Meditation Made Easy

November 15, 1998
The art of meditation was long the domain of spiritual traditions and became a practice that was separate from everyday experience. But meditative experience occurs naturally, affirms Roche, and "technique" has to do with intention and attention. Meditation is "the practice of developing your capacity for rich experience." This straightforward book offers simple exercises to awaken the mind to sensory experiences and to help achieve the benefits of relaxation: better mood, enhanced ability to concentrate, lower blood pressure, a sense of well-being. There really are no rules--and no, you don't need a guru. Meditation can and does take place almost anytime (some exercises take just a few seconds) and anywhere (sitting, standing, or walking). About the only thing "wrong" is to try too hard. A "sense of luxury" is one of the ways of knowing it's being done right. Results are available almost immediately; and regardless of whether the reader decides to practice meditation, this inspirational book is well worth the read. ((Reviewed November 15, 1998))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 1998, American Library Association.)