Excellent guide to peace and serenity
926587
This is an excellent guide to meditation and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking to dive in and get the benefits of sitting in the stillness for themselves.  I was originally skeptical because in the past I had dabbled in meditation and it never really "clicked" for me--I went on to pursue exercise instead which seemed at the time to be an adequate replacement for me.

A special thanks to Vern for opening my eyes again to some techniques that I may have originally glossed over in my original exploration.  For one thing he gives some nice specific techniques in here about how to reduce pain and relax specific areas of the body and I can vouch for the fact that this has helped to reduce my lower back pain in just one session.  If nothing else then this alone has been worth it for me.  Beyond that this is also a comprehensive guide to other forms of meditation as well and covers all of the basic techniques that you would want to explore.

I have read one other book about meditation before and by comparison I think "Meditation for Beginners" has a much better blend of strategy and tactics.  In other words, Vern does a very nice job of explaining the philosophy of why you are doing something along with the need to do it.  This makes sense to me and I cannot really use a book that does not explain both the strategy along with the tactics.  The other book that I read previously did not do this, but Vern's book does it well.  I highly recommend that you check this out if you are the least bit interested in meditation.
4112787
Of the several books or articles I have read in a desire to learn about the art of meditation, this is by far the most accessible.  The audio disc which comes with the book is a helpful introduction and it is pleasant to hear the author's comforting voice outline his basic ideas.  The practice of meditation is brought forward in terms that I was able to understand, so much simpler than first thought, and with such positive thoughts about one's ability to embrace a calm and peaceful point of view.
3225387
Dr. Dacher has given us an elegantly written treasure map to the most valuable riches in life -- happiness, love, wholeness, health and joy, among them.  It is complete with tips and tools and time-tested ways in which to use them. It also offers a unique perspective on health and wellness, looking not at the typical medical office remedies for symptoms, but delving into a more profound source for healing that is contained within each one of us.

This book invites the reader in a beautiful way to begin and continue meditation practice. For busy people, there are suggestions for incorporating short meditations or simple breath work throughout the day. And the included CD can help pace you in a 20-minute session, or in a longer "loving-kindness" form of meditation, until both are familiar enough to do without the CD.

The work is based on a successful 10-week program led by the author. Readers here are invited to chose their own speed and discover which techniques are most useful for them. Everything is written clearly in terms a Western audience can easily understand.

Aware-Awake-Alive is divided into four sections: the Vision, the Path, the Fruition and the Integration. The Vision presents the prospect of "human flourishing," an optimal state of health and well-being that is known to many healing traditions around the world, but remains largely undeveloped in the our modern Western culture. The Path explores time-tested, step-by-step practices drawn both from ancient wisdom and contemporary knowledge. These are offered in progression, for both sitting sessions and practices to carry into daily life that together place you on "the path" to a larger life and health.  The Fruition describes the qualities that arise along this path--serenity and peace, profound wisdom, enduring happiness, selfless love and compassion, and boundless freedom.  The Integration discusses the value of these approaches in addressing some of today's epidemics, such as heart disease, chronic conditions, PTSD, ADHD, depression, and addiction disorders.

For those who have never meditated or have done so only sporadically, you may find inspiration to make a commitment for your life.  For those who already practice some form of meditation or contemplative prayer, you may enjoy reading this book for its deeper insights and encouragement to continue practice.

Aware-Awake-Alive at once demystifies the practices of inner development and meditation while indeed opening the path to the deeper mysteries in our soul.  This is a keeper.
3126086
This is a wonderful practical guide for personal growth, spiritual awakening and how to obtain harmony with nature. It helped me to come in touch with my inner self, and it put me on a path to meditating daily, which I find very rejuvenating.  This is a very well-written and easy guide to follow.
549320
Like many Westerners, I have always been attracted to the tranquility and detachment which are the hallmarks of Zen Buddhism.  Yet when it comes down to the actual practice of Zen Buddhism, I fail miserably.  I find that I am too analytical for Zen practice.  Alas, I have become reconciled to the fact that Buddhist enlightment is a goal that I will never attain.

So it was with great pleasure that I started reading about Stoicism. It is a Western philosophical tradition that shares Buddhisms goal of achieving a state of tranquility.  "A Guide to the Good Life" is a well written introduction to practice of Stoicism. Having finished this book, I look forward to discovering the wisdom of  Seneca, Epictetus and Marcus Aurelias.  Recommended.
4666788
The authors have created both an interesting examination of the neuroscience underlying happiness and contentment, and a nice practical resource for how to use contemplative practices to cultivate serenity and emotional peace as well. This book will be profitable to anyone interested in either of those subjects, and will be especially attractive to anyone interested in both of them.
956270
This book is a mindfully written guide to the changes that occur within us when we opt towards experiencing and living the wider horizon of Reality. I can attest to the transformation process as the author outlined in my own life and found it helpfully validating to see the process described in an easy to understand way. By reading about the changes experienced during the spiritual awakening process it can inspire those who have experienced similarly and assist them in becoming more committed to a new path and direction in their lives which will being them serenity, love, and happiness, as well as develop their higher senses. While the first part of the book goes into great detail in describing the spiritual transformation process, the second part offers suggestions on how to help facilitate it. If you are looking for a book of transforming your entire way or being then you'll want to read this book.
4522938
This is pretty nice book and I like the way author explain. It is really useful and helpful book guiding beautifully well to get inside peace. I learned a lot from this book and I'm so glad to read this book and I also would like to suggest this book for person who are looking to find inner peace because it is guided very well and you'll be understanding it without any trouble.
3096316
I first read Meditations 15 years ago and was so overwhelmed with its simplicity of style and depth of thought that I took to it like a fish to water. So often we are taught that one must be (insert organized religion here) to do good, to be good, etc. I am grateful that the Meditations taught me goodness, self-control, peace of mind and my duty to others without resorting to heavy-handed religiosity. The several copies of the Mediations I have are dog-eared and deeply loved. I would say the same for Epictetus and his teachings. Stoicism in many ways resembles Buddhism (the Theraveda school, at least) and Taosim so anyone familiar with these philosphies will find a home in the Meditations.  Each part ofthe book is presented almost like the Bible - book, chapter and verse. This makes it easy to study and meditate upon it. It also makes it simple to refer to a specific passage. Of the translations I own, Mr. Staniforth's is the best, in my opinion.
2065088
The book is inspiring on many levels for individuals who are experiencing a dark night of the soul, physical or emotional healing crisis, or major relationship transition and evolution, especially relationships with the self and the divine. Sloan applies the timeless tenets of gratitude, faith, positive thinking, and forgiveness to the journey we take to a more sane, loving, and peaceful life. She addresses the powerful feelings of guilt and shame that afflict many of us, and the thorny topic of how retribution is tied to shame.

Many good people have learned from the socialization process to give too much. Sloan describes how we can learn how much to give to the world and when to exercise self compassion and take care of ourselves and our well being. Service to others is essential to our well being as is self compassion; Sloan helps us to learn to balance both.

Important aspects of her work are the factors of free will in humans and suffering as a portal to growth and healing. One particularly beautiful story involves her concept of the "on-time" God and how faith might unfold for others. She points out the difference between staying alive and feeling alive and reminds us to keep our dreams energized. Her stories touch hearts, bring laughter, and give hope.

For a year, Sloan lived at my place in Northern New Mexico, Llama Deara Ranch. Each casita has a copy of Taming the Invisible Dragon and residents and visitors have already commented to me about how the book mirrors their process and development. This delightful, honest, and accessible book speaks easily to people in search of support from a fellow traveler in their evolution into a peaceful and contented life. Breathe confidently and enjoy!
4967617
This is one of the best books that have the ability to put me right in the meditation mood , the serenity that I need to cope with the chaos of a stressful everyday life. Coupled with great and calm voice of narration (it comes together with my Kindle Unlimited package) it's a perfect way to start a new day with a fresh mind, also end a day of stress so that you don't bring that stress to your sleep.
One of my essentials.
Highly recommended!
1249443
A friend recommended this book as a good comfort during some difficult times.  I'm glad I decided to check it out.  Not only did I enjoy her wisdom about the ins and outs of a Catholic and Buddhist spiritual journey, I loved the wonderful way she carefully directed the Tibetan Buddhist way to meditate. As a person with an anxious prayer life, I loved the step-by-step way she had me enter into peaceful prayer using Buddhist techniques.  For those of you who may think that this is another spiritual journal by a confused and fractured seeker, who latches on to the next "new" thing, you will be disappointed as you won't find that here.  The author has a clear integrity about her own journey and her direction never became a self-absorbed narrative.  The first part of the book set up how Buddhist meditation could help anybody develop and enrich their own prayer life, no matter what the spiritual background.  The last part were self-directed exercises into opening one's self up to using Buddhist practices to enter into and find oneself immersed in prayer.  I really appreciated what this book taught me and I look forward to learning more from Ms. Stabile.  You can recognize that she is probably a very fine spiritual director and her clients are lucky indeed.
776752
This book is an excellent introduction to attaining happiness through the conscious maintenance of compassion, kindness, forgiveness, understand and love for all others. In doing so, you leave no room for hatred, jealousy and other negatives to exist in your life - hence, happiness! I was skeptical but I'm now surprised at how easy this can be accomplished. This is a must-read for all.
1954612
Ram Dass chronicles a heartwarming, spiritual guide as the golden key to happiness in our everyday lives. This uplifting book motivates the reader on how to follow divine teachings that are filled with wisdom, compassion, and encouragement. My daughter and I, search for specific books that are created with inspiration, and this one will indeed become one of our favorites, because it is very fulfilling in the spiritual sense. The author through years of experience, teaches how to live with a spiritual life that will reflect not only on ourselves, but on others as well. Ram Dass discusses in this practice-based guide our true identity, and our purpose in life. In addition, he includes stories that are touching to the heart and soul, which are filled with passion, and a hint of humor. The author also describes the true definition of fear and suffering, and how people react in different ways. The more you read this book, the more comforting it becomes. Delightful,enjoyable, and beautifully written. Highly recommended!

Special Note: I was provided with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
3083559
From out of the ordinary camp sites like abandoned bridges and reservoirs to couch surfing and Youth Hostels, Bryan Snyder maps out the ultimate guide in creative maneuverings for finding total peace of mind as a Renegade Camper.
He maps out a journey of peaceful solitude and freedom; encouraging respect for natural habitats and preserves while making the most of shelters and resources along the way.
Obviously a well-heeled traveler, Bryan shares tips on cooking, sustainable gear, getting a hot shower and finding a strong Wi-Fi signal to stay connected to the busy world. This is a beautifully written, captivating guide to enjoying our natural resources without emptying our financial ones.
Excellent!
3830208
<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/From-Here-To-Serenity-A-Spiritual-Guide-to-Transform-Your-Life/dp/1440102961/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">From Here To Serenity: A Spiritual Guide to Transform Your Life</a>
When I first got the book I thought that I would scan through it and then set it aside as I usually did with a new book. I started to look at parts of some of the chapters and really liked them. Then I went to the beginning and thought I would read for a little while before going to sleep. I read the first eight chapters right then because I couldn't put it down. I finished it the next day. This book is a must have for anyone! The treatment of the life stories is so complete with all kinds of suggestions, such as blessings, things to read, things to write, and physical activity, at the end of each chapter for anyone with a similar problem to benefit. That isn't all!!! At the beginning and at the end of the book are practical suggestions for stress-free, loving, more peaceful, and richer living for anyone wishing to be the best person he could be. This book could be used as a reference book for anyone facing just about anything.
2552173
During these very stressful times, when the simple desire to find peace within becomes a burning obsession, this book can help you locate some perfect places to do just that. There are many guide books out there to choose from for a myriad of vacation styles but this book is extremely unique as it only offers places where a seeking soul can find inner peace, can find the true divine nature of who they are, to find deepest form of traquality one can obtain on a vacation or perhaps in life itself.  If a person were looking for dinner shows, black diamond restaurants, thrills and high-entertainment for the whole family, this isn't that kind of guide, nor are the places mentioned between the covers going to be appealing. This book is only for those who seek the greatest thrill of all: inner tranquillity and divine connectedness. It's a "must have" book for the inspired traveler.  I give it a 5+ rating!  Laurie.