Women of New Thought

Women authors have had an enormous influence on the New Thought movement, consistently propelling it forward and bringing greater clarity to its spiritual theology. From Mary Baker Eddy to Terry Cole-Whittaker and more, these spiritual leaders offer a vital and valuable voice to ideas and philosophies built around creating a healthy, holy life.

Even so, many of these women wrote in the masculine-based language of the time, for example, referring to God as "He" and "humankind" as "mankind." In the tradition of updating and gender-neutral editing that has defined Newt List for years, we are proud to offer the following ebooks from these great spiritual thinkers.

Click on the book cover to get more information on each title.

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In The Divine Art of Living, Divine Science instructor Kathleen Besly outlines a method of right thinking that consequently leads to right living. In order to do this, she shows how we must keep the realization of the omnipresence of God foremost in our minds.

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A collection of more than 150  inspiring vignettes, Spiritual Life Lines explores the trials and struggles of contemporary life from a spiritual, New Thought perspective. Based on the premise, “Change your thinking, change your life,” it offers a gentle treasury of thoughts, a pathway from darkness into light. In vignettes shot through with little gems of wisdom, readers will find prayers for animals, for the earth, reflections on the long road to gay marriage, and the courage to keep hanging on during times so tough they seem to shatter the spirit like glass.

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In the spiritual classic, Mysteries, New Thought teacher Nona L. Brooks deals with the so-called mysteries of God—life, suffering, old age, death, healing, wrong habits, human characteristics, human relationships, thought transference, power, prayer, success and individual unfoldment, showing that there is an answer to all questions in the light that the concept of Oneness throws on all things.

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H. Emilie Cady’s Lessons in Truth presents twelve lessons for spiritual growth and personal empowerment. In this book, Cady explores  spiritual concepts using biblical references, with chapters including  faith, personality and individuality, spiritual gifts, and denials and affirmations. Lessons in Truth also contains a study guide for each chapter and a glossary of terms.

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The Game of Life and How to Play It presents a clear game plan and guidelines for getting the most out of life through the correct use of positive thought. Incorporating quotes from the Bible with real-life anecdotes from the author’s experience as a spiritual teacher, Florence Scovel Shinn’s book offers instruction and evidence of proven information for lifting your thoughts and experiences into a higher stage of powerful living.

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Margaret Stortz now offers her unique way of looking at the world in Blogs on Everything. From the everyday to the richly philosophic, each topic is explored in relation to Stortz’ unique perspective as one of today’s truly spiritual thinkers. 

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These titles and more updated, gender-neutral editions of classic spiritual ebooks are available at

NEWT LIST.

Guest Blog: Antonia Albany on Life After 50

You wake up one morning and all of a sudden you’re in your mid-50s and starting to think about the rest of your life. And you’re afraid it’s going to be all about soft, tasteless food and forgetfulness, hearing aids and trifocals, early-bird specials and multiple trips to the bathroom in the middle of the night.

Try visualizing this instead: it’s the least stressful time of your life where being unburdened of a 60-hour-a-week job, a 30-year mortgage and raising children allows for a freedom never experienced before. Sure, lots of people in their 50s still have jobs and mortgages but there is a shift from the hectic mindset that often accompanies our younger years. We can be more relaxed and happier in our 50s and beyond. It’s possible for everyone, including you.

You’ve been holding in your stomach all your life, let it go. You’ve been covering that ever-widening bald spot for the last 10 years. Go ahead, show us the shine! Be proud that you’ve made it this far in life. Just think, you can let go of trying to keep up with the Jonses. You can sit back and relax and watch the next generation of people jumping through hoops to acquire the latest clothes, cars, jewelry and electronics. There’s no reason to keep up with the latest music (which I find uninspiring at best anyway) and no reason to know what all the current slang terminology means and how to use it.

Making the Most of It
Here are some ideas for insuring your life after 50 is the best it can be:

      Maintain a healthy lifestyle – this is best for ANY age

      Hang out with upbeat people 

      Share your experiences with others – teach or mentor someone

      Let go of worry – meditating works really well for learning to let go

      Make yourself a priority

      If you do feel the urge to complain, keep it to yourself

      Simplify, simplify, simplify – clean out and donate or discard

      Take time to smell the roses

I’m serious. There not only IS life after 50, but it’s a wonderful life. Personally speaking I had a job and financial obligations in my 50s and still do, to a lesser extent, now that I’m 65. But I’m happier than I’ve ever been. I have an abundant life for which I am grateful. It’s a life that isn’t extravagant by any means but it is rich in experiences, including friendships, spirituality and a continuing quest for knowledge. So, be open and embrace all the fun and new experiences of getting older.

Antonia Albany's blog, Antonia's Senior Moments, can be found here.

You may also be interested in the following related Newt List books: