Melinda Gates recommends these 3 books on mindfulness - and the surprising ways to achieve it. Stillness, vulnerability, and practice go into engaging with the present moment.

• Melinda Gates, like her husband, Bill Gates, is an avid reader.
• Some of her favorite books have a common theme: the power of mindfulness and living without fear.
• The main takeaways from each of the 3 titles she has recommended: "The Book of Awakening" advises being still, "Daring Greatly" stresses the power of vulnerability, and "Awakening Joy" preaches a lot of practice.
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Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates sets the reading agenda for many when he publishes his semiannual list of favorite books. But he's not the only Gates pouring over page-turners. His wife, Melinda Gates, the philanthropist and former general manager at Microsoft, has recommended many good reads herself. (She's also written a few, including her most recent "The Moment of Lift.")

One theme that emerges from some of her top reads is mindfulness, or the state of being actively engaged in the present moment. It's a way of living that many, including the likes of Oprah and Arianna Huffington, have credited with their success.

Here are three eye-opening books Gates has recommended as well as the main takeaway from each: