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Meditation
Meditation is the practice of observing one’s present awareness; the practice of being wholly in the present moment. It is not just for yogis and it is not about “emptying your mind”. Continue reading Meditation article»
The books on this list are recommended resources for the beginning meditator, as well as the more experienced practitioner.
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This 2-CD guided meditation set is a delicious combination of evocative words, original music and the soothing voice of Sandi Anders. Learn to deeply and fully relax with the Deep Rest Meditation. Embrace your innermost self and discover Perfect Love within with the I Am Beloved Meditation. more
Thich Nhat Hanh tells us that, fundamentally, to be angry is to suffer and that it is our responsibility to alleviate our own suffering. The way to do this is not to fight our emotions or to "let it all out," but to transform ourselves through mindfulness. Serious, though light-hearted, this is a hand-book not only for transforming anger, but for living each moment beautifully. 2001, Riverhead Books
Author This collection of teachings is designed to illuminate the power that mindfulness can have at work. By surrendering to the moment one becomes alert, open, and unusually skillful. In brief chapters, Carroll expounds some thirty-five slogans designed to be both fodder for meditation and mnemonic devices for when that particular message can help the most, during an opportune moment at work. "Welcome the tyrant" helps one to disarm a cranky boss; "avoid idiot compassion" reminds one to eschew giving merely superficial help. 2004, Shambhala
This book offers a collection of essays focused on helping you attain your highest spiritual and human capacities. Excellently paced and edited, it clearly describes nitty-gritty tools and techniques as well as the inherent rewards of meditation. 1998, Riverhead Books
From the book: "Awareness offers a safe haven in which to restore ourselves and rest in a vital and dynamic harmony, tranquility, creativity and joyfulness NOW, not in some far off, hoped for future time when things are 'better' or we have gotten things under control, or have 'improved ourselves.'" Katat-Zinn blends his personal story with compelling and practical guidance for self-healing. 2005, Hyperion
Bennett-Goleman shows readers how they can transform emotional confusion into insightful clarity through the practice of mindfulness. “Mindfulness means seeing things as they are without trying to change them,” she writes. “The point is to dissolve our reactions to disturbing emotions being careful not to reject the emotion itself.” 2002, Three Rivers Press
The Buddha's prescription for ripe living led directly to Tonglen, a Tibetan meditation practice that is today the medicine our hearts have been searching for. Pema Chodron shares the gift of this simple and elegant meditation system: a way to befriend ourselves, accept the past we have rejected, and widen our circle of compassion. 2001, Sounds True
Levine offers a collection of guided meditations designed to heighten mindful awareness, explore the present moment, and relax into healing. 1991, Anchor
Santorelli, director of the nationally acclaimed Stress Reduction Clinic, explores the ancient roots of medicine and shows us how to introduce mindfulness into the crucible of the healing relationship. He offers many insights and effective methods for cultivating mindfulness in our everyday lives. Practices taught in the book include a series of breathing exercises, yoga, and silent meditation. 2000, Harmony/Bell Tower
The Journey to Wild Divine is an innovative computer adventure game which combines the
power of biofeedback with an enchanting multimedia experience. Learn mindfulness and meditation skills, stress management and relaxation - while having fun on a Hero's Journey. For ages 7-70. This is a splendid resource to enhance well-being and develop health-giving relaxation skills. The Journey to
Wild Divine is an adventure for mind, body and spirit!
For those who struggle with sitting still for meditation, this simple book offers a wonderful alternative: walking meditation. Practical techniques guide the reader to using this most ordinary of daily activities to deepen one’s mindful awareness of the present moment, increase relaxation and concentration, and reduce stress. 1996, Parallax Press
Salzberg focuses on the Buddhist meditation practice that emphasizes feelings of love, happiness and compassion and offers practical guidance in performing this type of meditation. 2002, Shambhala
Terrible title, good book. Bodian, former editor and chief of Yoga Journal, writes, “You can learn the basics of meditation in five minutes.” You can also study meditation for years exploring its subtleties. A simple, clear introduction to the basics of meditation with an overview of dozens of techniques, practices and specific meditations plus direction for going deeper. 1999, For Dummies Press
Roche, a meditation trainer for thirty years, writes, “Meditation is about being intimate with your deepest self . . . a direct response to sensing some need in your body or heart . . . a pleasurable indulgence . . . a mini-vacation.” He provides a variety of techniques and exercises to let the reader explore what works best. 1998, HarperSanFrancisco
Hailed as “one of the best nuts and bolts meditation manuals”, Gunaratana presents the fundamentals of basic Buddhist meditation, including common problems and how to deal with them. A clear, straightforward and powerful book. 2002, Wisdom Publications
A Vietnamese Buddhist monk’s lucid and simple guide to Eastern meditation practices. It is filled with anecdotes and practical exercises which demonstrate that opportunities for mindfulness exist in every moment. 1999, Houghton Mifflin
Thomas Keating is a Trappist Monk, and his book is one of the best introductions to a specifically Christian form of meditation, Centering Prayer. He describes the practice of Centering Prayer with useful information in an informal context. 1994, Continuum Publishing
Since 1974, Kornfield has been teaching Westerners how to integrate Eastern teaching into their daily lives. Through generous story-telling and unmitigated warmth, Kornfield presents this excellent guidebook on living with attentiveness, meditation and compassion. 1993, Bantam
The deceptively simple practices of Peace Is Every Step encourage the reader to work for peace in the world as he or she continues to work on sustaining inner peace by turning the ‘mindless’ into the mindful. 1991, Bantam
This book was a Pick of the Month! Read David's full Book Review.
Tolle’s message is simple: living in the now is the truest path to happiness and enlightenment. He shares ideas about personal integration with uncommon eloquence and a deep understanding of the human condition. A spiritual guidebook that has the potential to inspire the reader to live more fully in the present. 1999, New World Library
This manual makes an excellent companion guide to Tolle’s The Power of Now and is rich in exercises and meditations to help readers get out of their minds so they can live more peacefully in their bodies. 2001, New World Library
Advice and inspiration for practitioners of insight meditation, which cultivates the awareness of body, speech and mind. The book is designed for the beginner as well as more advanced practitioners. 2001, Shambhala
Tolle emphasizes the art of inner stillness, the place where thoughts, ego and attachments fall away and we’re left only with what the moment has to offer. He writes, “When you lose touch with inner stillness, you lose touch with yourself. When you lose touch with yourself, you lose yourself in the world.” 2003, New World Library
Dr. Kabat-Zinn has trained a generation of professionals in his approach to stress reduction. In this book he offers a simple path for cultivating present moment awareness in one’s life. 1994, Hyperion
Whether your symptoms are a result of stress or related to a specific health condition, the simple act of paying attention to yourself can be your first and best defense: meditation as medicine. Dr. Roche promotes a western approach to meditation and offers real tools for personal change. 2002, Rodale Press