It's one thing to start a meditation practice, but much harder to sustain it--and harder still, once we have finished morning meditation, to keep a calm mind in our media-saturated, time pressured world. A master teacher who is as entertaining as he is authoritative, Easwaran gives all the instruction needed to establish a vibrant meditation practice and keep it going. His classic manual on meditation and spiritual living has now been extended by over thirty percent with new material from question and answer sessions with his students, and offers a unique source of practical spiritual support for new and experienced meditators. In passage meditation, you focus attention on passages, or texts, drawn from all the world's sacred traditions. You choose the passages that appeal to you, so this universal method stays fresh and inspiring, prompting you to live out your highest ideals. Meditation is supported by the mantram and six other spiritual tools to help us stay calm, kind, and focused throughout the day. This book shows how, with regular practice, we gain wisdom and vitality, and find a life that fulfills.

Written by the UK's leading teacher and practitioner Natasha de Grunwald, a pioneer of Thai massage and bodywork for 30 years. Thai Massage Dissected is a book aimed at massage therapists, yoga teachers, physiotherapists, osteopaths and all manual therapists who want to expand their therapeutic approach and are curious to learn about the body from a Thai anatomy and dissection perspective. Therapeutic Thai massage and bodywork is a rich and diverse modality, so much more than the stretching and deep tissue work for which it is known. The book provides a richly curated combination of tools, techniques and protocols that will enhance all practitioners' skill sets. Natasha discusses the roots of this modality as Buddhist medicine, the five element system, the use of therapeutic herbs and Thai anatomy, whilst also writing about concepts such as proprioception and interoception. There is an additional chapter looking at traditional healthcare practices for women, informed by her time spent with village midwives on the Thai/Burmese border. Natasha de Grunwald uses imagery from many hours spent in a cadaver lab to describe anatomical, textural layers and structures, bringing human form to life. She consolidates this with a therapeutic perspective on Thai medical theory and how Thai massage and bodywork can be carried out in a clinical setting. This comes from her extensive research, studies and knowledge spanning over three decades.

Silence your inner critic and offer yourself the kindness and acceptance you deserve with these 150 guided meditations to embracing your true self. We are often kinder to others than we are to ourselves. But self-compassion is vital to helping you understand your emotions, giving and receiving love, letting go of past mistakes, moving forward with more confidence, and so much more. Now you can cultivate and practice self-compassion through 150 guided meditations in My Pocket Mediations for Self-Compassion. Learn how to find and express kindness and compassion towards yourself and make peace with your emotions, build your resiliency, and learn not only to accept, but appreciate exactly who you are. Featuring meditations on self-appreciation, being body positive, accepting love, meeting your emotions, and more, this book will help you start living with more self-awareness, kindness, and peace every day.

Often we all feel frantic and stressed when travelling, whether on the daily commute or the annual family holiday. But travel presents many opportunities that - with a mindful approach - can open up our minds and hearts to new places, new people and new experiences that can enrich our existence. Often we focus on where we are going and how we are to get there, but the questions this book poses are why we travel and how we can gain fulfilment by doing so. With inspirational quotes, practical travel tips and Tiddy's own observations on travel, The Little Book of Mindful Travel is a stimulating read for travelling both in mind and body.

This book discusses the relationship between compassion and peace with a special emphasis on the role that therapy and education can play in promoting a state of affairs in which, as humanity becomes more compassionate, peace becomes more possible.

Harness the power of meditation for a happier, healthier life. Appropriate for practitioners of all skill levels, this new addition to Llewellyn's Complete Book Series features thirty-five fundamental meditation techniques from traditions around the world. It presents each with its historical background, cultural context, potential benefits, and clear instructions for practicing at home.Shai Tubali teaches well-known methods, like classical Zen meditation, and more obscure ones, such as Sufi Whirling. You will learn to align your mind and body, open your heart to love and compassion, use the hidden powers of sound, and more. This comprehensive and easy-to-understand guide introduces the magic of meditation in a way that is experiential, practical, and deeply researched, empowering you to journey farther into the world of meditation than ever before.

Wisdom Mind is a scientifically tested mindfulness program for older adults - those who are cognitively healthy, as well as those who may be experiencing what is referred to as subjective cognitive decline. While mindfulness is already known to benefit a wide variety of individuals, the unique strengths of this program are the ways in which it is tailored specifically to older adults. Session content is keyed to common concerns of older adults (such as cognitive slip-ups, loss, and grief), and incorporates strategies for building upon mindfulness practices in a sequence of increasing difficulty as well as strategies to promote learning and integration. Designed to be used alongside the companion Facilitator Guide, this session-by-session Participant Workbook provides detailed information on how to take part in the program, as well as the reasoning behind why certain practices and strategies are provided at different times and in different ways. As such, it will be of interest to those familiar with mindfulness as well as those new to the practice. A companion website provides downloadable meditation audio recordings that participants can access throughout the program.

Use this enlightening oracle to combine your personal energy with the power of Spirit to predict and forge your destiny! This oracle deck connects the energetic principles of the Universe with the personal energy of the human experience and the power of Spirit. The cards feature a wide range of spirit helpers, including angels, ascended masters and other guides to reveal the influence of Spirit on your current circumstances. The deck also includes energy cards that indicate your present circumstances along with various potential futures, as well as examining the resonance of current events. The cards come together to predict details, advise action and introduce spirit assistants, offering a truly enlightening reading.

A practical and inspiring approach to tackling our environmental crisis, from a master spiritual teacher. We can heal our earth by choosing a simpler, more fulfilling lifestyle, as trustees of a compassionate universe. Eknath Easwaran presents a penetrating analysis of the spiritual roots of our current predicament and offers a realistic and hopeful way forward. Each of us has a role to play in making wise choices, and each of us can genuinely make a difference. Drawing inspiration and insight from Mahatma Gandhi, Saint Francis, and his own experience of living in the East and the West, Easwaran shows the connections between individual thoughts and actions that move beyond consumerism to the unity of life. Mahatma Gandhi formulated a series of diagnoses of our seemingly perpetual state of crisis, which he called "the seven social sins": knowledge without character, science without humanity, wealth without work, commerce without morality, politics without principles, pleasure without conscience, and worship without self-sacrifice. Easwaran explores each of these diagnoses in turn and presents an alternative hypothesis of who we are and how we fit into the universe. This is ecology as a great adventure, filled with the challenges and rewards of inner growth. Easwaran tells us that "once we open our eyes to cooperation, artistry, thrift, and compassion, we begin to see thousands of little things we can do to help restore the environment - and restore dignity and deeper fulfillment to our own lives." Eknath Easwaran is renowned as a teacher of meditation and for his translations of the Indian scriptures. His writings express timeless spiritual insights and are illustrated by stories from East and West. His books reflect two cultures: India, where he grew up in a self-supporting agrarian village, and the United States, where he taught and lectured for over thirty years. His early experiences of living in harmony with nature, his firsthand acquaintance with Gandhi's India, and his long familiarity with an American audience have resulted in this book: a deeply thoughtful examination of our present situation, and a blueprint for living as trustees of a compassionate universe, in a world that we would want our children and grandchildren to inherit.

Long out-of-print yet often cited in psychedelic literature, THE BOOK OF SACRAMENTS, originally published in 1970, was a Holy book from the (now defunct) Church of the Tree of Life, established and incorporated by John Mann. A fundamental belief was that we have the right to alter our consciousness with plants extracts for medical, spiritual, and even recreational (re-creating) purposes. THE BOOK OF SACRAMENTS consists of introduction and discussion of several sacred plants, most still legal and easy to obtain, that have been used traditionally in religious (spiritual, consciousness expanding) rituals by native people. While the Church of the Tree of Life disbanded decades ago, the longing for a spiritual connection continues. One way to achieve such a connection with with the ritual use of magical plants. THE BOOK OF SACRAMENTS describes the ceremonial practices and rituals used by natives for thousands of years in some cases and gives guidelines for employing such practices in one's personal worship, including how to prepare the plant and oneself for the ritual. The mind has self-healing power. Spiritual experiences can lead to dramatic healing. Ritual is a method for organizing experience - mentally- and creating order around an inner experience to enable one to surrender to the experience without fear - due to the security provided by the repetitive and reliable ritual. The ritual helps to conjure up a frame of mind that is conducive to an ecstatic experience. When used properly ritual use of magical plants can open up new channels of awareness. The plants alone cannot bring about the desired results - the individual mind must be engaged. THE BOOK OF SACRAMENTS identifies over 20 magical plants for ritual use and tells how to prepare the potion and oneself for the journey and gives instructions for classic rituals as well as creating one's own variations. Finally it discusses how to process the experience afterwards to gain the maximum benefit from the journey.

Inspired by old Nordic myths and folklore, this beautiful deck featuring a specially commissioned card by Tracey Emin, offers a new and powerful insight into the meanings of each card. Filled with symbolic imagery, it takes the reader on an empowering journey filled with magical possibilities. From images of symbolic animals (like wolves and bears), to depictions of the Northern Lights and Nordic Tree of Life, The Magical Nordic Tarot is filled with powerful imagery. There are references to the Nordic Gods and Goddesses, including Odin and Freya, and images of key Nordic symbols, such as the Nordic compass and Rune stones. References to some of the key characters in Nordic myths include a mischievous squirrel called Ratatoskr, who would run up and down the Tree of Life stirring up trouble between the eagle on top and the serpent at the bottom. The deck also includes a book giving detailed information about each card, along with key words, an inspirational message and interesting Nordic legends.

"When something is bothering you--a person is bugging you, a situation is irritating you, or physical pain is troubling you--you must work with your mind, and that is done through meditation. Working with our mind is the only means through which we'll actually begin to feel happy and contented with the world that we live in." --Pema Choedroen Pema Choedroen is treasured around the world for her unique ability to transmit teachings and practices that bring peace, understanding, and compassion into our lives. With How to Meditate, the American-born Tibetan Buddhist nun presents her first book exploring in depth what she considers the essentials for a lifelong practice. More and more people are beginning to recognize a profound inner longing for authenticity, connection, and aliveness. Meditation, Pema explains, gives us a golden key to address this yearning. This step-by-step guide shows readers how to honestly meet and openly relate with the mind, embrace the fullness of our experience, and live in a wholehearted way as we discover: - The basics of meditation, from getting settled and the six points of posture to working with your breath and cultivating an attitude of unconditional friendliness - The Seven Delights--how moments of difficulty can become doorways to awakening and love - Shamatha (or calm abiding), the art of stabilizing the mind to remain present with whatever arises - Thoughts and emotions as "sheer delight"--instead of obstacles--in meditation "I think ultimately why we practice is so that we can become completely loving people, and this is what the world needs," writes Pema Choedroen. How to Meditate is an essential book from this wise teacher to assist each one of us in this virtuous goal.

For those searching for mindful moments or for a more engaged way of navigating life in the twenty-first century, Buddhism for Beginners opens the door to understanding Buddhism's key concepts and practices. The authors tap into their years of training and study in meditation, martial arts and Eastern philosophy to bring readers a comprehensive introduction to the spiritual tenets and attainments that mark the pathway to enlightenment. In this new hardcover edition, the authors explain in clear and simple terms: The history of Buddhism The key themes and belief systems (the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, Mahayana, nirvana and more) Ways of integrating Buddhist principles and philosophy into the everyday The organizing notions and overarching thesis of Buddhism: to live fully aware in the moment, to see things as they truly are, and to recognize yourself as part of the whole Buddhism's relevance today Buddhism for Beginners then completes this introduction to meditation and mindful moments by offering simple exercises, practices and prompts reflective and supportive of the Buddhist teachings and tenets laid out in the volume, including filling- and clearing-the-mind meditations, performing acts of compassion and inner-peace and conflict-resolution exercises. An essential purchase for people looking to integrate Buddhist principles into their lives or for those seeking a more meaningful, mindful or meditative path.

Daily Meditations and Prayers from Around the World "...I hope that people of all faiths as well as those who do not believe in a religion will find inspiration and understanding here that in some way contributes to their own inner peace." -The Dalai Lama #1 New Release in Buddhism, Sacred Writings Discover the power to heal through many meditation and prayer voices. This interfaith book provides insight from various religious and cultural texts that touches on our pain and inspires the healer within all of us to be reminded of hope and faith so that we may live a deeper, more meaningful, and fully self-expressed life. Create a tapestry of comfort and inspiration. Maggie Oman creates a healing space for readers in her deeply spiritual book Prayers for Healing: 365 Blessings, Poems, & Meditations from Around the World. During moments that are filled with despair, illnesses, depression, or spiritual longing, Prayers for Healing draws on the power of wise and healing devotionals for reflection and deep mediation. Embrace physical, emotional, and spiritual transformation. Prayers for Healing demonstrates the transformative nature woven through the power of prayer and wisdom. It draws from a select collection of influential spiritual leaders, philosophers and thinkers of our time that include: The Tao Te Ching, The Koran, The Torah, Native American texts, The Bible, Thich Nhat Hanh, Wendell Berry, ack Kornfield, Rumi, Rainer Maria Rilke, Marian Wright Edelman, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Marianne Williamson. If you have found that works such as Prayers That Bring Healing, Earth Prayers, Prayers of Hope for Caregivers, Prayers for Hard Times, or Prayers for Hope and Healing have brought inspiration into your life, then this book is an invitation to strengthen your inner healer.

Interest in mindfulness has been booming in recent decades, but a lot of misconceptions have grown up around this ancient practice, some of which can cause serious harm. In this book, clinical psychologist, researcher, and Zen master Dr. Richard Sears carefully separates the myths from the facts. He explores myths about the origins of mindfulness, what mindfulness is, how it is similar to and different from other techniques, the practice of mindfulness, its magical and mystical effects, mindfulness and mental and physical health, and about using mindfulness in daily life. Far more than just debunking myths, Dr. Sears points out the profound ways that mindfulness can help us move through our struggles and enrich our lives with inspiring stories and practical tips. The realities of mindfulness are so much more fascinating than the myths.

Calm your thoughts, navigate your stress, and understand your anxiety with Get Out of My Head, a compact illustrated guide for overthinkers everywhere. Are you an overthinker? You're not alone! In a world full of deadlines, and technology, and constant stress, anxiety sometimes feels inevitable. But what if you learned to ride the wave of anxiety, instead of getting lost in it? Get Out of My Head is here to help, providing guidance and inspiration for anxious overthinkers of all sorts. This compact, illustrated book offers soothing techniques for understanding anxiety and moving through the traps of overthinking. Aimed at a modern audience looking for support and community, this beautifully illustrated guide offers a joyful, manageable way to deal with anxiety and quiet stressful thoughts through easy exercises, bite-sized takeaways, and calming visuals. Written by Meredith Arthur, founder of the popular mental health platform Beautiful Voyager, and illustrated by Leah Rosenberg, this charming alternative to technical mental health guides walks readers through the process of building awareness around anxiety, identifying triggers, moving through blocks, building healthy boundaries, and developing an arsenal of tools for thriving. With actionable tips throughout, and a special section on dealing with end-of-year anxieties, this striking volume also includes a small, saddle-stitched secondary book--meant to act like a weighted blanket in book form for help on the go--in a concealed internal pocket.

A unique spiritual and astrological guide to deepening your relationships and romantic connections - or finding the love of your life We are each made of stardust, and understanding how the cosmos affects us provides critical insight into our lives, our well-being, and matters of the heart. Tune into these pages to find * how each sign matches up with the others; * the potential and challenges of each pairing; * interactive journaling prompts; * perspective into your past unions; * a deeper understanding of your partnerships in romance, family, and friendship; * what it looks like when a particular match flows well - or not so well. Follow Carolyne Faulkner's Dynamic Astrology (TM) approach for a simple, tried-and-tested framework to the signs and planets that explains how harmonious each match is likely to be, as well as how to build a solid foundation for a forever love.

This extraordinary treatise explores parallel passages from the Bible and the Hindu scriptures to reveal the essential unity of all religions. Swami Sri Yukteswar is renowned as the revered guru of the great pioneer of yoga in the West, Paramahansa Yogananda (author of Autobiography of a Yogi). In this remarkable work - composed in the year 1894 at the request of the great Indian sage, Mahavatar Babaji - Sri Yukteswar outlines the universal path that every human being must travel to enlightenment.

This extraordinary treatise explores parallel passages from the Bible and the Hindu scriptures to reveal the essential unity of all religions. Swami Sri Yukteswar is renowned as the revered guru of the great pioneer of yoga in the West, Paramahansa Yogananda (author of Autobiography of a Yogi). In this remarkable work - composed in the year 1894 at the request of the great Indian sage, Mahavatar Babaji - Sri Yukteswar outlines the universal path that every human being must travel to enlightenment.

Start living with more confidence, composure, and peace every day with these 150 easy guided meditations to shut down stress, worry, and anxiety. Stress and anxiety can weigh heavily on our minds. Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help you understand your stress, release your fears and tension, and shift your thoughts and emotions into a more grounded and peaceful pattern. In My Pocket Meditations for Anxiety, you will learn to manage your stress levels by cultivating mindfulness through 150 guided meditations. Now you can find your calm, control your thoughts, manage your fears, and release your worries-no matter where you are!

Taoism for Beginners is a practical guide to applying the key notions, concepts and beliefs underlying Taoism's various branches and schools. Authors C. Alexander and Annellen Simpkins tap into their years of training and study in meditation, martial arts and Eastern philosophy to provide readers with a comprehensive introduction to the spiritual tenets and attainments that mark the holistic pathway to a life more in balance. This book offers readers: A clear explanation of what Taoism is and how to apply its most salient tenets and teachings to your daily life Simple exercises to enable you to lead a calmer and more mindful, connected life--taking in a range of practices that include meditation, breathing, chi kung and tai chi chuan An exploration of the origins and background of Taoism, including the various sects and schools of thought An informative discussion of key Taoist concepts, including wu-wei (nonaction), yin and yang, and the powerful way of De (the cradle of power, virtue and life) This new edition has been updated by the author to include the connections between Taoism and mindfulness and meditation, as well as ritualized practices to heighten mind-body connection in order to control chi (energy). Taoist principles and concepts have guided people on the path to harmony, wholeness, balance and greater well-being for millennia. This beginning resource makes an ancient religion, its practices and history accessible for a twenty-first century reader.

Getting caught in unwanted thoughts and emotions can feel like an inevitable part of life. But Eknath Easwaran, a world-famous spiritual teacher who taught meditation for nearly 40 years, shows a way to break free. Just as a fitness routine can result in a strong, supple body, spiritual disciplines can shape a secure personality and a resilient, loving mind. Best of all, these opportunities to grow stronger spiritually arise not only during meditation but throughout the day. Whether working with difficult colleagues, going out to eat, or responding to a child's needs, readers learn how to try out different, wiser choices. With humor and empathy, Easwaran places timeless teachings from the Buddha and other mystics into contemporary scenes -- watching a juggler on the street, taking a tennis lesson, going to the theater. Training the mind is life's biggest adventure, and Conquest of Mind shows how this practice brings deepening relationships, increasing vitality, and a greater sense of purpose.

Despite the increase in meditation studies, the quality remains variable; many of them are trivial, and most remain unreplicated. Research on meditation has been plagued by insubstantial theorizing, global claims, and the substitution of belief systems for grounded hypotheses. Meditation punctures some of the myths about meditation, while retaining a place of value for mediation as a normal human function.

In each chapter includes discussion of the major questions addressed, followed by a detailed critique of important theoretical, clinical, and research issues. In several instances the reader may find that questions seem to beget questions: research bearing upon certain issues may be contradictory, or not yet of sufficient thoroughness. In these cases, the author suggests the specific future research necessary to resolve the questions posed, so that claims about meditation are justified, and which are not. The profession of psychology itself is, and has been, in a polarized debate between the "practitioners" and the "experimentalists." The latter accuse the former of being "soft, non-empirical, non-scientific," while practitioners accuse the experimentalists of conducting research which is essentially irrelevant to human concerns.

This approach provides a bridge between research and clinical practice. Meditation provides an encompassing survey of the topic--nearly forty tables and figures; sample questionnaires, evaluations and programs and a detailed overview of a controversial field. Shapiro separates self-regulation with self-delusion, to outline questions and possible answers.