, your inner self, and the flow of life.

8. “Mind Over Muscle” by Edward A. Hatch

This book dives into the concept of physical strength and mental resilience, providing a historical perspective on the connection between mind and body in martial arts. While the book focuses on physical training and mental discipline in martial arts, it’s also applicable to Jiu-Jitsu, yoga, and even surfing. The idea that the mind and body must work in harmony to overcome challenges is a central theme of this book.

• Why it aligns with Flow Total lifestyle: Jiu-Jitsu, yoga, and surfing all require a deep mental connection to physical performance. Mind Over Muscle encourages you to cultivate mental strength alongside physical prowess, an essential part of the FlowTotal lifestyle.

9. “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho

This global bestseller tells the story of Santiago, a shepherd boy on a journey to discover his personal legend. Through his quest, he learns the importance of following one’s dreams, listening to one’s heart, and understanding the signs that life presents. While it’s a work of fiction, the book is a powerful metaphor for the personal journey each of us must take toward fulfillment, inner peace, and self-discovery.

• Why it aligns with Flow Total lifestyle: The Alchemist is a spiritual journey that encourages following your path, trusting in the process, and understanding that true happiness comes from aligning with your personal purpose, much like the journey of self-discovery through surfing, yoga, and Jiu-Jitsu.

10. “The Science and Fine Art of Food and Nutrition” by Arnold Ehret

This book is a comprehensive guide to nutrition from one of the early pioneers of natural healing. Ehret explores the idea of detoxing the body and maintaining vitality through natural foods. He promotes the idea that food should be the foundation of health, and eating clean and whole foods can significantly enhance mental and physical well-being.

• Why it aligns with FlowTotal: This book supports the plant-based lifestyle aspect of FlowTotal, showing how clean, natural foods can provide optimal energy and wellness, fueling both physical and mental strength.

Conclusion: Inspiring Your FlowTotal Journey

These ten books offer a wide variety of insights and perspectives to help you dive deeper into the FlowTotal lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for guidance on mastering your mind and body through Jiu-Jitsu, learning the philosophy behind yoga, exploring the power of plant-based living, or finding inspiration in surfing and personal growth, these books are invaluable companions on your journey.

Incorporating the lessons and philosophies from these books into your daily life will help you live with intention, mindfulness, and balance—the core principles of the FlowTotal lifestyle.