Name: Meditation for dummies
ISBN: 9780470007389

Meditation for dummies

of the first edition-now revised and enhanced with an audio CD of guided meditations According to Time magazine, over 15 million Americans now practice meditation regularly. It's a great way to reduce stress, increase energy, and enjoy better health. This fun and easy guide has long been a favorite with meditation newcomers. And now it's even better. For this new edition, author Stephan Bodian has added an audio CD with more than 70 minutes of guided meditations that are keyed to topics in the book, from tuning in to one's body, transforming suffering, and replacing negative patterns to grounding oneself, consulting the guru within, and finding a peaceful place. The book also discusses the latest research on the health benefits of meditation, along with new advice on how to get the most out of meditation in today's fast-paced world. Stephan Bodian (Fairfax, CA and Sedona, AZ) is a licensed psychotherapist and the former editor-in-chief of Yoga Journal. He has written for Fitness, Alternative Medicine, Cooking Light, and Tricycle and is the coauthor of Buddhism For Dummies (0-7645-5359-3).

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gregmortonJul 2020

the laws of simplicity - john maeda

on liberty - john stuart mill

meditation for dummies - stephan bodian

on the duty of civil disobedience - henry david thoreau

the bible - (no, I'm kidding :)

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parleyJun 2014

I'm a meditation novice so take this with a grain of salt, but the only "For Dummies"-book I've ever enjoyed was "Meditation For Dummies".

It's not a heavy read like some meditation tomes can be but it's not very dumbed down either (IMHO), and it recognizes that some people are interested in the spiritual parts, some the philosophical, while some are only interested in the practical. The book has them all to a good extent, but helps you navigate to the parts that are of use to you.

I'm sure YMMV and different books suit different people, but this one worked well for me. I recommend it, but regardless of what resource you use: There is calm to be found, and it can feel great. Good luck!

Edit: Grammar.

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waivejJun 2012

"Meditation For Dummies" is actually a good starting point.

I am not sure what you mean about a scientific point of view. Though, I come at it from a non-dogmatic point of view and am methodical about many things. I don't read scientific studies to tell me how to meditate. I mostly just meditate in the mornings before breakfast and read the occasional book on Buddhism/Zen/Etc.

For a simple start, I would buy a box of birthday candles and find something to hold them. They take 20 minutes to burn and are rewarding and attainable from the start. I use a scrap of wooden floor tile and cheap candles except dark blue ones that didn't work well. Melt the bottom of a candle and watch it burn to nothing. Don't leave it unattended. I sit cross legged on the floor but find something that works for you.

As the candle burns, count inhales from 1-10 without thinking about other things. This strengthens your ability to direct your thoughts. When you have had enough "exercise", turn inward and just ask "what am I feeling right now?". What's going on in your life and how do you feel about it? You can almost hear the vibrations in your breathing and heart beats and feel tension in your muscles. There may be things you don't admit to yourself normally. Over time, you being untangling these "balls of emotion" and find your understanding and honesty with yourself increases and maybe starts changing your approach to the world.

Anyway, Thich Nhat Hanh's "The Heart of Buddha's Teachings" is a tough but rewarding book. I also like reading Zen Koans daily from iPhone apps.

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